Beacon Sept 2022

INSIDE 

The BEACON 

For almost two years, the Dearborn 

County Plan Commission has been 

working on updating the zoning map 

and text updates. Great progress has 

been made thanks to community input. 

Why change the zoning of Dearborn 

County? The answer is simple. It hasn’t 

been updated since before the turn of 

the century. 

Like the community, changes have 

been great since 1965 when the zoning 

maps were last changed dramatically. 

The population has increased dramatically. 

Farms have been subdivided. 

What once was rural Dearborn County 

can now be considered a “suburb” of 

THE 

BEACON 

www.goBEACONnews.com | PUBLISHED MONTHLY SINCE 1994 | September 2022 

County Moves Closer to New Zoning Ordinance 

Greater Cincinnati. 

With change comes challenges. New 

construction often requires rezoning 

a piece of property. Oftentimes the 

current requirements do not meet state 

standards for building setbacks, etc. 

The current process for requesting a 

zoning change for a piece of property 

is cumbersome and can lead to repeating 

the process more than once. 

To rezone property under the current 

ordinance, a land owner must submit 

a request to the Plan Board. Upon 

receiving the Board’s recommendation, 

the land owner must present his 

or her case to the county Commissioners, 

who grant permission to move on 

to the Board of Zoning Appeals for 

approval of conditional use. Concerns 

found with any of the three entities 

can result in the need to submit a new 

application. The process has proven 

to be time-consuming, antiquated, and 

frustrating for all parties. Not to mention 

the expense that is involved. 

The current Plan Commission is 

comprised of nine members with varied 

professions ranging from farmers 

and horticulturalists to commissioners 

and corporate executives. Some live in 

rural areas while others live in resi- 

Continued on page 3A 

Simpler Way of Life 

Insights into the Amish culture in 

our Community. Page 7A 

Cute as a Button! 

Lawrenceburg 4H baby contest 

first-place winner. Page 7B 

Gone to the Dogs! 

Canines are perusing Greendale 

with their human friends. Page 9B 

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Volume 28. Issue 9 

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Nick Morgan with his parents, Susan and Jason Morgan at the dedication 

of the US Flag Retirement Memorial in Greendale Cemetery. 

(Photos by Betsy Newcomb and Jim Kinker) 

Nick and Scout Leader 

Chris Nutley (Photo by 

Betsy Newcomb) 

Fellow Scouts retiring the flag. 

PG Gentrup and Nick 

Morgan (Photo by 

Betsy Newcomb) 

By Maureen Stenger 

By the time you read this, school 

will be back into full swing. When 

August rolls around, I find myself 

thinking, how did summer fly by so 

quickly? Summer makes childhood 

magical. I remember hot afternoons 

spent swimming with my friends, riding 

our bikes around the neighborhood 

until dark, and catching fireflies until 

my mom called for me to come in. 

I always begged for just a few more 

minutes. Summer is still my favorite 

season, I love having my kids home 

and a house full of noise and laughter. 

The quiet that August will bring leaves 

me feeling a little lonely, a stark reminder 

that these childhood days pass 

much too quickly. When my kids are 

grown and look back on their summers, 

I think one of their highlights 

will be Girl Scout Day Camp. 

I sat down with Sally Bertram, a local 

Girl Scout Leader who helped start 

Nick Morgan installing 

the bricks at the base 

of the site. (Photo by 

Jason Morgan) 

A Choice 

of 

Character 

Nick Morgan 

has earned the 

rank of Eagle 

Scout. His 

journey brought 

together 

veterans and 

community 

leaders alike. 

(See story on 

this page.) 

Sponsors Judge Humphrey and Dennis Teke, 

Eagle Scout Nick Morgan, Sponsor EG 

McLaughlin (Photo by Jim Kinker) 

the Girl Scout Day Camp program in 

Dearborn County that so many local 

children in our area enjoy. I drove 

to Mrs. Bertram’s scenic farm on a 

sticky, hot July afternoon. Her grandchildren 

were happily running around 

outside, swimming, playing, and just 

living their best lives. Mrs. Bertram is 

well known in the community as she 

is the Director of All Saints Catholic 

Academy Preschool in Dover. Everyone 

knows Miss Sally! 

She’s a delightful lady with a huge 

heart, so I was in for a treat with 

our interview. She taught all of my 

children, and my daughter attends Day 

Camp. 

Girl Scout Day Camp is held annually 

during the second full week of 

June at Lake in the Pines in northern 

Dearborn County. The camp is put on 

by Hoosier Hills Girl Scouts and run 

by dedicated volunteers. This year they 

celebrated the camp’s twenty-seventh 

Eagle Scout 

Brings Together 

The Community 

Becoming an Eagle Scout involves 

more than completing a project. The 

choices made along the way are a reflection 

of one’s character. Eagle Scout 

Nick Morgan chose well those who 

accompanied him along his journey. 

The rank of Eagle Scout is the highest 

that a Boy Scout can attain. To date, 

only four percent of Scouts have earned 

this honor. While completing a major 

project that positively impacts the community 

is the sole responsibility of the 

Scout, the journey to completion is not 

done alone. 

The steps for becoming an Eagle 

Scout require demonstrating leadership, 

service, and outdoor skills. A Scout 

must also earn a minimum of twentyone 

merit badges chosen from over one 

hundred thirty-five subjects. 

Nick Morgan committed to earning 

the rank of Eagle Scout. How he attained 

that goal speaks volumes about 

his character and the type of leader he 

is becoming. 

Along with other requirements, Nick 

had to provide references from family, 

work, church, and other community 

groups. He also had to propose, plan, 

and carry out an Eagle service project. 

The first step was to define his 

project. It had to benefit an organization 

other than the Boy Scouts and 

could not be comprised only of fund 

raising efforts. Nick chose a construction 

project in the form of a US flag 

retirement memorial site to be located 

at the Greendale Cemetery. This project 

perfectly fits the requirement of benefitting 

the community. 

The choices Nick made next clearly 


Girl Scout Camp Making Memories for Generations 

Karen Herth with her daughters 

Sarah, Amanda, Lucy, and her 

granddaughters, Molly, Charlotte, 

Brynn, and Rory. (Photo courtesy of 

Karen Herth) 

year! Mrs. Bertram explained how the 

day camp got its start in our area. “It 

began with myself, Juanita Frey, Dana 

Glasgo, and other local Girl Scout 


THE BEACON 

PO Box 4022 

Lawrenceburg, Indiana 47025 

Glenn 

Scholl 

Agent 

812-637-3700 glennschollinsurance.com 23947 Salt Fork Rd, Bright, IN 

Glenn Scholl Agent

Page 2A THE BEACON September 2022 

By 

Tamara 

Taylor 

What’s Important? 

I have always been amazed 

by those who serve our community 

selflessly and without 

personal agendas. The underlying 

theme has been apparent 

in my editorials over the years. 

This month is no exception. 

The BEACON has provided 

me with so many opportunities 

to meet new people, share their 

stories, and learn what motivates 

them. I always discover 

something enlightening when I 

speak with people. To me, how 

they think and what drives 

them is especially intriguing. 

Recently, I received an 

invitation from Bob Ewbank 

to join a small group 

at the Ewbank Homestead 

and visit with U.S. Senator 

Mike Braun. Another visit 

included Congressional 

Candidate 

Erin Houchins. I 

came away from 

the meetings with 

observations about 

the similarities in 

their backgrounds 

and experiences, 

what makes them 

tick, and the impact 

their service has on 

our community. 

Meeting these community 

leaders prompted me to ask 

myself, what drives people 

like Senator Braun and Mrs. 

Erin Houchins to become 

leaders. What has made them 

successful? The answer- both 

have excellent business sense. 

Some of us are left-brain 

dominant- analytical and 

methodical. Right-brain 

dominance is characterized by 

creativity and artistic ability. 

Similarly, some of us are cut 

out to run companies, and 

some are meant to contribute 

to society in other ways. 

Which led me to another 

question- what is our country 

if not a huge business? 

According to Merriam- 

Webster, a business is defined 

556 Main Street Brookville, IN ~ 765-647-5171~ ritzijewelers.net 

as dealings or transactions, 

especially of an economic nature. 

A business has employees, 

budgets, departments, 

competitors, and decisions 

that need to be made on how 

to run our business (substitute 

the word country here.) 

Let’s get back to business. 

Locally, we have a prominent 

business owner who 

is business-minded, Casey 

Knigga. Was he born with 

it? Maybe. Did he earn it? 

Definitely. Not with a college 

degree but with hard work. He 

was certainly taught to give 

back to his community through 

the example set by his parents, 

Nancy and Tim Knigga. 

Did any of you see the 

multitude of Model Ts that 

perused our community 

recently? Almost a quarter 

of a thousand of them meandered 

through the back 

roads of southeast Indiana. 

(that number sounds so much 

bigger than 240!) Who didn’t 

gape in amazement and smile 

when they saw these beautiful 

automobiles touring the back 

roads of southeast Indiana? 

All made possible by the 

selfless efforts of Tim, Nancy, 

and Casey Knigga, and Toni 

Minning. 

What did they have to gain 

Get it All at www.goBEACONnews.com 

from hosting the Annual Model 

T Ford Club International 

Tour at their farm? 

Nothing. 

Actually, that’s not true. 

They gained the joy of giving 

back. To you, to the community, 

to the area merchants, to 

the children who will never 

forget the sights of hundreds 

of Model Ts gracing the roads. 

Thank you, Tim, Nancy, 

Casey, and Toni, for making 

southeast Indiana a destination 

for the Model Ts and for 

giving us the gift of stepping 

back in time before getting 

back to business. 

Snow White and the Six Dwarfs 

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Model Ts of all types 

adorned the roads in 

Dearborn and Ohio Counties 

on their way to the 

Knigga family farm. 

Six dwarfs? Who ever heard 

of such a thing? 

Aurora has! A few years 

ago, statues of the cast of 

Snow White and the Seven 

Dwarfs were donated to Charlotte 

Hastings to 

be displayed in the 

city of Aurora. After 

careful restoration, 

the characters 

were unveiled and 

displayed in one of 

the city’s beautiful 

gardens where 

passers-by enjoyed 

them. 

And then they 

were gone. 

Wonder no more about the 

fate of these famous dwarfs 

and their beautiful maiden. 

The dwarfs have been seen 

around town, impishly hiding 

in the most obvious places. 

Over 22,000 distribution & growing! 

To advertise, call 812-637-0660 

THE 

BEACON 

Publisher/Editor 

Tamara M. Taylor 

Founding Publisher 

Elizabeth Morris 

Sales Manager - New Accounts 

Gene Belew 

Editorial Assistants 

Connie Webb, Cherie Maddin 

Columnists & Contributors 

Debbie Acasio, Melanie Alexander, 

Doris Butt, Susan Carson, 

Susan Cottingham, Linda Cromer, 

Margaret Drury, PG Gentrup, 

Cheryl Damon-Greiner, 

Jeff Hermesch, Mary-Alice Helms, 

Merrill and Linda Hutchinson, 

Korry Johnson, Amanda Kirchner, 

Laura Keller, Debbie McCane, 

Chris Nobbe, Marie Segale, 

Sue Siefert, Maureen Stenger, 

Cheryl Taylor, Rhonda Trabel, 

Bob Waples, Lorene Westmeier, 

Lisa West, Debbie Zimmer 

Production 

FX-Design, Inc. 

For advertising rate inquiries 

and to submit news and photos: 

editor@goBEACONnews.com 

Phone: 812-637-0660 

website: 

goBEACONnews.com 

The Beacon is an independent 

monthly publication with 

distribution in Dearborn, Ripley, 

Franklin and Ohio Counties in 

Indiana and Harrison, Ohio. 

Published since 1994. 

Beacon News, Inc. 

PO Box 4022 

Lawrenceburg, Indiana 47025. 

Member: 

Dearborn County 

Chamber of Commerce, 

Ripley County 

Chamber of Commerce, 

Bright Area Business Association, 

Batesville Chamber 

of Commerce 

Copyright © 2022 by 

Beacon News, Inc. 

Casey Knigga 

Nancy Knigga 

Toni Minning 

Tim Knigga 

Snow White and her six dwarfs are 

scattered throughout Aurora. Find 

them and take your photo with them. 

To commemorate Snow 

White’s and the dwarfs’ reemergence 

in the community, 

The BEACON is hosting a 

scavenger hunt. Take a tour 

of quaint Aurora, and take 

your picture with each of the 

dwarfs. 

Send the photos to editor@ 

goBEACONnews.com. Photos 

will be featured in upcoming 

issues of The BEACON 

and displayed online at www. 

goBEACONnews.com. 

Entries are due by Oct. 19, 

2022. Please include your 

name and the town in which 

you live. 

A drawing for gift certificates 

and prizes will be held 

at the close of the contest. 

Want to 

Keep Getting 

The BEACON? 

The BEACON is 

offered for free upon 

request to residents 

of Dearborn, Franklin, 

Ohio, and Ripley Counties 

and Harrison Ohio. 

The publication is 

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request it. 

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September 2022 THE BEACON Page 3A 

This month’s item is a simplistic solution. 

What is it? 

Last month’s item was a garden tool submitted by Jim 

Red Elk, Manchester. He explained, “ The stake on the left 

is twenty-two inches long. 

When you want to plant 

a row of seeds...stick the 

stake in the dirt at one 

end of the row. Unwind 

the string, stick the part 

with the crank at the other 

end of the row, turn the 

crank to tighten the string, 

swing the wooden latch to 

lock the crank. Plant the Last month’s item: garden tool 

seeds then pull out both 

stakes and move to the next row.” 

Many readers like Doug Bray, Bright, guessed that the 

item was a kite string holder that they used as kids. Gayle 

Rolfes, Harrison, and others guessed that the item was 

an antique version of a fishing pole, the stick being the 

bobber. 

This month’s item was submitted by the Ewbank family, 

Guilford. It may prove to be quite a challenge! Please 

e-mail your guess to editor@gobeacon news.com by 

Wednesday, Aug, 24, 2022. 

sponsored by Cornerstone Realty and Lutz Auctions 

Plan Commission Reviews Public Input on Zoning 

Continued from page 1A 

dential communities. A few 

have lived in southeast Indiana 

all of their lives; others have 

relocated here within the past 

few decades. One common 

thread can be found- they 

all chose to make Dearborn 

County their homes. 

The most recent progress on 

the zoning updates has occurred 

because of public input. 

Numerous public workshops 

have been held where residents 

have been encouraged to 

voice their opinions about the 

proposed changes. 

Mark Lehman, Vice President 

of the Dearborn County 

Plan Commission, said, “In a 

county the size of Dearborn 

County, we have had relatively 

few people criticize what we 

are proposing here. I think we 

are on the right track. With a 

little more work we can move 

forward.” 

Two primary concerns have 

been repeatedly voiced by the 

public. The first is the exact 

boundaries of the different 

proposed zones. Residents 

wanted to confirm in which 

zones the boundaries of their 

properties are located. Feedback 

from property owners 

concerning current and past 

use of the land is beneficial to 

the Plan Commission for finetuning 

the proposed zoning 

maps. The creation of concise 

maps is an expensive process 

and will occur only after 

public input is considered and 

tweaks are made. 

Eagle Scout’s Journey Draws Support From Community 


define his character. He had to 

select an Eagle project coach 

and beneficiary representatives. 

Nick was fortunate that 

EG McLaughlin and Judge 

James Humphrey, members 

of the Greendale Cemetery 

Board, became beneficiary 

representatives. Dennis Teke 

acted in a similar capacity, 

opening the door for Ivy Tech 

to assist with the fabrication of 

the metal components for the 

memorial site. 

The web of notable community 

leaders from whom Nick 

received guidance is the most 

impressive part of his journey. 

Some connections were undeniable 

for the project such as 

Mark Banschbach and Casey 

Knigga who offered materials 

and guidance for pavers, 

construction, and installation. 

Gerry Jonas assisted with the 

memorial, engraving, and 

installation. Mayor Alan Weiss 

became involved, lending the 

support of the City of Greendale. 

And then there was PG 

Gentrup. He shared knowledge 

gained over years of performing 

the proper steps of retiring 

a flag. He also shared invaluable 

experience on how the 

monument would be utilized. 

The cast of supporters whom 

Nick quietly, and perhaps unwittingly, 

assembled, reflects 

the backbone of what makes 

our community great, those 

who exude integrity, insight, 

and dedication. 

Above all, the greatest influence 

on Nick’s success with 

this project was his father, 

Jason Morgan. While the 

importance of Nick’s project 

can be measured by its use, 

the value of the experience he 

shared with his father is immeasurable. 

Nick Morgan’s journey to 

becoming an Eagle Scout has 

been impactful both personally 

and for the community. The 

continuation of his journey 

points him toward becoming 

equal to those who guided him 

on this project. 

Mr. Morgan is a worthy 

example of the title of Eagle 

Scout. 

A second reoccurring concern 

voiced by the public has 

been allowances for livestock 

and domestic animals based 

upon the zoning of the land. 

For example, a land owner 

cannot currently put a dairy 

production facility in a residential 

area without first applying 

for approval of conditional use. 

Plan Commission member 

Joe Vogel shared, “The Zoning 

Ordinance process is moving 

forward, with many people 

in our community providing 

meaningful input for us to 

consider. We hope to provide 

the County Commissioners 

with a well-thought-out Ordinance 

that will position us to 

handle changes going forward 

here in Dearborn County.” 

During a recent Plan Commission 

meeting, one point 

was made clear- the zoning of 

one’s property does not impact 

the zoning or tax rate on a 

property owner’s tax card. The 

assessor bases that information 

on how the land is being used. 

The next meeting of the 

Dearborn County Plan Commission 

will be held on Aug. 

29, 2022, in the Henry Dearborn 

Room located in the 

Dearborn County Government 

Center. As always, the public 

is encouraged to attend. 

To view the proposed zoning 

ordinance amendments, 

visit https://www.dearborn 

county.org. Under the government 

tab, select Boards and 

Commissions and then Plan 

Commission. Detailed information 

can be found under 

Useful Links, 7-14-22 Public 

Workshop Boards. 

SHOP LOCAL and tell our advertisers you saw them in The BEACON!


The Tradition of Girl Scout Camp Spans Generations 


leaders. My family moved 

out here from Cincinnati in 

1994. I became a Girl Scout 

leader, and at that time the 

only local Girl Scout camp 

was in Batesville. We took 

seventeen girls to that camp 

from the St. Leon area, and 

we noticed that it was the 

St. Leon parents who stayed 

to volunteer after the camp. 

When we had our service unit 

meeting as Girl Scout leaders, 

we decided to start our 

own local camp. Juanita Frye 

sought out the owners of Lake 

in the Pines and they agreed 

to let us come. Our first camp 

was held in June of 1995. It 

was called “Let’s Take a Walk 

in the Pines.” Each day camp 

has a theme. Past themes have 

been “Circus in the Pines,” 

“Candy Land in the Pines,” 

etc. The leaders of the camp 

and the campers come up with 

a theme and incorporate it 

into the camp. For example, 

this year’s theme was “Warrior 

in the Pines.” Campers 

took part in a tomahawk and 

spear-throwing activity. 

Day Camp runs Monday 

through Thursday. Participants 

range in age from three 

to seventeen years old. The 

camp was originally held all 

week, but the leaders found 

that by Friday everyone was 

exhausted! Now four funfilled, 

packed days with activities 

seem to be the perfect 

amount for the campers and 

volunteers. The campers need 

to come prepared with the appropriate 

dress because camp 

is held in the rain, the sunshine, 

and the heat. Campers 

bring swimsuits, towels, sack 

lunches, closed-toe shoes, and 

plenty of sunscreen. Their 

days are filled with a plethora 

FOOD 

& MUSIC 

AUGUST 

26 

2022 “Warrior in the Pines” Girl Scout Day Camp Volunteers and campers. (Photo courtesy of Abby Bertram) 

of fun activities that the Day 

Camp volunteers work hard 

to plan. The volunteers put a 

ton of time and thought into 

each activity. The Day Camp 

Director is Fawn Stephens 

Williamson. She and her husband 

Terry relocated to Georgia 

due to work, yet they still 

come to town each June to 

put on the day camp- it means 

that much to them. This year 

Terry went all out with the 

theme and got certified in 

tomahawk and spear throwing 

so the campers could safely 

participate in that activity. 

Their daughter, Jordan, who 

grew up participating as a 

camper, now comes back each 

year as a volunteer. The theme 

is common with Day Camp- a 

family affair that is passed on 

to each generation. Those who 

were once campers are now 

volunteers who not only have 

the pleasure of watching their 

children experience camp but 

sometimes their grandchildren 

as well. Girl Scout Day Camp 

is a family affair for the Bertram 

Family as well. Sally’s 

husband Steve donates countless 

hours to set up and clean 

up, and Mrs. Bertram’s adult 

daughters volunteer their time 

as leaders. 

The camp is filled with fun 

activities in which campers 

partake including a flag 

ceremony each morning and 

afternoon; swimming in the 

lake; kayaking; archery; fishing; 

arts and crafts; slingshot, 

tomahawk, and spear throwing 

competitions; outdoor 

cooking; playing games; and 

careening down a water slide. 

This year they had a colorblast 

baseball game. In the 

past, camp has included rock 

climbing. 

You will often spot water 

guns being carried by campers 

during Day Camp, especially 

in the boy units! Day Camp 

is not just for girls. Boys can 

attend as well if their parent 

or guardian volunteers at the 

camp. Campers are split into 

units, each unit having adult 

leaders who guide them and 

make sure they adhere to their 

daily schedule. This year, I 

had the pleasure of helping 

lead my daughter’s unit. I got 

to spend two days having a 

blast at camp rather than at 

work! We had seventy-five 

volunteers and over two hundred 

campers this year. 

Cedar Grove Vol. Firemans 

FESTIVAL 

Aug. 26 & 27 

Color Blasters (not in order) Addison McAdams, Addalynn Schultz, Scarlett McCarroll, 

Braelyn Gabbard, Molly Lewis, Natalie Stenger, Callie Barrett, Addy Bittner, Addison 

Hartman, Ella Roope, Josie Wolf, Summer McCarroll. (Photo by Maureen Stenger) 

As the units move to different 

areas of activity, you 

will hear them coming as 

they loudly partake in singing 

fun and silly songs, “Tarzan! 

Swinging on a rubber 

band…” I found myself singing 

at the top of my lungs as 

our unit had to be louder than 

the passing unit! 

Day Camp volunteers must 

attend a one-night training 

session as well as register 

with the Girl Scouts so that 

a background check can be 

done. 

In addition to adult volunteers, 

older children can help 

as well by fulfilling the role 

of program aides. The program 

aides, or PA’s as they are 

known, are boys or girls that 

have completed their seventhgrade 

year of school. They are 

assigned to units and to the 

leaders with all of the kids. 

Being a PA has perks like 

getting to stay at camp later 

after the younger campers go 

home, and PAs get to enjoy 

delicious lunches and dinners 

provided by resident camp 

chef, Karen Herth. Mrs. Herth 

donates her time all week to 

cook for the adult volunteers 

and the PAs. 

Day Camp thrives because 

of the countless volunteers 

Sally Bertram with two of 

her granddaughters, Kinsleigh 

and Elliana Marshall, 

enjoying Girl Scout Day 

Camp. (Photo courtesy of 

Amanda Marshall) 

who donate their time and 

talents. Mrs. Bertram elaborates, 

“There are so many 

volunteers that need to be 

recognized; Sandy Whitehead 

who is in charge of running 

arts and crafts. Kim Carr 

and Joyce Wells for outdoor 

cooking. Michelle Murray 

for team-building activities. 

Veronica Mullins stepped up 


Face Painting 

& Balloon Artist 

6-9 

Bring the Kids for 

Band Interaction! 

Guitar Hero & 

Guitar Giveaway 

6:30-9:30 

Final Order Band 

9:30-12:30 

Brent James & 

the Vintage Youth 

AUGUST 

27 

4:00-5:45 

Rachel Holt (acoustic) 

5:45-7:30 

Josh Wells (acoustic) 

7:45-9:30 

KIDS GAMES | RAFFLES | BASKET RAFFLE | GRAND RAFFLE 

10:00-12:30 

5K WITH 60 OTHER PRIZES 

Get it All at www.goBEACONnews.com


Girl Scout Camp Demonstrates Community Responsibility 

Mrs. Campbell is right- I 

can’t imagine my daughter’s 

childhood without her week 

spent at Day Camp. I feel 

like it’s the one week where 

she can just be a kid. No one 

needs anything from her; 

she can just enjoy her time 

with her friends and having 

new adventures. When I 

get to help out, I feel like I 

have just as much fun as she 

does- somehow I’m perpetually 

twelve again! Nothing 

is quite like the heart of a 

volunteer. With so many 

volunteers dedicated to this 

magical event, I believe Girl 

Scout Day Camp will go on 

for years to come, and many 

more generations will be 

lucky enough to enjoy it. 

Members of Unit 9, Josie Wolf, Addy Bittner, Natalie 

Stenger, and Molly Lewis on the last afternoon of camp 

partaking in the infamous shaving cream battle. 

Sally Bertram with her daughters Amanda & Abby and her 

grandchildren Kinsleigh, Charleigh, Elliana, and Ryder at 

Girl Scout Day Camp. (Photo Courtesy of Amanda 

Marshall) 


as the business manager and 

handles all of the camp registrations. 

Jeff Maune donates 

his time to the fishing activities. 

Elaine Roope has been 

the nurse at the day camp for 

many years. Carole Barhorst 

donates her time lifeguarding. 

Fawn and Terry Williamson, 

even though they now reside 

in Georgia, still put countless 

hours into planning an 

amazing camp experience for 

all of the kids.” These are just 

a handful of the volunteers 

required to put on the camp. 

Many others give their time 

each year not just during 

camp but during the setup and 

cleanup which are not easy 

tasks. As Mrs. Bertram stresses, 

“There are many hands 

that put this together. It’s not 

just me doing all of this.” 

When society was quarantined, 

volunteers Mandy 

Campbell and Beth Stenger 

Girl Scout Day Camp Director 

Fawn Stephens Williamson. 

(Photos courtesy of 

Fawn Stephens Williamson) 

put together a virtual day 

camp. Although it wasn’t the 

same as a normal day camp, 

they did the best they could 

with the situation and still had 

eighty-two participants. Day 

camp persevered. 

If you are a registered Girl 

Scout, day camp costs just 

$85. Where else can you go 

for four full days of fun for 

that amount of money? If you 

are not a registered scout, it 

costs just $25 more to register. 

For those who volunteer all 

four days, the registration is 

$55 per child. 

Each year the Day Camp 

leaders submit their plan of 

action for camp to the Girl 

Scouts of Western Ohio for 

approval. The Day Camp 

leaders happily make accommodations 

for children with 

special needs so that any child 

who wants to participate, can. 

As volunteer leader Mandy 

Campbell states, “Everybody 

knows or talks about Day 

Camp. I feel like if we didn’t 

have it, it would be really 

strange. Day Camp is like the 

church festivals, it’s a part of 

the community.” 

Live music every weekend 

Fri & Sat 7:00 pm 

Sun 3:00 pm 

August 12, Terry Hahn 

August 13, Michael T & Friends 

August 20 York Ridge Boys 

Aug 21, Tracy Thompson’s Fun Bus 

Aug 26, Bomar & Ritter 

Aug 27, Fleetwood, Party of 2 

Sept 3, John Kinnemeyer 

Sept 10, Stacy “Duke” Tod 

Sept 11 Boomerang 

Sept 17 Happiness Jones 

Check us out on Facebook 

and Trip Advisor! 

For more events & information visit: 

www.atthebarnwinery.com 

Open Friday at 4pm 

Sat. & Sun. at 1pm 

Rozalee, with parents Ken and Heather Bear, and Bailey 

Griffin at the Dearborn County 4-H Fair. (Photo courtesy of 

Heather Bear) 

Giving Back 

Two Manchester residents who participated in the Dearborn 

County 4-H Fair donated their auction money to the 4-H Horse 

and Pony Club. Rozalee Bear and Bailey Griffin each gave 

over $1400 back instead of putting the funds in their own bank 

accounts. The young ladies have donated their winnings back 

to 4-H for the previous two years as well. Way to go girls, and 

thanks for giving back to the community! 



By 

Jeff Hermesch 

Purdue 

Extension 

jhermesch@purdue.edu 

The Dirt on 

Testing Your Soil 

Your list of things for fall 

garden cleanup should include 

a soil test. Conducting a soil 

test is a quick, easy task that 

provides valuable information 

about the garden’s fertility 

(nutrient levels and soil 

pH) and allows you to correct 

any deficiencies in your soil. 

Testing your soil every three 

to five years is highly recommended. 

Soil tests can be performed 

at any time of the year unless 

the soil is too wet or frozen. 

Testing in the fall during 

garden cleanup allows time to 

address any deficiencies before 

spring. 

To conduct a proper soil test, 

make sure you are getting a 

representative sample of the 

entire garden. If you have a 

garden that varies in soil characteristics, 

you may need to 

take separate samples for each 

soil type. The steps to take a 

Patient 

Satisfaction 

2021 Statistics 

Healing 

Rate 

*Message and data rates may apply. 

soil sample are fairly simple: 

1. Remove any residue or 

plant debris from the surface. 

2. Depth depends on the type 

of sample. Trees and shrubs 

should be 12 inches deep, 6-8 

inches deep for gardens and 

flowerbeds, and 3-4 inches 

deep for lawns. 

3. Take at least ten random 

samples from the area you are 

sampling. While a soil probe is 

ideal for taking soil samples, 

you can use a sharp spade, 

long knife, or garden trowel. 

4. Combine all the samples 

and break up any clumps. Drying 

the soil sample is preferred 

by testing labs. You will need 

roughly one pint of soil. 

5. Separate samples should 

be taken for vegetable gardens, 

lawns, flower beds, or problem 

areas. 

6. Send samples to a certified 

soil testing lab. Contact 

Purdue Extension-Dearborn 

County for a list. Dearborn 

County Soil & Water District 

provides free soil testing for 

Dearborn County landowners. 

Turnaround for testing results 

is about a week. If you have 

questions about recommendations, 

please reach out to me 

at the Purdue Extension-Dearborn 

County office to go over 

specifics. 

Feel free to email me at 

jhermesch@purdue.edu. You 

can also reach our office at 

812-926-1189. 

Two Locations to 

Serve the Community 

Dillsboro 

12836 North St. 

812-432-5684 

Rising Sun 

223 Main St. 

812-438-3400 

Median Days 

to Heal 

96% 95% 28 

Healing Can’t Wait 

Call the Dearborn Wound Care Center (812) 496-7730 

devillepharmacies.com 

S 

ALUTE 

TO THE MILITARY 

By PG Gentrup 

I remember Jonathan Tomes 

from my high school days at 

Lawrenceburg Consolidated 

High School (LCHS). He was 

in my sister Betty’s class of 

1963. His sister, Sarah, was in 

my class in 1965. Both were 

very intelligent. They lived 

down on Ridge Avenue in 

Greendale not too far from the 

Seagrams Distillery. 

Jonathan was born on Oct. 

24, 1945, to Paul Jonathan 

Tomes and Mary Jane Wilson. 

Jon was very close to 

his grandparents, especially 

Grandpa Samuel Earl Wilson. 

They shared a love for hard 

work and the Boston Celtics, 

and Jon passed that on to his 

children. 

Jon graduated from the 

University of Cincinnati with 

a Commercial Arts degree. 

He was awarded an ROTC 

scholarship which led to a 

commission in the Military 

Intelligence Branch of the 

United States Army. As a 

Second Lieutenant, Jon served 

as a U.S. Army Infantry 

Platoon Leader in Vietnam 

with friends Bill Hunt and 

Bruce Perry. Jon served under 

Walter “Joe” Marm, who was 

a (Congressional) Medal of 

Honor recipient and a hero 

of the battle of the Ia Drang 

Valley in 1965. Upon meeting 

Joe Marm, I easily recognized 

why Jon had so much respect 

for him. 

Jon was highly decorated 

for his service, especially in 

Vietnam. He was awarded the 

Silver Star, our nation’s third 

highest award for heroism. 

He also received the Legion 

of Merit, the Bronze Star for 

Valor, the Meritorious Service 

Medal with oak leaf cluster, 

the Air Medal, Army Commendation 

Medal, the Combat 

Infantryman’s Badge (CIB), 

Airborne Badge, National 

Defense Service Medal, Vietnam 

Service 

Medal, Vietnam 

Campaign 

Medal, 

Army Good 

Conduct 

Medal, 

Vietnam 

Gallantry 

Cross with 

Palm, and 

several other 

awards. 

Jonathan 

Tomes, 1965 

After his tour of duty in 

Vietnam, Jon and his friend 

Bill Miller entered Military 

Intelligence School, which 

included infiltrating Baltimore 

Harbor in a rubber raft. He 

served as a military intelligence 

officer in Germany 

commanding a counterintelligence 

unit and eventually, 

he became the East German 

Branch Chief responsible 

for all Army undercover 

espionage activities during 

the Cold War. He received so 

many other honors and was 

“Airborne,” a great feat considering 

his fear of heights. 

After his tour of duty in 

Germany, Captain Tomes 

attended Oklahoma City 

University Law School where 

he graduated first in his class. 

Each summer, Jon interned 

at various Judge Advocate 

Corps (JAGC) offices. After 

graduation, he moved into the 

JAGC, where he continued 

to serve our country, first as 

a military prosecutor, then as 

defense counsel, and finally 

as a military judge. He was a 

fierce advocate for his clients, 

one whom people respected 

and quickly learned never to 

underestimate. As a military 

judge, he was stationed at Fort 

Knox, KY, and rode the circuit 

from base to base in the 

Mid-West to places like Indiana, 

Illinois, and Missouri. 

After his tour of duty as a 

military judge, the Army bestowed 

the tremendous honor 

403 Walnut St • Lawrenceburg, IN 47025 

(812) 537-2020 • lawrenceburgeyecenter.com 


Lt. Colonel Jonathan Tomes 

of sending Jon to school at 

the U.S. Army Command 

and General Staff College at 

Fort Leavenworth, KS. Upon 

completion of his education, 

he became a member of the 

faculty teaching military law. 

Jon retired as a Lieutenant 

Colonel after twenty years of 

faithful and dedicated service 

to our great nation. 

After retirement, Jon joined 

the faculty of Illinois Institute 

of Technology Chicago-Kent 

College of Law in Chicago, 

where he was Dean of Students 

and taught legal writing, 

military law, health law, and 

criminal procedure. He was 

voted Professor of the Year 

for two years in a row 

Jon also served as a civilian 

lawyer and defense counsel 

from 1988-2019. He successfully 

litigated many cases in 

federal and state courts. He 

also served as an expert witness 

in complicated militaryand 

healthcare-related cases. 

Jon was a prolific writer, 

authoring more than sixty 

nonfiction books dealing with 

medical record issues, HIPAA, 

HITECH, military law, and 

privacy matters. He published 

many law review articles, one 

of which was cited by the U.S. 

Supreme Court. 

Jon also wrote and published 

many novels and short 

stories. Eventually, he formed 

a publishing company, called 

Veterans Press Inc. as well as 

a HIPAA consulting company, 

called EMR Legal Inc. 

Jon was a loving husband 

and father to three children; 

Carrie Ruth, Paul David, and 

Aree Katharine Wipawee 

Tomes. They all had a love 

for Cincinnati Chili and White 

Castles. They enjoyed coming 

home and Cincinnati Reds 

games too. Of course they 

also visited Boston to see the 

Celtics play. 

Jon was an avid runner and 

ran thirteen marathons. He 

praised his first wife, Marilyn, 

for her dedication and caring 

for their daughter, Carrie, until 

her death in 1997. Jon married 

his second wife, Kendra, 

in 1991; they were together 

for thirty years. 

Jon believed in God and 

Country and loved his family 

to the fullest. Greendale, 

Indiana produced a True 

American Hero and American 

Patriot. Jon passed away on 

January 20, 2021.


The Amish- A Simpler Way of Life, Community Investment 

A contrast in culture- an Amish buggy and a diesel truck at the Amish auction site. 

A few years ago, there 

was a song on country radio 

about some guys flying 

from NY to LA, wondering 

why anyone would want to 

live in ‘fly-over states.’ The 

lyrics said, “Miles and miles 

of back roads and highways, 

Connecting little towns with 

funny names, Who’d want to 

live down there in the middle 

of nowhere?” And then, the 

hook line, “They’ve never 

drove through Indiana… or 

they’d understand why God 

made those fly-over states.” 

In our part of Indiana, we are 

lucky to have countless back 

roads connecting little towns 

that also connect us to a rural 

lifestyle that has mostly disappeared 

in suburban areas and 

cities. Within thirty minutes 

of the casinos and fast-food 

restaurants, fields of corn, 

forests and streams, silos, and 

barns dot the landscape. 

Among the old homesteads 

and new family farms are 

scenes that could be out of 

a history book. You can see 

horses and buggies, barefoot 

children in long dresses and 

straw hats, sturdy men in 

work clothes with suspenders 

and long beards, and women, 

hair tucked under bonnets, 

tending gardens or selling 

their baked goods and jams in 

roadside stores. These reallife 

reminders of simpler days 

are our neighbors, the Amish 

of Southeastern Indiana. They 

live in districts of twenty to 

forty families throughout our 

rural counties. Some have 

been here for generations and 

adhere to very old-fashioned 

practices such as no indoor 

plumbing, electricity, or operating 

machinery. Others have 

moved here from Kentucky, 

Ohio, and Pennsylvania to 

raise their families. They use 

a few modern conveniences 

such as propane for lights and 

heat and telephones while still 

practicing the strict Amish 

standards of humility, hard 

work, and community. 

Amish history goes back 

to 1693 in Europe when they 

split from the Mennonites. 

Today each Amish district, 

or community, is shaped by 

the Ordnung, an unwritten, 

evolving set of guidelines that 

address clothing, occupations, 

behavior, and how to deal 

with changes in society and 

technology while maintaining 

Amish culture and beliefs. 

Each district votes on the 

guidelines independently for 

their group, resulting in a variety 

of responses to the same 

issues. That is why the Amish, 

even within the same county, 

may dress in different colors, 

and use modern conveniences 

differently. Education is 

consistent, however, with one- 

An Amish farmer and his 

horse working the hay 

press at the Model T Convention. 

(See page 2A) 

room schoolhouses providing 

eight years of education for 

the children. A community 

class is taught that fulfills the 

requirements for high school. 

What also remains the same is 

the unconditional support for 

everyone in their community, 

whether they are helping pay 

one another’s medical bills or 

rebuilding homes and barns. 

A local example of how 

the Amish pull together was 

in April 2020, when severe 

storms caused heavy damage 

to multiple businesses in 

Versailles. An Amish-owned, 

commercial greenhouse was 

flattened. Within one week, 

it was completely rebuilt and 

restocked with plants that had 

been scooped from the rubble 

and re-potted by the men and 

women in the surrounding 

Amish community. Some 

who helped were owners of 

competing businesses but they 

worked earnestly to make 

their fellow church members 

whole again. 

Sonia Samples, the owner 

of a farm on W 800 S, shared, 

“Several of our neighbors are 

Amish. They are wonderful 

neighbors. They are hardworking 

and are always there 

when we need them. Great 

neighbors!” 

The strong work ethic exhibited 

by the Amish culture 

is part of their beliefs. It 

extends to finding occupations 

that support their families 

while maintaining a connection 

to the land that they view 

as a gift from God. Like many 

non-Amish small farmers 

who struggle today to make 

a living, Amish couples also 

create businesses that allow 

them to use their skills while 

remaining close to home– carpentry, 

roofing, auctioneering, 

retail, crafts, construction, 

raising livestock, baking, 

sewing, and gardening. For 

Produce offered at the 

Amish auction in Versailles. 

example, a harness shop and 

variety store are located in 

Switzerland County; in Ripley 

County stores with baked 

goods, furniture, plants and 

shrubs, cheese and jams, and 

a petting zoo of farm animals 

can be found. A large recurring 

produce auction and 

smaller, seasonal consignment 

auctions are also held just 

outside of Versailles. These 

places attract local and out-ofstate 

tourists, offering unique 

“Shop Local” experiences 

while providing the chance 

to interact with the Amish 

proprietors. More likely than 

not, you will meet some very 

friendly, helpful, and generous 

people who are remarkably a 

lot like you. 

Just as plant diversity keeps 

farmer’s fields healthy and 

productive, diverse groups of 

people in our society keep us 

all healthier, more interesting, 

and happier. Unfortunately, 

even with Indiana being home 

to America’s third-largest 

The Amish using a team of draft horses to bale hay. 

Amish population, some 

unfounded biases and misconceptions 

exist about the Amish 

in general. For instance, some 

resentfully believe that the 

Amish don’t pay taxes, but 

they do. They are US citizens 

who pay income taxes, property 

taxes, sales taxes, etc. 

They are exempt from paying 

Social Security and Medicare 

taxes, but they also do not 

collect from these programs. 

To answer the burning question 

of why do Amish people 

ride in cars if they won’t own 

one? They ride in cars but 

don’t own them because easy 

access to unnecessary travel is 

seen as an unwelcome luxury, 

while necessary travel by car 

is approved in most districts. 

To learn more about the 

Amish, stop at an Amish business, 

strike up a conversation, 

and make a friend. 

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Aurora Events 

Southeastern Indiana Art Guild 

10th Annual Regional Art Exhibition 

Continues through Saturday August 20 

Monday - Saturday 1 - 7pm * Sunday 1 - 4pm 

302 Second Street 

City Wide Yard Sale and Business Sidewalk Sale 

Thursday – Saturday, August 18 - 20, 9am - 2pm 

Gabbard Riverfront Park & throughout the city 

Get Wine(d) and Dine(d) in Downtown Aurora 

Friday, August 19, 5 - 9pm 

Pickup walk card at Main Street Aurora Office, 231 Main 

Aurora Lions Club Summer outdoor movie 

Friday, August 19, Dusk 

“Jumanji Next Level”, Lions Club Main Street Parking Lot 

Aurora Lions Club Hoxworth Blood Drive 

Wednesday, August 24, noon - 6pm 

228 Second Street * 513.451.0910 

Aurora Historic District Churches Walking Tour 

Thursday August 25, 6:30pm 

Meet at 231 Main Street 

Working to make a difference! 

River City Classic Car Club Cruise In 

Wednesday, September 7, 5:30 - 8:30pm 

200 block of Second St. (Judiciary to Main Sts.) 

Southeastern Indiana Board of Realtors 

2 nd Annual Aurora’s Rockin’ on the River 

Battle of the Bands 

Saturday, September 10th, 12:30 - 10pm 

Gabbard Riverfront Park 

Patriot Day Celebration 

Aurora Churches Association 

Sunday, September 11, 5 - 7:30pm 

Gabbard Riverfront Park 

Aurora Historic Residential Walking Tour 

Thursday September 15, 6:30pm 

Meet at 231 Main Street 

Hillforest Puttin’ on the Glitz! Roaring 20s Theme 

Saturday, September 17th, 6 - 10pm 

215 Bridgeway Street 

Reservations 812.926.0087 

Taste of Aurora 

Through August 31 Main Street Aurora invites 

you to enjoy the Main Street Aurora Downtown 

District Restaurants and Sweet Treats. 

Pickup a brochure of discounts at 

Main Street Aurora, 231 Main St. Suite #103 

or any participating business. 

The Aurora Diner 

Aurora IGA Fresh Market 

Alejandra’s Mexican Restaurant 

Combs Pizza 

Great Crescent Brewery 

J. Miller Steak Company 

Personally Yours Gift & Floral 

Personally Yours Nutrition 

Plug’s Sweet Tooth 

Primal Butchery 

Spire Book & Coffee 

Uncle Steel’s Brews 

Wellington’s Ice Cream 



By Mary-Alice Helms 

My sister, Julie, and I 

blinked in the light as we 

came out of the Morin Movie 

Theater in Brookville. We 

were blinded by the memory 

of swirling colors and intricate 

dance steps. The wonderful 

music still sounded in our 

ears. We had just seen another 

of the great Hollywood 

musicals of the time, this one 

“On the Town”, starring Gene 

Kelly and our favorite female 

dancer, Vera-Ellen. It was 

1949, and Vera-Ellen was at 

the peak of her career. Julie 

was eleven years old and I 

was fourteen. We had a special 

reason for being such fans 

of the lovely Vera-Ellen. 

Years before, in about 1943, 

we learned that a famous 

dance instructor was coming 

to Brookville from Cincinnati 

once a week to give lessons. I 

begged Mother to let us take 

lessons, but they were a bit 

pricey. At 50 cents each, it 

would cost a whole dollar for 

both of us at each lesson. That 

sounds like a pittance, now, 

but at that time $1.00 would 

buy meat enough for four 

meals for our family of four. 

However, Mother and Daddy 

decided to let us give the lessons 

a try. 

The classes were held in 

the basement of the Peoples 

Trust Company Bank, which 

now houses the Franklin 

County Community Foundation 

offices. As Julie and I 

entered the foyer on the night 

of our first lesson, the metallic 

sounds of hundreds of tapshoes 

on the hard tile floors 

below assaulted our ears. Julie 

looked a little scared as we 

descended the stairs. 

I will never forget my first 

glimpse of the tall, elegant 

gentleman who stood at the 

head of the room. I knew 

nothing about Mr. Harry Hessler, 

at the time, only that he 

SHALL WE DANCE? 

was the teacher. The way he 

stood, graceful even when not 

in motion, his height, and the 

way he held his balding head 

with its gray strands, spoke 

of greatness. And we later 

learned just how distinguished 

and honored this man was in 

his field. Harry Hessler wasn’t 

just a dance instructor. He 

was a member of the Academy 

of Dance Masters of the 

United States and his studio in 

Cincinnati was considered the 

center of dance instruction in 

the area. 

Mr. Hessler gave us a little 

“pep talk” on that introductory 

evening, telling us that if 

we worked hard there would 

be no end to the fame and 

fortune we might find. 

He told us that Doris Kappelhoff, 

who changed her 

name to Doris Day, had been 

one of his students. Doris 

Day! 

“And”, he continued, “We 

just recently sent one of our 

students to Hollywood with a 

movie contract. Her name is 

Vera-Ellen”. The name Vera 

Ellen stuck in my mind, and 

I began watching for movies 

listing her as one of the stars. 

It didn’t take long. In 1945 the 

movie “Wonder Man” made 

its appearance, starring Danny 

Kaye and Vera-Ellen. 

As for Julie and me, our 

dance careers were extremely 

short-lived. I soon discovered 

that I had no talent in that area 

and was about as graceful as 

a cow on crutches. Julie just 

plain lost interest after several 

ear infections forced her to 

miss lessons. Mother agreed 

to let us drop the lessons if we 

promised to take music lessons, 

instead. 

Julie opted to study piano 

and I fell in love with the 

flute. I never lost my interest 

in all things Vera-Ellen and 

her distinguished instructor, 

Mr. Hessler. Over the years 

Credibility • Advocacy • Education • Visibility 

What Can The Chamber 

Do For You? Just Ask! 

812-537-0814 

www.dearborncountychamber.org 

RECYCLE 

AT ONE OF THE 14 DROP-OFF 

LOCATIONS IN DEARBORN COUNTY 

cardboard 

paper, magazines, 

newspapers 

plastic bottles, 

jugs, and tubs 

aluminum cans 

and bottles 

I read with great interest that 

Mr. and Mrs. Hessler had 

spent the weekend visiting 

relatives in Cedar Grove. It 

seems that Mrs. Hessler was 

related to the Fohl family and 

other Cedar Grove denizens. 

As for Vera-Ellen, it wasn’t 

difficult to follow her. Her 

movie career grew and grew 

and I became more entranced 

by her style, grace, and dancing 

skills. She made wonderful 

movies, including “Words 

and Music” with Gene Kelly. 

Their dance to “Slaughter 

on Tenth Avenue” is still 

mentioned by critics as one 

of the greatest movie dance 

numbers. “On the Town” 

with Gene Kelly followed in 

the next year, 1949, followed 

by “Three Little Words” and 

“ The Belle of New York” 

both of which were with Fred 

Astaire. Then came “Call Me 

Madam” with Danny Kaye. 

I never missed one of her 

movies. In 1954, the movie 

everyone remembers “White 

Christmas” made its appearance, 

with Bing Crosby, 

Danny Kaye, Vera-Ellen, and 

Rosemary Clooney. 

While her professional life 

soared, Vera-Ellen struggled 

in her personal life. She had a 

life-long battle with Anorexia, 

which gave her an 18” waist 

and many health problems. 

Her very thin neck made her 

look older, and her costumes 

were designed with high 

necklines for concealment. 

She suffered from arthritis and 

lost her only child, Victoria 

Ellen Rothschild, to SIDS in 

1963. Her illness eventually 

West Harrison 

Couple Honored 

with Circle of 

Corydon Award 

State Rep. Randy Lyness 

(R-West Harrison) recently 

honored Franklin County 

residents Dorothy and George 

Weaver with a Circle of 

Corydon award during the 

Franklin County Fair. 

For more than fifty years, 

the Weavers have hosted a 

free, annual Christmas light 

exhibit from Thanksgiving to 

New Year’s Eve. More than 

one hundred sixty thousand 

lights were used in the 2021 

attraction, bringing in nearly 

twenty thousand visitors. Hot 

chocolate, cookies, candy 

canes, and other sweets were 

2 8 6 4 1 

4 8 

6 8 7 5 

7 1 3 8 6 

1 8 

2 1 3 9 

2 7 6 9 8 

3 7 9 2 

6 9 8 4 1 

Sudoku 

Sudoku is a logical puzzle game that may 

seem difficult at first glance, but it is not as hard as it 

looks! Fill a number in to every cell in the grid, using the 

numbers 1 to 9. You can only use each number once in 

each row, each column, and in each of the boxes. 

The solution can be found at 

goBEACONnews.com/print_edition. Click on the link for 

Sudoku and view the solution for this month and last. 

caused her to retire from show 

business, and she died of cancer 

at the age of 61 in 1981. 

What a sad ending for such a 

beauty with so much talent! 

We can still enjoy her dancing 

and sunny personality through 

the old Hollywood musical 

movies. 

I don’t know why I have felt 

such a connection to Mr. Hessler 

and his talented student. 

Someone told me that the 

Hesslers lived in Cedar Grove 

after their retirement, but I 

haven’t been able to confirm 

that story. As for Vera-Ellen, 

provided at no cost. 

“The Weavers are a perfect 

example of what happens 

when you combine the Hoosier 

spirit with the Christmas 

spirit,” Rep. Lyness said. 

“Dorothy and George’s acts of 

I doubt that she ever was 

nearer to us than Cincinnati, 

although her scrapbooks confirm 

that she was very fond 

of the Hesslers and stayed in 

touch with them throughout 

her life. 

As a teenager, I wanted to 

be Vera-Ellen. I wanted to 

wear beautiful, filmy gowns 

and float through the air and 

into the arms of Fred Astaire, 

Danny Kaye, or Gene Kelly. 

In my mind, Vera-Ellen still 

hears the music and steps to 

the floor when her partner 

asks, “Shall we dance?” 

State Rep. Randy Lyness (R-West Harrison) presents the 

Circle of Corydon award to Dorothy and George Weaver. 

kindness and generosity make 

the holiday season brighter for 

so many friends and neighbors 

in Franklin County.” 

Gov. Eric Holcomb established 

the Circle of Corydon 

award in 2017 to honor Hoosiers 

who have 

made remarkable 

contributions 

to the 

betterment of 

Indiana and 

its people, 

demonstrating 

through life 

and service 

qualities exemplified 

by the 

state’s greatest 

citizens. 

glass jars and 

bottles 

metal cans and 

empty aerosols 

215 E. Broadway St, P.O. Box 513 

Harrison, Ohio 45030 

(513)367-4545 Fax: (513)367-4546 

www.jackmanhensley.com 

We believe in going beyond what is 

expected to offer each family a caring 

compassionate service for 

an affordable price. 

“Providing funerals and cremations with dignity and compassion.” 

812-926-9963 

Visit our website at 

DearbornCountyRecycles.com/24-7-recycling/ 

to find your nearest location. 

215 E. Broadway St, P.O. Box 513 

Harrison, Ohio 45030 

(513)367-4545 Fax: (513)367-4546 

www.jackmanhensley.com 



FROM 

H ere 

By 

Ollie 

Roehm 

I wrote a column in February 

2020 about the history and 

attempted revitalization of the 

downtown Harrison business 

district. 

I said that when Interstate 

74 came through town in 

the early ‘70s, everything 

changed. Harrison’s business 

district had always been 

in downtown Harrison and 

mostly on Harrison Avenue. If 

you wanted groceries, clothes, 

shoes, a bite to eat, a haircut, 

a newspaper, you went downtown. 

Likewise, if you needed 

a doctor, dentist, mechanic, or 

wanted to see a movie. It was 

all downtown. 

But shortly after 74 was 

By Merrill Hutchinson 

“Turn down that noise!” 

This was a common phrase 

coming from my father’s 

mouth as I was spreading my 

wings as a teenager. Back in 

those teenage years, we were 

all about turning the noise up 

and keeping the pace fast. My 

friends and I were always on 

the run and looking for the 

next adventure, but over time, 

something strange happened. 

I have begun to understand 

the difference between the 

“music” and the “noise” in 

my life. 

As we enter the season of 

fall, many of us are enjoying 

being out in nature. Hunting, 

fishing, hiking, and mountain 

biking through the woods are 

great ways to remember what 

is important. Time in nature 

helps develop a mindset 

of gratitude and a renewed 

vision for what we want in 

our lives. The mind, body, 

and spirit are under constant 

attack by the forces in this 

world. The evening news is a 

quick reminder of how bombarded 

we can be with the 

noises of life. 

Many of us make statements 

like, “What is wrong 

with this world?” “This world 

is going crazy!” “I hope the 

good Lord returns soon.” In 

the moment, these comments 

may seem appropriate, but 

they do little to turn down the 

noise. So, how can we effectively 

do just that? First of all, 

we must make a conscious decision. 

The craziness in life is 

not going to calm down on its 

own. We must take the initiative 

to decide what noises we 

are going to allow in our lives 

and which ones we are going 

to turn off, or at least down. 

How does one “turn down 

the noise?” Saying “no” to so 

many commitments that do 

little to produce fruit in our 

lives is a good start. Busyness 

is not a badge of honor 

but rather an anchor around 

your heart. Take a look at the 

people around you; make a 

decision to distance yourself 

finished, businesses old and 

new started gravitating to 

“the hill.” Within about ten 

years downtown Harrison was 

becoming irrelevant. Parking 

meters along Harrison Avenue 

were removed because 

they weren’t needed. Many 

buildings were sold and many 

stood in disrepair. And it got 

worse. 

I talked about how downtown 

Harrison was a depressing 

shell of itself by the late 

1980s. 

That’s when I began working 

on Harrison Avenue and 

would spend the next twentyfive 

years there. The paper 

was located at 307 Harrison 

Ave. and our restaurant, 

Mary’s Restaurant & Pub, did 

business at 205 Harrison Ave. 

I said I had seen many 

downtown businesses, including 

our restaurant, come and 

go over the past few decades. 

Many more have left than 

stayed. 

What happened to Harrison 

for a while from those who 

are negative and pull energy 

from you. Plan intentional 

time to rest and rejuvenate; 

put it on your calendar and 

protect it. A daily walk, a day 

away, a weekend to explore, 

or even a week to replenish. 

Answer this question. Is your 

calendar in charge of you, or 

are you in charge of your calendar? 

If you want to eliminate 

some noise, take control 

of your calendar. 

Make a conscious decision 

to determine what you want 

to look at in your life. Do not 

allow the world to taint your 

vision with constant exposure 

to the negatives. Make an 

effort today to see the good 

in the life you are living. Be 

thankful and show appreciation 

for those who positively 

impact your life. Learn to 

catch yourself dwelling on the 

negative and actively change 

the picture in your mind. 

I no longer find excitement 

in running 110 mph. 

A slow meander will do just 

fine. What happened? To put 

happened to thousands of 

towns located near expressways 

in America. Towns have 

been replaced by something 

else. I’ll let you define it. 

I told you about the serious 

attempt made to revitalize 

downtown in the early ‘90s 

when a group of committed 

citizens and business owners 

joined and adopted the 

national Main Street program. 

Main Street offered guidance 

to towns in Harrison’s predicament. 

The city got involved and 

committed to paying a director’s 

salary and one was hired. 

Then another, and another, 

and another. 

The business climate improved 

somewhat but eventually, 

the Main Street method 

was abandoned. 

Downtown chugged along 

for years until something 

started happening about seven 

or eight years ago. I don’t 

know what that “something” 

was but small businesses 

Are You Listening to Music or Noise? 

it simply, life happened. In 

the course of life, we discover 

more and more about 

what is truly valuable in our 

lives. I value peace and quiet 

more than ever. When we are 

younger we are more easily 

persuaded by the pursuit 

of our fleshly desires. We 

desire to live loud and fast. 

We want to make an impact, 

and we want people to hear 

our voices. At some point 

in our lives, we realize that 

this approach is exhausting 

and unfulfilling. We begin to 

experience a sense of greater 

peace in knowing that we 

don’t always have to make a 

big splash. Sometimes, it’s ok 

to be still and just listen. This 

practice of solitude can give 

us a greater appreciation of 

life, people, and experiences. 

Don’t get me wrong, I still 

like my music loud at times, 

but now I choose to listen to 

the music and not the noise. 

Merrill Hutchinson is the 

President of Rock Solid Families, 

a faith-based coaching 

organization in St Leon, IN. 

878 W Eads Pkwy, Lawrenceburg, IN 47025 

812.926.0273 artisticfloralshop.com 

started sprouting up and down 

Harrison Avenue. 

In my February 2020 

column, I told you that the 

downtown Harrison business 

climate looked better than 

it had in decades. Well, it’s 

July 2022 and I’m happy to 

report that many more businesses 

have opened. Downtown 

Harrison is even more 

appealing and offers more 

than it did a couple of years 

ago. 

That’s pretty impressive 

when you consider the surge 

in businesses that took place 

during a worldwide pandemic. 

Today the majority of 

buildings are occupied and 

a variety of shops are doing 

business. Three new restaurants 

have opened in the 

past couple of months. It’s 

sometimes difficult to find a 

parking spot. 

I haven’t researched it but 

I’d venture to say there are 

now more empty (and unsightly) 

storefronts on “the 

hill” than there are downtown. 

Not all of these downtown 

businesses are going to make 

it. But I’m betting there will 

be more success than we’ve 

seen in a long, long time. 

I salute all the folks who 

are giving it a go downtown, 

especially those who advertise 

or plan to advertise in the 

Beacon. 

C 

HVL: Nice 3 bed tri level home on 

beautiful dbl lot, newer kitchen, and 

updated bath. $134,900 

BRIGHT: 1400 sq ft ranch on 5 

acres, 2 bath, 1 car garage plus 

outbuilding, 2 WBFP, front and rear 

covered porches. $124,900 

Jonah Relly 

CORNERSTONE 

REALTY INC. 

CORNERSTONE 

We’ve moved to 25980 Auction Lane, Guilford! 

We’re IN YOUr COrNer. REALTY INC. 

WE’RE IN YOUR CORNER. 

812.637.2220 CSTONEREALTY.COM 

812.637.2220 CSTONEREALTY.COM 

MILAN: Huge manufactured home on almost 7 ac, 

additional 2 story cabin, each level has kitchen, living 

room, bed, &bath; 28x40 barn with loft, concrete flr & 

electric; large lake; and green houses. $164,900 

30x36x12 heated insulated pole 

building $369,900 

YORKVILLE: Affordable living in 

a country setting. Beautiful views! 

3 bed, 2 bath, home with 2 car 

attached garage on 2.5 acres. 

$114,900 

BRIGHT: 2 story home with 4 LOGAN: Clean older 2 story home 

bd,3.5 baths, 1st flr laundry and with large wrap around covered 

master suite, open Thinking floor plan, full of porch, moving? city utilities, 28x44 3 car 

finished LL with wet bar and gas concrete block garage with loft, on 

FP, great Maybe for entertaining, settling large 1.25 acres. an estate? 

$159,900 

rear deck $244,900 

LAND 

How about both? 

BRIGHT: Nice 3 bed, 3 bath ranch LOGAN: 8.6 acre lot fairly secluded 

with eat-in kitchen, gas fireplace, on Sawdon Ridge, utilities at street 

LL family room, oversized garage 

with concrete driveway 

One 

and 

call 

add’t 

does $99,900 it all with 

concrete Cornerstone parking pad. $154,900 Realty and 

HARRISON: 

Lutz Auction 

Beautiful 

Service 

rolling 3.9 

acre lot available on private drive 

ST. LEON: 

now 

Older 

conveniently 

2 story home 

located 

all off Edgewood under Rd. one $75,000 roof 

city utilities, newer high efficiency 

furnace. Great location near to hwy Dover, and SUNMAN: Indiana. .87 building lot available 

in Whitetail Run subdivision. 

schools, summer kitchen, enclosed 

back 

Realtors 

porch, other 

and 

room 

Auctioneers 

upstairs $22,000 Dale & Randy Lutz have 

could been 3rd bed. serving $69,900 the community HARRISON: for over Beautiful 30 years. 2.093 acre 

BRIGHT: 3 bed, 2.5 bath home 

lot on private drive off Edgewood 

Their profession is turning your 

on nearly 38 acres with exceptional 

views nerstone of Tanner Realty Valley, and 1st Lutz LOGAN: Auction 2.89 acre Service wooded coun- 

Rd. $60,000 assets into cash. Cor- 

flr MRB, 1st flr ldry, pond, covered try lot with all utilities available. 

rear deck, wrap around 

where 

front 

we’re 

porch, 

in $59,900 your corner. 

We Need Listings! 

We Need Listings! Have buyers for farmland! 

Dale Lutz 

Randy Lutz 

lutzauctions.com 

800-508-9811 

Dillsboro Resident 

Completes 

Century Ride 

Jonah Relly, Dillsboro, 

recently participated in the 

Cincinnati Cycle Club’s 

Licking Valley Century 

Ride on June 25, 2022. 

Rumored to have 

trained for less than a 

week beforehand, Mr. 

Relly shared that he does 

not recommend his training 

regiment but wouldn’t 

have missed the experience 

for the world. 

Congratulations, Jonah, 

for completing the Century 

Ride and living to tell 

about it! 

Visit 

www.go 

BEACON 

news.com 

CALENDAR, 

ADVERTISERS, 

NEWS, 

EVERYTHING! 


By 

Jack 

Zoller 

beaconsports 

@live.com 


By 

Melanie 

Alexander 

You will be reading this 

By 

column close Maxine to the start of 

another school Klump year- a time 

filled with dreams of special 

events and busy Community projects. 

Correspondent 

This time of year also seems 

to bring requests for baked 

maxineklump.thebeacon@yahoo.com 

goods and sweet treats for 

community and school events. 

Both the recipes this month 

are reinterpretations of fall 

favorites, and both take advantage 

of shortcuts for busy 

schedules. 

Apple Crisp is a dessert that 

has always been a favorite 

in the Alexander household. 

My husband, Lee, found this 

recipe many years ago that 

speeds the prep time by using 

the microwave instead of the 

oven. I haven’t yet found a 

shortcut for the preparation of 

the apples, but you’ll save a 

lot of time in the cooking/baking 

of those apples. 

Microwave Apple Crisp 

Fruit Layer: 

6 cups of thinly sliced 

cooking apples that have 

skin removed 

1 tablespoon lemon juice 

(keeps apples from turning 

brown) 

¼ cup sugar 

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon 

2-3 tablespoons flour 

Mix apples and lemon juice 

then mix in the remaining 

ingredients 

Topping: 

1 cup flour 

1 cup quick cooking oatmeal 

(microwave oatmeal mix 

can be substituted if necessary) 

½ cup firmly packed brown 

sugar 

½ cup butter or margarine, 

softened 

Combine dry ingredients 

and then cut in the butter to 

make coarse crumbs. 

Place apple mixture in an 

8x8x2-inch ungreased glass 

baking dish. 

Sprinkle topping over apple 

mixture. 

Cook on full power for 12 

minutes turning the dish 90° 

halfway through cooking. 

Great topped with whipped 

cream or vanilla ice cream. 

Pumpkin cake is one of my 

“stand-by” recipes for the fall 

and winter months. Traditionally, 

the cake was baked in a 

tube or Bundt pan but it works 

very well in a 9x13-inch 

baking pan to save the worry 

about part of the cake remaining 

in the pan. I’ll provide 

directions for baking in each 

type of pan. This is one of 

those recipes that “live on” 

since a friend from church 

shared it more than 50 years 

ago. 

Pumpkin Cake 

1 package spice cake mix 

1 cup canned pumpkin 

½ cup salad oil 

1 package instant vanilla or 

lemon pudding mix (4 oz.) 

3 eggs 

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

½ cup water 

Grease and flour the baking 

pan. Combine all ingredients 

and mix according to directions 

on the box of cake mix. 

Pour batter into the baking 

pan. Bake at 350°. Bundt or 

tube pan will require about 

40-45 minutes. The oblong 

9x13-inch pan will need to 

bake for about 35-40 minutes. 

Remove from the oven when 

a toothpick inserted into the 

cake comes out clean. 

If using a tube pan, allow 

the cake to cool for 10-15 

minutes, and then turn it out 

on a wire rack to cool. This 

cake is good served at room 

temperature but even tastier 

when served slightly warm 

and topped with whipped 

cream or ice cream. 

Recycling Efforts Expanding 

In Dearborn County 

By Stefanie Hoffmeier 

The mission of the Dearborn 

County Recycling Center 

(DCRC) is to foster a sense 

of responsibility and inspire 

action by residents to reduce 

solid waste. Our programs 

create awareness about reduction, 

reuse, and recycling. 

Municipalities who choose 

to begin or improve curbside 

recycling help to support the 

DCRC mission. Even if residents 

choose curbside service 

from companies or local cities 

offer pick-up, jobs will not be 

lost at the Recycling Center. 

Curbside recycling is a WIN 

for the community. 

Recycling efforts in Dearborn 

County have received a 

boost in the past few months 

as curbside recycling services 

are now available for residents 

of Miller Township who 

receive trash pick-up service. 

The cost is only $4 more per 

month for bi-weekly recycling 

service. Those who choose 

not to get curbside service 

can still use DCRC drop-off 

locations located throughout 

the county. 

The City of Lawrenceburg 

recently announced the rollout 

of their updated recycling 

program for residents. It is 

sponsored by the City of 

Lawrenceburg with funding 

in part from The Recycling 

Partnership, a nonprofit organization 

utilizing public-private 

partnerships to transform 

recycling across America. 

Lawrenceburg was selected 

to receive a grant for recycling 

cans and community 

outreach. The $25,600 grant 

from The Recycling Partnership 

helped pay for new carts 

and includes funding for education 

about the new collection 

process. Residents will 

no longer have to sort, bend, 

or lift the new green recycling 

cans that have wheels for 

easy maneuvering and a lid to 

keep things tidy. 

For those residents in 

Dearborn County who use the 

DCRC trailers to recycle, new 

cardboard-only containers 

will be arriving in the fall. Besides 

general recyclables like 

cardboard and plastic bottles, 

the DCRC also accepts other 

items in their Drive-Thru. 

Even if your community has 

curbside service, many items 

like lithium batteries and electronics 

are not accepted in the 

curbside containers. 

Visit DearbornCounty 

Recycles.com for information 

about items that can be 

recycled in Dearborn County. 

Every First 

Sunday 

May - October 

Indiana’s Largest “Antiques & Vintage-Only” Market 

Sunday, September 4, 2022 

Upcoming Show: Sunday, October 2, 2022 

Lawrenceburg, Indiana Fairgrounds - US 50 

1 mile west of Exit 16,I-275 (Cincinnati Beltway) 

Admission: $4.00 • 7am - 3pm ET Rain or Shine (Earlybirds at 6am) 

LawrenceburgAntiqueShow.com 

General and Dealer Inquiries: 513-702-2680 

M 

DEAR 

ARIE 

By 

Marie 

Segale 

marie@goBEACONnews.com 

Dear Marie, 

We have all been through a 

great ordeal for the past twoplus 

years. These unusual, 

out-of-the-ordinary, and in 

some cases extreme, circumstances 

have affected people 

emotionally, physically, and 

psychologically. 

We have been forced to 

comply with these strange 

new circumstances. Even 

going to the store is not the 

same as selections are greatly 

reduced. Some products have 

simply not been replenished. 

Empty storefronts have certainly 

increased. 

We have also suffered losses 

of some kind. For some, 

they have lost their income; 

for many, their health or the 

health of a loved one has 

suffered. In the extreme, we 

have lost a friend, a relative, 

or a spouse. The world feels 

crazy and it is never going to 

be normal. Marie, how can I 

hope to be more in control of 

my circumstances? 

Sophie in Dillsboro 

Dear Sophie, 

You are spot-on. We are 

all feeling the effects of the 

past two plus years and are 

all looking for ways to regain 

control of our lives. If we 

look at how our grandparents 

and great-grandparents lived, 

we find a few ideas that serve 

as more than tasks but also 

provide therapeutic benefits. 

Some people have decided 

to supplement their food needs 

by planting vegetable gardens. 

It is a great way to feel you 

are providing for your own 

sustenance. You don’t need a 

large yard and can start with 

pots on your patio. Call it a 

COVID Victory Garden. 

We can all start cooking 

from scratch if we aren’t 

already. And we can share the 

bond of teaching our young 

people to cook. Knowing how 

to cook teaches us to use what 

we have on hand to create 

something to eat. 

Knowing how to sew and 

teaching others how to sew 

provides a basic life skill that 

can always be relied upon. 

Grandma made clothes by 

looking them over in the store 

and going home to make the 

same. 

Not only do these basic life 

skills give us control over our 

lives, but sharing them is the 

best gift we can pass on to the 

next generation. 

Have a pressing issue? 

Contact Marie@goBEACON 

news.com 

Find Your Fun in 

Ripley County 


July through October Batesville Umbrella Sky 

121 Shopping Village, Batesville 

September 9-10 Oktoberfest, Batesville 

September 10-18 NMLRA National 

Championship Shoot & 

Friendship Flea Markets, Friendship 

September 17 Osgood 

Bricktoberfest, Osgood 

September 21-25 Versailles 

Pumpkin Show, Versailles 

September 23-25 Hassmer Fest, 

Versailles State Park - Mountain Bike Festival 

September 24-25 Batesville Kiwanis 

Apple Festival, Batesville 

September 24 - October 30 (Sat. & Sun. Only) 

Vogt Farm Pumpkin Festival, Batesville 

September 30 - October 1 

Ertel Cellars Wine Festival, 

Batesville 

October 1 Annual Fiesta 

Hispana, Liberty Park - Batesville 

For more information: 

220 E US 50, Versailles, IN • 812-689-7431 

ripleycountytourism.com 

Facebook.com/RipleyCountyTourism/

There was a lot of work on the farm. I used to take corn, when it had been shelled, to the mill to 

be ground into corn meal. I had to go four miles and I would have to start early to get home in time for 

dinner. Whoever came first got his corn ground first. When we got to raising wheat I would take it on 


the horse to the mill, one sack in front and one in the back of me. 

The following is an excerpt 

of a book written in 1930 by 

a lifetime resident of Ripley 

County, Yorkville, and Manchester. 

The BEACON is 

honored to share a chapter of 

the book each month thanks to 

Mary Randell’s descendants. 

By Mary M. Greiner Randell 

Chapter 2- Pioneer Farming 

There was a lot of work on 

the farm. I used to take corn, 

when it had been shelled, to 

Author 

Mary Randell 

the mill to 

be ground 

into corn 

meal. I had 

to go four 

miles and I 

would have 

to start early 

to get home 

in time for 

dinner. Whoever 

came first got his corn 

ground first. When we got to 

raising wheat I would take it 

on the horse to the mill, one 

sack in front and one in the 

back of me. 

You may wonder how they 

threshed the wheat. The men 

put some boards down in 

the yard or in the barn and 

threshed the wheat with flails. 

A flail was a round piece of 

wood about a foot and a half 

long. It had a long handle like 

a hoe handle, then a leather 

strap or a slippery elm strip 

tied to this handle and a hole 

put through the little log. The 

log was about as big around 

as a pint cup. This made a 

threshing flail. This was used 

before we had threshing 

machines. The first threshing 

machines were run by horse 

power. 

One time my mother and I 

THE STORY OF MY LIFE Chapter Two 

You may wonder how they threshed the wheat. The 

men put some boards down in the yard or in the barn and 

threshed the wheat with flails. A flail was a round piece of 

wood about a foot and a half long. It had a long handle like a 

how handle, then a leather strap or a slippery elm strip tied to 

this handle and hole put through the little log. The log was 

about as big around as a pint cup. This made a threshing flail. 

This was used before we had threshing machines. The first 

threshing machines were run by horse power. 

went to the store with a basket 

full of eggs. I think it held 

a peck. When we got there, 

the man offered us five cents 

a dozen, so Mother told him 

she couldn’t take less than 

seven cents for them. Then he 

gave her seven cents. While 

we were there Mother bought 

a butter plate for five cents, 

and on that butter plate was a 

picture of an ox team hauling 

in hay. One man on the load 

and another driving them. 

Farming was slow in those 

days. Mother kept this plate 

until she was ninety years old, 

then she gave it to me and 

told me to keep it as long as 

she had. 

The hogs ran wild in those 

days. If anyone wanted one 

for meat he shot it with a gun, 

or if he had no gun he caught 

it with the dogs and killed it 

with a butcher knife. Then it 

was pulled home. The hogs 

lived on acorns and beech 

nuts. They had long noses, 

and how they could root up 

the ground- so much better 

than hogs nowadays with their 

short noses. 

Much time was spent by 

the men clearing the land. 

Now, I expect you who read 

this book will wonder what 

we did with the trees. Well, 

they were cut down and the 

limbs were cut off and piled 

up and burned so there would 

be room to saw the trees up 

into long logs and pile them 

together with ox teams. Then 

they were rolled on top of 

each other and burned. 

Loggers always had a good 

appetite. The men were fed 

eggs and bread and coffee 

which was made of rye 

browned and then ground or 

pounded in an iron dish. This 

was served with milk instead 

of cream. This was the dinner 

and it was taken into the 

woods. Eggs were cheaper 

then than meat and potatoes, 

and more plentiful, because 

there was not enough ground 

cleared off to raise enough 

potatoes to feed them and not 

enough corn to fatten swine. 

You may wonder what the 

chickens got to eat. They got 

their living out of the woods 

before it was cleared off. 

There were beech nuts and all 

kinds of bugs, but if we left 

the house we had to shut them 

up so the hawks and foxes 

wouldn’t get them while we 

were gone. 

One of the neighbors used 

to raise hops. When they were 

ready to be picked the neighbor’s 

children would be hired 

to pick them off the poles. 

The man that owned the hops 

would pull the poles out of 

the ground with the hops cut 

off next to the ground. They 

tacked sacks on a frame and 

would lay the poles as near 

to the frame as possible. The 

frame held a bushel of hops 

each and when one was full 

the men came and emptied 

it into sacks that held ten 

bushels each. Hops are very 

light in weight. We children 

got two cents a bushel and 

our dinner for working the 

whole day. 

I don’t think I have told you 

how they made torches. First 

they would cut a little hickory 

tree down. Then they would 

cut off pieces as long as your 

arm. They would split these 

real fine and dry them and tie 

them together with slippery 

elm bark at one end. The other 

end they would light. They 

carried a bucket with a little 

water in it so they wouldn’t 

set the woods on fire. 

By and by some man 

studied out a plan to make a 

lantern. He cut hickory strips 

and cut some grooves in them, 

fitted four little window lights 

into the grooves. Then he 

made hinges for the door out 

of little strips of leather. The 

handle was also made out of 

leather and the bottom was 

made of wood. There was a 

hole in the center for a candle 

and an air hole at the top with 

a piece of leather over it so 

the rain would not come in. 

This lantern was taken to 

the tinsmith and he made a 

lantern out of tin and put iron 

hinges on the doors. I think 

the man who made the lantern 

ought to have been paid for 

his invention, don’t you? 

When my mother and my 

father had enough ground 

cleared to raise wheat and 

corn and potatoes and a plot 

of garden vegetables, they 

began to raise flax. This was 

sown in the spring and when 

it got ripe it was threshed. 

Then it was put into water for 

about a week. When it was 

perfectly dry again it was 

placed on a wooden frame, 

or stand with a groove in it, 

where it was beaten until the 

stem or stalk was all gone 

leaving only the fiber. Then it 

was pulled through two wire 

brushes which left it soft and 

fine, ready to be spun. When 

my mother had it spun, she 

sent it to the weavers and 

had it made into towels, table 

cloths, or straw ticks (cases 

to be filled with straw, used 

instead of mattresses.) 

My parents bought a white 

sheep and a brown sheep. 

When these were sheared, 

One time my mother and I went to the store with a basket full of eggs. 

machines. 

I think it held a peck. 

When we got there, the man offered us five cents a dozen, so Mother told him she couldn’t take less 

than seven cents for them. Then he gave her seven cents. While we were there Mother bought a butter 

plate for five cents, and on that butter plate was a picture of an ox team hauling in hay. One man on the 

load and another driving them. Farming was slow in those days. Mother kept this plate until she was 

ninety years old, then she gave it to me and told me to keep it as long as she had. 

3 

A threshing flail used before 

the invention of threshing 

the burs were picked out of 

the fleece and the wool was 

washed. Then we children 

had to pull it apart and make 

it ready to be spun. Then 

Mother would mix the white 

wool with the black by twisting 

it on the spinning wheel. 

Now it was ready to be knit 

into stockings. She would sit 

up at night and knit stockings 

for the family. 

On our first farm we had an 

immense rock as large as the 

dining room table and when 

we moved to the house we 

children used to play on it. 

We found all kinds of Indian 

stones around it and I think 

they must have a regular 

camp there. It seemed that 

there had been a lot of pounding 

done on this rock. It was 

more like a boulder. Pa dug 

down six feet and didn’t get 

to the bottom of it. He always 

had to plow around it or plow 

over it. I have a stone now 

from there as nice as any 

in the National Museum in 

Washington. 

The hogs ran wild in those days. If anyone wanted one for meat he shot it with a gun, or if he 

had no gun he caught it with the dogs and killed it with a butcher knife. Then it was pulled home. The 

hogs lived on acorns and beech nuts. They had long noses, and how they could root up the ground- so 

much better than hogs nowadays with their short noses. 

Much time was spent by the men in clearing the land. Now, I expect you who read this book will 

wonder what we did with the trees. Well, they were cut down and the limbs cut off and piled up and 

burned so there would be room to saw the trees up into long logs and pile them together with ox teams. 

Then they were rolled on top of each other and burned. 

Loggers always had a good appetite. The men were fed eggs and bread and coffee which was 

made of rye browned and then ground or pounded in an iron dish. This was served with milk instead of 

cream. This was the dinner and it was taken into the woods. Eggs were cheaper then than meat and 

potatoes, and more plentiful, because there was not enough ground cleared off to raise enough 

potatoes to feed them and not enough corn to fatten swine. You may wonder what the chickens got to 

eat. They got their living out of the woods before it was cleared off. There were beech nuts and all 

kinds of bugs, but if we left the house we had to shut them up so the hawks and foxes wouldn’t get 

them while we were gone. 

Look for more chapters 

of The Story of My Life in 

the upcoming edition of The 

BEACON. 

A HANDS-ON CAREER 

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CLIFTON CAMPUS: 3520 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45223 



By 

Doris 

Butt 

Community 

Correspondent 

goodolddays@goBEACONnews.com 

My Life: Growing 

Up on the Homestead 

Not everyone is as privileged 

as I am. I still live on 

the farmstead where I came 

as a toddler. Here I only need 

a quiet moment to see myself 

as a happy child playing about 

the yard and buildings. Many 

yearn to return to their childhood 

home, mine surrounds 

me. 

My earliest memory is sitting 

on a rock in front of the 

barn and playing with a makebelieve 

miniature village with 

houses made of mower teeth 

and stick soldiers. I remember 

I had a make-believe playmate 

named Mert that battled in 

war games with me. I often 

pleaded with my parents to 

buy me a cap gun like my 

neighbor friends had to shoot 

the enemies. It never happened. 

World War II had a 

definite influence on my childhood 

games. 

I was about the same age 

when something special happened 

once a year. No child 

who has lived the experience 

of seeing and hearing that giant 

threshing machine pulled 

by a puffing steam engine will 

ever forget it. The harmonious 

sounds of the chugging thresher 

and snorting engine are still 

very much in my memories. I 

can still see the neighbor men 

arriving with their teams and 

wagons. The ladies helped my 

Mother cook a special dinner 

that would-although never a 

spoken word said so-out do 

all other meals served. I can 

smell the worker’s sweat, and 

see them washing their faces 

in the pan on a bench and 

drying with feed sack cloth 

towels. A crew of men carried 

bags of wheat into the granary 

and up the stairs. I would sit 

in the bin and they would pore 

the grain over me. I liked that. 

It was a wonderful day. 

I have only to enter the barn 

to see my mother milking 

the cows while Dad did other 

chores. I can see the horses, 

Fannie and Barney. I remember 

slipping them ears of corn 

and enjoying their chomping 

noises as they ate. Their 

noses felt so soft. Later there 

was another team, Sam and 

Bob. They were sold when 

they were of no more use. My 

father did not ask what would 

become of them. 

I hear the business of the 

barn: the squeak of the hay 

wagon and hollow sound of 

horses’ hoofs as they walk 

across the wooden floor, the 

creak of that loaded hay fork 

as it struggles along the track 

of the barn, and the rattle of 

impatient horses shaking their 

harness. I hear the sound of 

machinery: the slap of the 

drive belt as it powers the feed 

grinder, the pulsations of the 

tractor as each grain bundle is 

received into that noisy thresher 

or the corn shredder. I can 

hear the talk of horses, bellowing 

bulls, mooing cows crying 

for weaned calves, cats with 

kittens, and chickens clucking 

in nests in the hay. I definitely 

will not forget the hissing of 

geese as they chased me. They 

are sounds so alive and gratifying 

to my ears. 

One of my jobs as a child 

was pulling the hay rope back. 

Of all the jobs my parents did 

I remember harvesting hay 

the most. My dad pitched hay 

to my mother who arranged 

it on the wagon. Later in the 

barn, she ran the hayfork 

while my father worked in the 

mow. ...The tractor driven by 

A chicken scratching in the yard at the farm. 

my sister pulled the rope that 

pulled the fork with the hay 

into the loft. I pulled it back. 

It always seemed to be a very 

hot day. 

Many of the chores I could 

not do because of a health condition. 

When I got old enough 

I cooked dinner while my parents 

worked in the fields. For 

some reason, I especially remember 

cooking corn. Homegrown 

corn from the freezer is 

still a favorite of mine. 

I have many special little 

memories. My father had a 

special way of keeping the 

From A Dog’s Point of View 

By Alfred and Tammy Turner 

Times are hard for everyone 

right now. Boy, I tell you I 

can remember back when I 

was a pup, people didn’t put 

out their animals just because 

they were getting old or had 

medical issues. These days, 

those seem to be all who are 

coming into the shelter. This 

even happened to me. I can 

remember having a home and 

being loved and taken care of. 

The next thing you know I’m 

out on the streets, and someone 

brought me here to Paws. 

Don’t get me wrong, they take 

good care of me. They even 

took me to the vet and found 

out that I was anemic. The 

Doc put me on some meds 

and even neutered me. I am 

doing better now and waiting 

to find a new family. 

I’m sorry, I forgot to introduce 

myself. My name is 

Alfred, and I am a ten-yearold 

lab mix. 

I am a debonair gentleman, 

with a little greying around 

my muzzle and head, but 

they tell me I am still quite 

the catch. Over half of the 

animals here at the shelter are 

considered seniors or have 

come in with special needs. 

This month alone, we have 

had two special surgeries on 

dogs, two special surgeries 

on cats, and three dentals on 

senior dogs. 

I just don’t understand 

people. Animals are supposed 

to be a part of your family. 

Everyone is going to grow 

old, and to think that you may 

have to spend the rest of your 

life alone is terrifying. We 

would never think of leaving 

you because you mean everything 

to us. 

Take care of your family 

members. Make sure they 

get plenty of exercise, go for 

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grass mowed. He would tie 

a calf in the yard. For years 

afterward the lawn had special 

little patches where the grass 

grew especially high... I can 

remember playing in the haymow 

and on the straw stack. I 

can remember my father helping 

me learn to ride a bike. 

I can say in all honestly I do 

not have one unpleasant memory 

from my youth. God gave 

me a very positive outlook on 

life and good parents. And a 

very special place to grow into 

adulthood. I say thank you to 

him with every memory. 

walks, 

play ball, 

or just 

spend time 

with them. 

Keep up 

on the 

vaccines, 

spay and 

neuter, and Alfred 

microchip. 

Make sure they are getting 

good nutrition and healthy 

snacks. 

Take care of their grooming 

needs, and do regular checks 

on ears and teeth to make sure 

they don’t have problems. 

Make sure they are getting 

preventatives for fleas and 

ticks. 

Consider adopting a senior, 

like me perhaps. If you can’t 

adopt, check with the shelter 

about fostering. If you can’t 

foster, consider volunteering. 

You can come in and walk 

dogs or do transports (to Florence 

or Covington, KY). 

If you can’t volunteer, then 

donate. We use donations 

to help people who may be 

having a tough time and need 

help with food so they can 

keep their animals. 

Anything you do will be 

very much appreciated. 

So please, keep your family 

members with you. They 

don’t have as much time as 

you, but all they want is to 

spend that short time with 

you. 

Take care, 

Alfred 

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debbystutz.thebeacon@yahoo.com 

September 2022 THE BEACON Page 1B 

S 

BEACON 

PORTS 

SCENE 

By 

Chris Jack 

Nobbe 

Zoller 

beaconsports 

@live.com 

sports@goBEACONnews.com 

Summertime 5Ks 

Are Always Popular 

The fun of 5K races is something 

that many find enjoyable. 

Summertime is a time when 

you can find a race to patronize 

nearly every weekend. 

Most races go toward some 

benefit or scholarship while 

the SIRC-it By (Southeastern 

Indiana Running Maxine Circuit) goes 

largely toward Klumpfunding school 

cross country programs. 

Many of Community the runners and 

walkers in 

Correspondent 

these races from 

week to week are familiar 

maxineklump.thebeacon@yahoo.com 

with one another. Most know 

they do not come to win but 

to support a good cause and 

enjoy a community of runners 

and walkers who are always 

warm and welcoming no matter 

the age or ability. 

Several races have taken 

place for a variety of causes. 

The Dillsboro Homecoming 

5K took place with 148 runners 

and 45 walkers. The top male 

 

 

 

runner was 16-year old Ayden 

Potts of Dillsboro with a time 

of 18:29 while the top female 

runner was 50-year old Kim 

Johnston from College Corner, 

OH, who ran it in 21:21. The 

top walkers in this large group 

were Kelly Moore of Milford, 

Ohio, in 34:04 and Jim Mc- 

Gruder of West Chester, OH, 

was the top male in 34:47 

moving quickly for 74 years. 

The Denny Carrigan Memorial 

Scholarship 5K for Education 

took place in Rising 

Sun. Young Ayden Potts came 

away with another overall 

win out of 94 runners with a 

time of 18:54. The top female 

was 18-year old Mya Bross 

of Cleves, OH, who ran the 

course in 22:40. This race also 

had 45 walkers with 65-year 

old Dan Leach of Bedford 

coming in first with a time of 

35:04 and Ginger Peters of 

Osgood the top female in a 

time of 38:14. 

June featured The Lauren’s 

Burg Hill races in memory 

of Lauren Hill and cancer 

research. The 5K was won by 

Luke Schafer of Harrison. The 

28-year old finished the course 

in 16:37. The top female was 

17-year old Erin MacDonald 

of Hamilton, OH, in a time of 

21:31 out of 77 total runners. 

The walk had 39 participants 

with 43-year old Dawn Bittner 

of Cleves winning in 34:30 

while Jim McGruder was again 

 

 

Runners from Batesville and Oldenburg competed in the 

Knight Flight 5K. Charlotte Trossman, Megan Allgeier, Abe 

Trossman, Kaylie Raver, Shanna Smith, Levi Essick, Isaac 

Trossman, and Jake Chapman. (Photo courtesy of Malena 

Smith) 

first for the men in 35:36. 

This race also features a 

5-mile hill climb up Bielby 

Road and back down the hill 

of Indiana 48. All of these 

races also finish on the 22- 

yard line of the football field 

to honor the number Lauren 

Hill wore in basketball. St. 

Lawrence Catholic School 

teacher and cross country 

coach Bryan Wagner won this 

race in 28:57 with 17-year 

old Lanie Nicholson second 

overall and first for the ladies 

in 34:28 out of 47 who took 

on this long uphill run. 

The annual Greendale 4th 

of July 5K was in support of 

Voices of Indiana. It brought 

out 195 runners this year. 

Finishing first was the 38-year 

old Wagner in a time of 16:47. 

The top female was again 

Nicholson of Versailles in a 

time of 19:50. The walkers 

were led by Ginger Peters 

again with a time of 38:16 

with 70-year old Tom Widener 

of Lawrenceburg as the top 

male finisher in 39:00. The 

race had 63 walkers this year. 

Next brought the Trojan 

Trot to benefit East Central 

Cross Country. With 85 runners 

to St. Leon on July 9, 15- 

year old Jake Chapman took 

the title for the males in 17:41 

with Nicholson again coming 

in first for the ladies in 

19:10. Ten walkers competed 

Curt Eckstein crosses the 

finish at the St. Martin’s 5K 

Country Run (Photo courtesy 

of Rachel Mersmann) 

ECMS Cross Country 

coach Jeff Mersmann and 

son Owen. (Photo: Jeff 

Mersmann) 

with Gary Exaver of Sardinia, 

Ohio edging out Ginger Peters 

36:40 and 36:41, respectively. 

The Knight Flight to support 

South Dearborn CC had 

92 runners. Brayden Ryan 

of Miamitown, OH, came 

in first for the men in 18:05 

and Nicholson again led the 

women in 19:22. Exaver and 

Peters again were tops in the 

walk, but it was not as close 

this week with Exaver in 

36:43 and Peters at 37:30. 

The other race this day 

was held to support Oldenburg 

Academy CC as part of 

Freudenfest in Oldenburg. 

The Twister Lauf 5K drew 44 

runners for the hills of Oldenburg. 

Curtis Eckstein, after 

just finishing his Purdue collegiate 

career, enjoyed a run at 

home to win the race in 15:33, 

over four minutes ahead of 

second. Deanna Raver was the 

top female in a time of 22:45. 

July 23 brought the Lakeside 

5K as part of the SIRC-it 

in Brookville. Kyle Stanley, 

18, of Falmouth, IN, came 

away with the fastest time of 

17:30 while Miss Nicholson, 

once again, would take the 

women’s race in 19:53 to 

continue her dominance in the 

SIRC-it races this summer. 

Perhaps the oldest road race 

in southeastern Indiana, the 

42nd St. Martin’s 5K Country 

Run, brought out 103 runners 

to race down the gently 

rolling hills of Yorkridge 

Road. Curtis Eckstein would 

again show his prowess with 

an impressive time of 14:58. 

However, this time was nowhere 

close to his 13:51.33 

he set as his personal best this 

past spring on the track for the 

Boilermakers. Annabelle Mc- 

Donald, a 17-year old from 

Lawrenceburg, was the top 

female with a time of 20:17. 

Hopefully, all the runners then 

stopped by the St. Martin’s 

Festival and had a chicken 

dinner, another hallmark of 

our southeastern Indiana communities. 

LAWRENCEBURG FALL MUSIC FEST 

Lawrenceburg Summer Event Series presented by 

DEF LEGGEND 

GRANGER SMITH 

FEATURING EARL DIBBLES JR. 

DIRTY DEEDS 

“Getting Back To Basics” 

WADE & MURPHY BAND 

SEPT. 23 & 24 

LAWRENCEBURG CIVIC PARK 

Neon Circus 

Brooks & Dunn Tribute Band 

FIVE LIGHTS with JESSIE STRASSEL 

RACHEL HOLT 

FRIDAY - SEPTEMBER 23 

5-11:00pm 

6-6:50pm 

7:00pm 

7:15-8:45pm 

9-10:30pm 

SATURDAY - SEPTEMBER 24 

Beer Garden & Food Trucks Open 

10am-12pm Car Show Registration at City Hall 

Wade & Murphy Band 

2:00pm Mayor’s Welcome and Highlights 

Mayor’s Welcome & Updates 

2:15pm Star Spangled Banner/National Anthem 

Dirty Deeds - AC/DC Tribute Band 

2:30pm PG Gentrup - Veterans Awards 

Def Leggend - Def Leppard Tribute Band 

3:30pm Car Show Awards at City Hall 

2-11pm Beer Garden & Food Trucks Open 

5-5:50pm Rachel Holt 

6-6:50pm Five Lights with Jessie Strassel 

6:50-7:10pm Mayor’s Welcome and Citizen of the Year 

7:15-8:45pm Neon Circus - Brooks & Dunn Tribute Band 

9-10:30pm GRANGER SMITH FEATURING EARL DIBBLES JR. 

FOOD TRUCKS • BEER GARDEN • JUMBOTRONS 

NO CARRY-IN ALCOHOL • NO COOLERS • NO PETS 

www.THINKLAWRENCEBURG.com 


Page 2B THE BEACON September 2022 

BRIGHT/ 

SUGAR RIDGE 

By 

Bob 

Waples 

Community 

Correspondent 

bright@goBEACONnews.com 

A big welcome to Mr. 

Michael Collier and his 

family. Mr. Collier is the 

new principal of Bright 

Elementary School. I spoke 

with Mr. Collier briefly 

and he is looking forward 

to the school year and his 

new position. Mr. Collier is 

a former teacher from the 

Indianapolis area. Joining 

Michael is his wife Sarah, 

a registered nurse, and their 

three-year-old son, Andrew. 

Please join me in a BIG 

Bright welcome to Michael, 

Sarah, and Andrew. 

Another welcome to the 

new minister of Dearborn 

Hills Methodist Church… 

Mr. Bob Land. Welcome to 

our community. 

The Bright Christian 

Church had an Independence 

Day celebration with all kinds 

of foods and a chili cookoff, 

games, and activities. 

Thank you for the awesome 

fireworks show that celebrated 

O 

ur 

North Dearborn Pantry 

volunteers Diane, Renee, 

and Terri. 

our independence and 

concluded the evening. 

The Bright Lions new 

officers for the coming year 

are President- Diane Bender, 

Secretary- Tina Hallas, and 

Treasurer- Art Little. The 

Lions are always looking for 

new members to help with 

our community services, 

primarily loaning health care 

equipment to those in need. 

Consider joining. 

Diane and Greg Deck 

recently returned from a 

dream vacation. They took 

an eight-day cruise on the 

Rhine River beginning in 

Amsterdam, the Netherlands 

stopping in Kinderdijk, 

Netherlands, and then on 

to Cologne, Koblenz, and 

Speyer, Germany. The next 

stop was Strasbourg, France, 

and then ending in Basel, 

Switzerland. Greg and Diane 

Communities 

Liam Reade (Photo courtesy 

of Eoughan Reade) 

are friends and volunteer with 

me at our Pantry. Welcome 

home, and what an adventure 

of a lifetime. 

Speaking of our Pantry, a 

big shout out and thank you 

to all that volunteer at North 

Dearborn Pantry. What an 

amazing, hard-working, and 

dedicated group of volunteers. 

Pictured are just a few… 

We have all heard the 

thought that we should 

have taken the time to do 

something when we were 

young rather than waiting 

until we retire. Liam Reade 

YORKVILLE 

& GUILFORD 

By 

Laura 

Keller 

Community 

Correspondent 

yorkville@goBEACONnews.com 

Before 2020, young men 

of All Saints Parish had the 

opportunity to travel to the 

Holy Land. Through generous 

donations, former altar servers 

who recently graduated from 

high school were given this 

once-in-a-lifetime opportunity 

to travel abroad. This year the 

annual trip commenced after 

COVID-19, but the destination 

has been changed. Nine 

young men traveled to Fraser, 

took that sentiment to heart 

in a big way. The son of 

Eoghan and Lauren Reade, 

Liam shares the love of golf 

with his father. He received 

his first set of clubs at the 

age of four. Fast forward a 

mere four years and Liam 

is playing golf in the Irish 

Open in Tullow, Ireland! 

Over one hundred twenty 

young golfers from twentytwo 

countries participated. 

Liam finished seventh in his 

age group, setting the best 

two-tournament rounds of his 

young career. 

According to Liam’s father 

Eoghan, “The Irish Open was 

of particular interest to Liam, 

with me being originally 

from Ireland. Liam dreams of 

someday representing Ireland 

in the Olympics (He holds 

dual citizenship).” 

Proud grandparents Dan 

and Tonyia Cormican and 

great-grandparents Ray and 

Ruth-Ann Schlemmer are 

lifelong residents of Bright. 

Who knows- perhaps 

Liam’s sister Caitriona will 

carry on the family tradition. 

Now at age three, she has a 

few years to catch up! 

Congratulations Liam! 

We look forward to seeing 

where your talents take 

you. Upcoming September 

birthdays: Peggy Waltz (3), 

Randy Neville (4), Jimmy 

CO, to help them become 

closer to each other and God. 

Because the trip did not occur 

in 2020 or 2021, young men 

who graduated then were also 

invited to attend. Nick Weber, 

Luke Geraci, Sam Kirchgassner, 

Luke Hornbach, Griffin 

Werner, Matthew Graf, 

Reid Cleary, Paul Weckenbrock, 

and Father Jonathan 

Meyer made the five-day trek. 

Celebrating lives 

of the ones you love. 

(812) 576-4301 • 25615 STATE RT 1 • DOVER, IN 

O’Hagan (6), my brother Bill 

Waples (9), Shelly Clark 

Drew (10), Bonnie Anderson 

(16), Craig Linter (17), 

Brian Moser (18), Steven 

Duning (18), Rick Miller 

(22), Pam Johnson (22), 

nephew-in-law CJ Haney 

(22), Sandy Milton (28), 

John Blasdel, Jr (30) 

Wishing all of our area 

students a great school year. 

Crazy world we are living 

in right now so in closing, 

remember….The happiest 

people don’t necessarily have 

the best of everything…. 

they just make the best of 

everything. Have a great 

month. 

HIDDEN 

VALLEY LAKE 

By 

Korry 

Johnson 

Community 

Correspondent 

hvl@goBEACONnews.com 

We all miss Korry! Have 

no fear, she will be back next 

month sharing insights and 

fun from Hidden Valley Lake. 

If you have news that you 

would like to share, email 

Korry at hvl@goBEACON 

news.com 

Griffin Werner, Trey Werner, Matthew Graf, Sam Kirchgassner, 

Reid Cleary, and Luke Hornbach on their trip to Fraser, 

Colorado. (Photo courtesy of Father Jonathan Meyer) 

NICOLE WUESTEFELD 

WWW.ANDRES-WUESTEFELD.COM 

Hiking, 

praying, 

attending 

daily 

Mass, and 

playing 

basketball 

and spike 

ball were 

part of 

their daily 

routine. 

Siblings Cassie Callahan 

Cassie (Photo courtesy of 

Callahan 

and 

Teresa Callahan) 

Danny Callahan proudly 

showed their animals at the 

annual 4-H Community Fair. 

Cassie won grand champion 

meat pen rabbits and earned 

rate of gain for her market. 

Danny won rate of gain for 

his market lamb. 

If you have news in Yorkville/Guilford 

you’d like me 

to share, please contact me at 

yorkville@goBEACONnews. 

com. 

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Bright 

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ST. LEON 

By 

Debbie A. 

Zimmer 

Community 

Correspondent 

stleon@goBEACONnews.com 

O 

ur 

The St. Leon Volunteer Fire 

Department wants to give a 

big THANK YOU to everyone 

who helped with their 

recent firemen’s festival. They 

would not be able to have a 

successful event without the 

help of our community members 

who give so willingly of 

their time to help. 

Nettie Andres would like 

to thank everyone who sent a 

birthday card on the occasion 

of her ninety-second birthday. 

She enjoyed receiving them. 

Voiture 612 of the 40 et 8 

recently held their Nurses 

Training Scholarship Program 

at the St. Joseph American 

Legion Post 464 in St. Leon. 

Receiving the Joann Niemeyer 

Scholarship was Jenna 

Martini. The Ernie and 

Vera Glaub Scholarship was 

presented to Blake Gindling. 

The 40 et 8 hosts a golf outing 

held in the spring and fall to 

raise money for additional 

scholarships for nursing students. 

Receiving these scholarships 

were Jessica Sterwerf, 

Lillian Palmer, Emma 

Meyer, Maddelyn Duvall, 

Raychel Hensley, Michaela 

Ferman, Josh Bessler, Maria 

Deddens, Kailyn Lobenstein, 

and Maycey Lewis. 

Congratulations and good 

luck to all of these students. 

The Kunkel Family Reunion 

was 

recently held 

in Brookville. 

The enjoyable 

afternoon 

was spent with 

cousins from all 

over the tri-state 

area. Joining the 

festivities was 

Viola Stenger 

from Cincinnati, 

OH. She turned 

ninety-eight 

on July 6 and 

looks great. She 

is the widow 

of Sylvester 

Stenger who 

grew up in St. 

Leon and was one of my dad’s 

best friends. 

September Birthdays– 1 

Jake Hoog, 2 Betty Fischer 

and Art Hoog, 3 Lester 

Hornberger, 4 Lucy Klenke 

and Father Jonathan Meyer, 

5 my niece Angie Speckman 

and Michelle Simon, 6 

Landon Wilhelm, my 

nephew Jesse Zimmer who 

resides in Albuquerque, NM, 

7 Scott Becker and Krista 

Ferry-Wilber, 8 Dave Kuhn, 

10 Jessica Wilgenbusch and 

Julie Wilhelm, 11 Shelby 

Dole and Caleb Fischer, 12 

my youngest daughter Krista 

Inman, 13 Lucy Herth 

and Katelyn Whitaker, 15 

Avery Bittner, Ernie Hoog, 

and Ray Hoog, 16 Matthew 

Schuman, Renee Kamos, 

and my niece Kaitlyn Pelsor, 

17 Barb Wuestefeld 

and Marlene Hoog, 18 Ellen 

Bulach, my niece Sara Fox, 

Steve Gramman and Dianne 

Kuhn, 19 Betty Fischer, 

Amy Fox Miller, 20 David 

Communities 

Siblings Viola Stenger, Marilyn “Mitzi” 

Ziegler and Charles Kunkel at the Kunkel 

Family Reunion. 

Alig, 21 Brad Dawson, 

Josie Wolf, Brooke Leonard, 

Roger Fox Jr., and 

my “other daughter” Linda 

Dole, 22 Beth Stenger and 

Megan Franks, 23 Clint 

Hon and Sherri Sterwerf, 

24 my sister-in-law Beverly 

McQueen, and Jon Hartman, 

26 my nephew Randy 

Kramer and Ashley Gaynor, 

27 Lois Harris and John 

Harris, 28 Irene Ober, Barb 

Ruwe, my brother-in-law 

Curt McQueen, 29 Drew 

Maune, Gloria Hoog, Ryan 

Callahan, Luke Vogelsang, 

and Addison Cleary, 30 Rob 

Herth. 

Happy anniversary wishes 

to Shari and Jeff Sterwerf on 

3, Karen and Jim Maune on 

3, Kim and Jerry Callahan 

on 12, Jon and Ginger Evans 

on 22, and on 27 my sister-inlaw 

and brother-in-law Beverly 

and Curtis McQueen. 

Get in touch with me with 

any news items for the column 

at stleon@goBEACON 

news.com 

Model T automobiles visited our own At The Barn Winery 

in Logan. 

LOGAN 

By 

Susan 

Carson 

Community 

Correspondent 

logan@goBEACONnews.com 

On July 20, Logan had visitors 

from all over the country. 

Model T Ford cars built 

between 1909 and 1927 were 

part of The sixty-fifth Annual 

Model T Ford Club International 

Tour. Many of them 

made a stop at At the Barn 

Winery. License plates could 

be seen from Colorado, Pennsylvania, 

Georgia, and many 

more. Based out of Hamilton, 

Ohio for this week-long event, 

these Model T enthusiasts 

Drivers enjoyed delicious 

ice cream at the local gas 

station during their hot tour 

of Logan. 

venture onto the back roads as 

they visit destinations within a 

one-hundred-mile radius each 

day. Among some of the destinations 

are Richmond, Indiana 

to see the Model T Museum, 

Laurel Dam near Metamora, 

and Oldenburg, Indiana. 

Dearborn County Visitors Center 

#theplace2play 

Visit Southeast Indiana 

September 2022 

JANUARY 2017 

September 3, 7, 10, 14, 21, 28 – 

Archaeological Research Institute 

- Field & Tours - May - October. Lab year 

round. Wednesdays & Saturdays - 10am, 

11am, 2pm, 3pm - Guided Site Tours, 

Augmented Reality Tours, River of Time 

Trails. Tickets at www.exploreari.org or 

call 812-290-2966. 

September 3, 17, 24 – At The Barn 

Winery - Party On the Patio - Grab 

a friend and a yard chair and enjoy 

live music (regional artists) and award 

winning wines. Free tastings. Info: www. 

atthebarnwinery.com. 

September 3, 17, 24 – Farmers Market 

- Lawrenceburg, IN - 9am - 1pm. Info: 

www.downtownlawrenceburg.com. 

September 3 – Holtkamp Wine & 

Fireworks Festival - 3 - 11pm. 

www.holtkampwinery.com 

September 3 – Lawrenceburg 

Speedway - Kelsey Chevrolet Sprints, KOI 

Auto Parts Modifieds, Impact Sports Pure 

Stocks, Bessler’s U Pull & Save Hornets. 

Info: www.lawrenceburgspeedway.com/ 

event-calendar 

September 4 – Tri-State Antique 

Market - Indiana’s largest monthly 

antique and vintage only market. Located 

at Lawrenceburg Fair Grounds on US 50. 

6am - 3pm. Info: 513-702-2680 or www. 

lawrenceburgantiqueshow.com. 

September 7 – River City Classics 

Cruise In - 200 Block of 2nd Street in 

Aurora, IN from 5:30 - 8:30pm. 

www.aurora.in.us 

September 8-10 – The Greenbriar 

Shop Anniversary Sale - 10am - 6pm. 

Location 19374 Collier Ridge Road. 

Celebrating 11 years with 10% off most 

products. Info: 812-487-8008. 

September 9 – Holtkamp Winery - 

Cystic Fibrosis Fundraiser - $15 Entry for 

18 & over - includes live music with Biggin’ 

and the Sour Belly Trio - 6:30 - 10pm. 


September 9, 16, 30 – Lawrenceburg 

Motorcycle Speedway - 

Friday Night Racing. www. 

lawrenceburgmotorcyclespeedway.net/. 

September 9 – Pink Ladies Wine Walk 

- Downtown Lawrenceburg. Info: www. 

downtownlawrenceburg.com 

September 10, 17 – Art Exhibition: 

Outsider Art - 10a-2p. Exhibition of artists 

who work with non-traditional media. 

Dillsboro Arts Friendship Gallery, 12926 

Bank Street, Dillsboro, IN. Info: 812-907- 

0504 or www.facebook.com/dillsboroarts. 

September 11 – Arts and Crafts in 

the Park - 50th Anniversary - 9AM- 

4PM. Corner of US 50 & Park Street, 

Lawrenceburg. Phi Beta Psi, Tau 

chapter continues a tradition of quality, 

handmade craft items, including 

jewelry, soaps, candles, home decor 

and more. Info: 812-584-6982 or 

artscraftsnewtownpark@gmail.com. 

September 11 – Paint Parties at the 

Guild with The Painted Cicada - Artist 

Tara Lynn Pugh. 4-6pm. $25 Class Fee. 

RSVP Required at www.paintedcicada. 

com/classes/ols/categories/siag. Location 

is 302 2nd Street, Aurora, IN. 

September 15 – Main Street Aurora 

Business District Architectural 

Walking Tour - 6:30pm start at 231 Main 

Street. Info: www.aurora.in.us. 

September 17 – Hillforest - Puttin on 

the Glitz - 6pm. 215 Bridgeway Street, 

Aurora, IN. Celebrate an elegant evening 

set in the “Roaring 20’s” with dinner, 

dancing and more. Reservations required. 

Cost $55 members, $60 non-members. 

Info: www.hillforest.org. 

September 17 – Holtkamp Winery 

- Music by Dan Gutapfel. 7pm - 10pm. 


September 17 – Lawrenceburg 

Speedway - Night of Champions/ 

Final Points Race - Kelsey Chevrolet 

Sprints, KOI Auto Parts Modifieds, 

Impact Sports Pure Stocks, Bessler’s 

U Pull & Save Hornets. Info: www. 

lawrenceburgspeedway.com/eventcalendar 

September 23 & 24 – Lawrenceburg 

Fall Music Fest - Lawrenceburg Civic 

Center. Info: www.thinklawrenceburg.com 

September 23-25 – PAWS Fall 

Rummage Sale - Agner Hall, 

Lawrenceburg Fairgrounds. All proceeds 

benefit Dearborn County’s homeless 

animals. Info: 513-910-2728 or www. 

pawsofdearborncounty.org. 

September 24 – Lineman’s Rodeo - 

Info: www.downtownlawrenceburg.com. 

September 28, 29, 30 & Oct 1 – 

Aurora Farmers Fair - One of Indiana’s 

oldest street festivals. Featuring free 

stage shows, huge street parade on 

Saturday morning, rides, games, food 

booths and exhibit building. Info: www. 

aurorafarmersfair.org or visit Aurora 

Farmers Fair . 

Dearborn County Convention, 

Visitor and Tourism Bureau 

320 Walnut St. • Lawrenceburg, Indiana 47025 

www.VisitSoutheastIndiana.com 



BATESVILLE 

By 

Sue 

Siefert 

Community 

Correspondent 

batesville@goBEACONnews.com 

The Indiana Regional Economic 

Acceleration and Development 

Initiative (READI) 

funding has been earmarked 

to support the continuation 

of the Ivy Tech Dual Credit 

and Dual Enrollment scholarship 

program, along with the 

construction of a new welding 

lab on-site at Batesville High 

School. 

The funds will help create 

a scholarship endowment 

and allow for the dual credit/ 

dual enrollment program to 

continue. With the support of 

the city, $500,000 has been 

awarded through READI 

funding, with the additional 

$500,000 to be secured by the 

Batesville Community School 

Corporation (BCSC). 

The BCSC provides families 

and students with significant 

savings in college/ 

certification tuition costs. In 

2022, eighty seniors earned 

a degree and/or certifications 

equalling over 2,892.5 credit 

hours through the dual credit/ 

dual enrollment partnership. 

This year, the Ivy Tech 

partnership has saved BCSC 

families over $890,890 in 

tuition costs. 

The demand for certified 

welders in southeastern Indiana 

is strong. Over fifty new 

positions for welders, cutters, 

solderers, and brazers are 

available annually throughout 

the region with almost two 

thousand new openings in the 

Jean Struewing 

O 

ur 

state. 

“The Batesville Redevelopment 

Commission is 

pleased to support Batesville 

Schools in their efforts to 

create a welding program for 

its students. One of the goals 

of the RDC is workforce 

development, and a welding 

program offered within Batesville 

High School will help 

fill a need for many of our 

local employers,” said Bill 

Narwold, City of Batesville 

Redevelopment Commission 

President. 

Ivy Tech Community College 

and Batesville Community 

School Corporation are 

working together to create a 

high school welding program. 

Upon completion, students 

will be prepared to meet the 

growing demand for these 

quality occupations, supporting 

regional businesses, and 

creating opportunities for the 

expansion of manufacturingrelated 

enterprises in the 

region. (From BCSC Press 

Release) 

As I reported last year, 

The Umbrella Sky Project 

started in 2011 in Águeda, 

Portugal, to attract people to 

local businesses. The concept 

drew inspiration from Mary 

Poppins in an effort to bring 

color to public spaces. After 

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER 

BRINGS TIME TO READ 

IT’S NOT HOARDING, IF IT’S BOOKS 

101 N Walnut, Batesville, IN | 812 934 5800 

Hours: Closed Sun-Mon Tues-Fri 11-5 

Sat 11-2 by chance, please call 

Over 250,000 used books on hand for trade or ½ Price 

Used books are now accepted in limited quantities 

Your Local Independent Booksellers since 1980 Chris & Ken Fairchild 

S T . A N T H O N Y O F P A D U A 

105 TH 

LABOR DAY 

FESTIVAL 

Raffles, Live Entertainment, 

Games for All Ages 

& Beer Garden 

Fried Chicken Dinners 

Half Chickens & Whole Chickens 

Carryout & Indoor / Outdoor Seating Available 

Grand Raffle: $5,000 

Runner-Up $500 

$100 Drawings every 1/2 hour. 

September, 5th 2022 | 11am to 6pm 

Follow us on Facebook for Updates 

Communities 

the original project went 

viral, Umbrella Sky Projects 

expanded from being in 

Europe to Japan and in 2021, 

Batesville was added as a 

host site. 

Locally, a new array of vibrant 

colors are featured in the 

return of the Umbrella Sky. 

Our community appreciates 

all the efforts in promoting 

the arts by providing opportunities 

for artistic education, 

expression, and enjoyment in 

Batesville and the surrounding 

area. Come check out 

Umbrella Sky in Batesville’s 

downtown Village Green! 

Batesville has lost a woman 

of vision … 

The community mourns 

the loss of Sylvia “Jean” 

Struewing, a wife, mother of 

six, grandmother of twelve, 

great-grandmother of four 

… and among other accomplishments, 

the founder of 

the Batesville Area Historical 

Society. Jean and her supportive 

husband, Ham, were 

passionate about preserving 

the beauty of this area. 

Jean authored a book about 

Batesville’s history and was 

honored as one of Batesville’s 

Volunteers of the Year. Jean 

passed in July – and through 

her efforts in establishing the 

Batesville Historical Center, 

her legacy shall live on. 

That’s Sue’s News for now! 

DOVER 

By 

Rhonda 

Trabel 

Community 

Correspondent 

dover@goBEACONnews.com 

St John’s Parish recently 

held a festival, part of All 

Saints Parish in Dover. Entertainment 

on Saturday night 

was provided by a local band 

that was put together back in 

2013 by Kent and Doug Hiltz. 

If you don’t already know they 

play a combination of country 

and rock. They are very thankful 

for their following over the 

past nine years. I always enjoy 

them but I am a little prejudiced 

since the lead singer is 

my nephew. Raffles and games 

were held on that evening, 

along with plenty of refreshments. 

The following Sunday, 

a delicious chicken dinner was 

held. The chicken fryers were 

trained only by the best, Katy 

Gaynor’s husband John and 

brother-in-law Jake Gaynor. 

John organizes the fryers for 

the festival with his brother 

Ron Gaynor of Dover. This 

group makes chicken dinners 

possible for this parish. These 

entrepreneurs are a dying 

breed. Hope the next generation 

takes notice and keeps the 

tradition going. 

SGT. Desarae Guillen 

BRATER - WINTER 

FUNERAL HOMES 

HARRISON 

By 

Amanda 

Kirchner 

Community 

Correspondent 

harrison@goBEACONnews.com 

When you visit The District 

in downtown Harrison you 

will see some great people 

hanging from the light posts! 

Each year Harrison honors 

our Harrison Hometown 

Heroes. These are our 

current military members 

and Veterans. We honor this 

deserving group by hanging 

banners up with their name, 

picture, and years of service. 

The banners stay up for 

twelve months and then a new 

group goes up to be honored. 

The military members that 

are chosen are nominated by 

family and friends. 

ABH3 Michelle Maess 

Regina Graichen 

The next time you visit The 

District area in downtown 

Harrison, please take time to 

check out these banners and 

help us celebrate our local 

Military Members. 

As the school year ramps 

up, don’t forget Picture Day 

on Aug. 24, 2022! I’m sure all 

of our students will have wide 

smiles on their faces and will 

take great photos. 

If you have news to share, 

email me at harrison@ 

goBEACONnew.com. 

Andy and Chris Bischoff, Doug Hiltz, Drummer Adam Cutter, 

and Bryce Mullins. 

Marlowe Trabel playing the 

Coin Toss game with Sarah 

Yunger. 

Festival games included the 

Basket Raffle, which entailed 

forty-five baskets of wonderful 

prizes for all ages. Fresh produce 

was for sale in the country 

store which was provided 

by parish members’ gardens. 

Despite the rain on Sunday, 

a steady crowd enjoyed the 

chicken. They sold out earlier 

than anticipated, so it must 

have been good because we 

got there too late to get ours. 

My advice for these dinners 

is to come early so you don’t 

miss out on the scrumptious 

Indiana chicken. The crowd 

stayed for games and raffles 

throughout the rain. Thank 

goodness for the tents! 

My granddaughter Marlowe 

Trabel played the Coin Toss 

Chicken fryers Sharon 

Bischoff of St Leon and 

Katy Gaynor of Dover. 

game with Sarah Yunger of 

All Saints Parish, instructing 

her on the rules of the game. 

Marlowe is the daughter of 

Brant and Stephanie Trabel 

of Fort Wright, KY. She did 

very well along with her sisters 

in convincing grandma that 

they needed more money to 

play those games. What else 

are Grandmas for? 

School is back in session. 

Hope everyone enjoys the 

summer, what’s left of it, and 

has a happy and healthy fall. 

If you have any Dover news 

you would like to share, email 

me at dover @goBEACON 

news.com. 

 

 

 

Cash Raffle Chicken Dinner Kids Games 

License # 002382 

4781 E Morris Church St, Morris, IN 812-934-6218 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



NEW ALSACE 

By 

Laura 

Keller 

Community 

Correspondent 

newalsace@goBEACONnews.com 

On June 25, Mark Schmidl 

was ordained as a deacon, 

an ordained minister in the 

Catholic church. While Mark’s 

journey to becoming a deacon 

was a five-year process, he 

felt called to serve as a deacon 

almost thirty years ago. Mark 

was involved in a ministry 

where he remembers thinking 

that he was destined to 

become a deacon someday. 

Mark will be assisting the 

four parishes in Dearborn 

County. As part of his ministry, 

he coordinates marriage 

OLDENBURG 

By 

Sue 

Siefert 

Community 

Correspondent 

oldenburg@goBEACONnews.com 

Congratulations to Annette 

Hunger! 

Oldenburg Academy’s 

Board of Trustees is pleased 

to announce the selection of 

Annette Hunger as the 

Annette Hunger 

school’s 

president. 

Mrs. Hunger, 

currently 

Dean 

of Enrollment 

Management 

and member 

of the 

administration 

team, has nineteen years 

of experience in Catholic high 

school education at Oldenburg 

Academy along with a deep 

commitment to Franciscan 

values. She will assume the 

presidency in August and 

succeed President Diane 

Laake who is retiring. 

“Annette is a dynamic 

leader and a thoughtful listener 

whose values and vision 

mirror those of Oldenburg 

Academy and the school’s 

sponsor, Sisters of St. Francis,” 

says Chair of the Board 

of Trustees Keith Moenter. 

“She believes that student 

learning and growth should be 

at the center of every decision 

and that instruction, learning 

experiences, and educational 

expectations should be 

academically, intellectually, 

and personally challenging. 

O 

ur 

formation and visits sick 

parishioners at St. Elizabeth 

Dearborn Hospital. Congratulations 

to Mark! 

The 2022 New Alsace men’s 

wooden bat league was back 

in full swing this year (pun 

intended). Ten teams battled 

to see who would claim the 

league champion title at the 

annual tournament held at the 

North Dearborn American 

Through vibrant classroom 

and community engagement, 

every student finds their voice 

and learns from the voices 

of others. These experiences 

change lives, and they prepare 

students to make a difference 

in ways that are profoundly 

needed. Annette believes a 

great high school education 

like Oldenburg Academy’s is 

more important than ever.” 

Mrs. Hunger, a Butler University 

graduate, is a lifelong 

resident of Decatur County 

and a member of St. Mary’s 

Church in Greensburg. She is 

married to her husband Gary 

and they have two adult children 

both of whom graduated 

from Oldenburg Academy. 

Mrs. Hunger commented, 

“Seeing first-hand the impact 

Oldenburg Academy has 

had on the lives of so many 

students and families has been 

a blessing and a point of pride 

for me for the past 19 years. 

I’m truly grateful and honored 

for this incredible opportunity 

to continue to serve alongside 

all the members of the OA 

family and enthusiastically 

look forward to engaging with 

all who share the passion, value, 

and vision of Oldenburg 

Academy today and beyond!” 

The Fest is “Back Home 

Again!” 

Communities 

Famous Friends players Chris Graf, Shaun Wert, Jesse 

Graf, Justin McAdams, Lee Pierson, Ben Foote, Keith Davis, 

Josh Hugentobler, Brett Hoffmeier, Kyle Nowlin, Davey 

Sanders, and TJ Rauch (Photo courtesy of Michael Graf). 

Legion. Famous Friends won 

the overall season and played 

the Loserville Chuggers in the 

championship game. Congratulations 

to Famous Friends as 

they also claimed the championship 

title. 

Even though school was 

out for the summer, more 

than twelve hundred children 

participated in Vacation Bible 

School at All Saints Parish- 

These young brothers have 

many years to build a tradition 

of enjoying Freudenfest 

together. 

“Back Home Again” was 

the theme of July’s Freudenfest 

complete with lyrics sung 

unique to the German village 

sung by Brian Harpring. 

Thousands of visitors made 

their way to the Burg to 

partake in “the biggest little 

German Festival in Indiana” 

after a two-year hiatus. From 

sauerkraut balls, to German 

beer and Dachshund races, 

to polka dancing, the Village 

people welcomed all to “German 

with them” under the 

spires. 

Just when you think they 

can’t improve on the Freud… 

just wait until next year! 

Das ist alles von der ’Burg! 

Loserville Chuggers players Michael Sprague, Sean Hale, 

Andrew Meiners, Michael Graf, Casey Gilmour, Josh 

Lewis, Nate Parrott, Danny Kleckner, Gabe Focke, 

Matthew Graf, Derek Allen, Bill Reatherford, and Troy 

Wagner. (Photo courtesy of Michael Graf). 

St. Paul campus. Each year 

a theme is selected, and this 

year’s was angels. Adult and 

youth volunteers helped create 

the games, crafts, music, and 

education to deepen children’s 

knowledge about their faith. 

The North Dearborn 

American Legion, Post 452 is 

hosting their monthly euchre 

tournament on Aug. 21, Sept. 

18, and Oct. 16. Doors open 

at noon and games begin at 

1 p.m. The entry fee is $5 

per person with cash payouts 

to the four highest scores. 

Refreshments are available for 

purchase. Call 812-623-3695 

for more information. 

I would love to hear from 

you! If you have news in the 

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Deacon Mark Schmidl with 

his wife Leah after his ordination 

(Photo courtesy of 

Mark Schmidl). 

New Alsace area you’d like 

me to share, please contact me 

at Newalsace@GoBEACON 

news.com. 

SHRED 

DAYS 

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Saturday, September 10 from 8 am to 11 am 

226 N. Meridian Street, Sunman IN 

FCN Bank Harrison - 

Saturday, September 17 from 8 am to 11 am 

590 Ring Road, Harrison OH 

2022 



AURORA 

By 

Margaret 

Drury 

Community 

Correspondent 

aurora@goBEACONnews.com 

We are in the throes of the 

Dog Days of summer and 

heading around the corner for 

fall. 

This summer has gone by in 

a flash, and our house is pretty 

quiet now. The grandsons 

who were with us for three 

weeks have gone back home 

to Vermont. Having them 

here was such a blessing. 

They not only helped around 

the house, but they were also 

a tremendous help at “Dine 

& Dive” (the summertime 

school kids lunch program) at 

the Pavilion in the City Park. 

They were volun”told,” to 

help make cotton candy and 

popcorn at “Light Up Aurora” 

(the Fireworks event held the 

Saturday before the Fourth of 

July). And they volunteered, 

not volun”told,” at the Clearing 

House for a day. So many 

activities with so many new 

memories, their time with us 

just FLEW by. Before they 

went back to Vermont, we 

had a play day at Kings Island 

O 

ur 

where they got to ride rollercoasters 

for the first time. 

What a thrill for them! As far 

as my husband and me, we 

rode the train and the antique 

cars… more our speed! 

Not only did the grandkids 

leave us, but our exchange 

daughter from Spain, Laura 

Castro, left our nest to head 

back home across the Atlantic. 

Although she was only with 

us for ten and a half months, 

it feels like she has been our 

daughter forever. Hosting an 

exchange student truly makes 

the world a smaller place. I 

highly recommend that you 

consider doing it. My husband 

and I have hosted students 

through two different organizations 

since 1989. All but 

one of the kids have come 

back to visit. We have been 

able to visit three of them in 

their home countries. Two 

of our boys have brought 

girlfriends to meet us before 

asking them for their hand in 

marriage. Some of them now 

have children. The organization 

through which we hosted 

was International Cultural 

Exchange Services (ICES). 

They provide such wonderful 

support for students and 

families alike. If you would 

like more information or are 

interested in possibly hosting 

a student this coming school 

Communities 

Elijah Myer, grandson of 

Mark and Maggie Drury, 

visiting from Vermont, 

helped exchange student, 

Laura Castro from Spain, 

at the Dearborn County 

Clearing House. 

year, please contact Michelle 

Jarvis at mickeymouse4_25@ 

hotmail.com. So many good 

families in Aurora befriended 

Laura and shared with her all 

of the good things happening 

in our community that hosting 

her was easy. More than 

once I heard her say, “I love 

Aurora!” 

Aurora has plenty of activities 

and ambiance that 

showcase our city. Some of 

the summertime events that 

have made Aurora so special 

include Light Up Aurora 

mentioned previously. And the 

monthly movies at the Lions 

Club are always a hit. July’s 

movie was Chevy Chase’s 

National Lampoon “Christmas 

Vacation,” supporting the 

theme of Christmas in July. 

July’s Cruise-In include Todd Walton 1971 GTO Judge, 

Ernie Hogsten 1967 GTO, and Terry Ingersoll 1948 Ford. 

Congratulations gentleman! (Photo by Bobby Mills) 

Our last Dine & Dive lunch 

before school starts had the 

theme of Christmas in July. I 

will have pictures next month 

of all of the festivities. The 

first Wednesday cruise-ins 

provide a lot of activity at the 

lower end of Second Street 

by Gabbard Park. We also 

have a new family Aquatic 

Center at the Aurora City Park 

that is simply magnificent! 

Our grandsons enjoyed the 

new slide at the pool. Every 

time I have gone by there this 

summer, except for one rainy 

day, the pool has been BUSY, 

BUSY, BUSY with swimmers 

as well as sunbathers. I am SO 

GLAD to see it being enjoyed 

by SO MANY! As a matter of 

fact, I think I might just become 

one of those right now… 

and take a cool dip myself! 

Until next month, stay cool, 

take care and God bless. 

Summer Santa (a.k.a. Ben 

Turner) shared a popsicle 

with Alia Petty at the July 

Lion’s Club movie Chevy 

Chase’s National Lampoon 

“Christmas Vacation.” 

(Photo courtesy of Main 

Street Aurora) 

DILLSBORO 

By 

Lorene 

Westmeier 

Community 

Correspondent 

dillsboro@goBEACONnews.com 

Our town was happy to 

have a ceremony honoring a 

Hometown citizen. The event 

was organized by Major (Ret) 

Rick Graver, also a native of 

Dillsboro, who was instrumental 

in honoring Lt. Col Anthony 

Gordon. Andy has retired 

from the military after serving 

over thirty-three years in the 

N O W 

A C C E P T I N G 

C O N S I G N M E N T S 

A N T I Q U E S • V I N T A G E 

C O L L E C T I O N S • M I L I T A R Y 

R E T R O • M O R E ! 

US Air Force. Andy is the son 

of Albert and Rosalie Gordon 

of Dillsboro, IN. He has five 

children and seven grandchildren. 

Andy graduated from 

South Dearborn High School 

and Purdue University. 

Lt. Col Gordon joined the 

Air Force in 1988 in San 

Antonio, TX. He flew over 

eighty missions during Desert 

Shield/Desert Storm. In 2018 

he was deployed to Afghanistan. 

His last deployment was 

2019-2020, as the director of 

operations for all the JTACs in 

Iraq/Syria/Kuwait. His decorations 

include The Defense 

Meritorious Service Medal and 

three Bronze Stars (one with 

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a V for Valor), Multiple Air 

Medals, Joint Achievement 

and Arial Achievement Medals 

and nineteen other medals and 

decorations. Andy officially 

retired from the ANG on Feb. 

1, 2022. 

We are proud and THANK 

Lt. Col. Gordon, Major Rick 

Graver, and all military members 

who are keeping us safe. 

The Summer Concert - Music 

on the Lawn, was a success 

in July. 

St. John’s Farmers Retreat 

held their Annual Vacation 

Bible School entitled “God’s 

Wonder Lab” “Jesus Does The 

Impossible.” Morning sessions 

were held with an average attendance 

of forty-five children 

per day. After Pastor Tucher 

taught the lesson, children 

would move to different activities 

including crafts, music, 

lessons, snack/recreation, and 

banner. 

Directors Gwen Tucher 

and Jane Ohlmansiek did a 

wonderful job leading all of 

MOORES HILL 

By 

Barbara 

Wetzler 

Community 

Correspondent 

Abe Strassell, Lukas Kincer, and Barrett House in Crafts. 

Lisa Kreimer, teacher, and Melissa Walston, helper, are 

working in crafts with Treyson Hughes, Silas Lunsford, 

and Weston McKittrick. 

Singing with one of their favorite leaders, Kate 

Ohlmansiek. 

the members who volunteered 

to make this week an awsome 

experience for these children. 

“To God be the Glory” Thanks 

to all of the parents, grandparents 

and friends for bringing 

your wonderful children to 

VBS. 

Cincinnati, Ohio 

513-451-1134 513-574-9518 

mooreshill@goBEACONnews.com 

Happy anniversary to Tom 

and Pam Hyatt Miles and to 

Glen and Donna Wright. 

Brenda Ochs is coordinating 

the Moores Hill Alumni 

dinner on Sept. 10, at Carnegie 

Hall of Moores Hill 

College. The Alumni dinner 

is for Moores Hill graduates 

from 1918 through 1978. 

Please contact Brenda Ochs 

if you are interested in attending. 

Tom and Pam Miles 

Happy September birthday 

to Linda Schwartz, Becca 

Lewis, Kim Mockbee, Vera 

Slayback, Kathy Courter, 


Glen and Donna Wright 

Janice Allen, Linda Rodriguez, 

Melody Stiles Minger, 

Adam McClanahan, and 

Willie Gardner.


LAWRENCEBURG 

By 

Debbie 

Acasio 

Community 

Correspondent 

O 

ur 

Communities 

lawrenceburg@goBEACONnews.com 

If you are a baby boomer 

like me, you remember the 

long, long (sometimes boring) 

summers that ended in September 

when you went back 

to school. The Sears catalog 

would arrive and you would 

circle the back-to-school fall 

fashions that you so hoped 

your parents would buy for 

you. 

Alas, those days are over! 

School started in Lawrenceburg 

in August, the public 

pools closed, and the kids go 

back to school in shorts. It 

leaves many of us yearning 

for summertime fun. 

It goes without saying the 

4H fair at the Lawrenceburg 

fairgrounds was hot, hot, hot! 

An extraordinary amount of 

work (by parents and kids 

alike) is needed to keep the 

animals cooled off. Congratulations 

to all who participated. 

One little cutie I know, Sophia 

Marie Lattire, received 

first place in the baby contest. 

Proud parents are Trevor 

and Anna Lattire. Maternal 

grandparents are Gary and 

Pam Folke. 

The Lawrenceburg Civic 

Sophia Marie Lattire, 

daughter of Anna and Trevor 

Lattire, 4H baby contest 

first place winner. 

Park has been an absolute 

flurry of activity. Music On 

the River has drawn crowds 

beyond compare with the split 

the pot going up to $2700 

some nights! The Beatles 

tribute band had many a baby 

boomer on their feet dancing 

to the song Twist and Shout. It 

is always fun to watch us old 

people dance. Movie nights 

on Tuesdays are a relaxing 

night out. The bike race was 

amazing. You could hear them 

Zoom by in the streets of 

downtown Lawrenceburg in 

the dark! 

It is with great sadness 

that we grieve the passing of 

Mary Catherine Dawson. 

Mary was a long-time resident 

of Lawrenceburg, avid bowler 

and secretary at Greendale 

School. She missed her ninetieth 

birthday by only a few 

Lisa Dawson with her mother 

Mary Catherine Dawson’s 

90th birthday cake. 

Charleigh Fox, daughter of 

Daniel and Lauren Fox with 

prize-winning decorated 

cake. 

days. Her celebration of life 

was celebrated with family, 

church family, and friends 

with a big ninetieth birthday 

cake for dessert. We will miss 

you, Mary Catherine! 

With summer slipping 

away, one of the last hurrahs 

will be Fall Fest in Lawrenceburg 

Civic Park on Aug. 

20. Come to enjoy bands, the 

beer garden, and food trucks. 

Graduation party shenanigans-Owen 

Schwier giving 

his sister Elise a piggy back 

ride with cousin Sophia 

Courtney hitching a ride. 

Rachel Acasio, Karissa 

Beal and Adrienne Haggis 

at Music on the River 

The South Eastern Indiana 

Musicians Association will induct 

members into the music 

hall of fame that night. The 

last Music on the River on 

Aug. 25 will feature an Eagles 

tribute band. There is always 

a big crowd for that so arrive 

early, eat downtown and get 

your seat! 

SUNMAN 

By 

Cheryl 

Taylor 

Community 

Correspondent 

sunman@goBEACONnews.com 

These acts of kindness are a 

solid reminder of why we love 

people, and that people are the 

key to a strong community. 

A new Safe Haven Baby box 

will be installed at the Sunman 

Area Life Squad Rescue 

#20 thanks to team efforts 

of the assistance of Mary 

Beth Boone, Amy Vaughan 

Arbuckle, Mark Horstman, 

President of the Ripley County 

Commissioners, and Randy 

Frye, State Representative. 

A Baby Box is a safety 

device provided for under the 

state’s Safe Haven Law and 

legally permits a mother in 

crisis to safely, securely, and 

anonymously surrender if they 

are unable to care for their 

newborn. Rep. Frye stated, 

“Safe gives moms in crisis an 

option. When these babies are 

born, they are already a part of 

our society. We need to allow 

moms to give them a chance 

at a life by giving them up for 

adoption.” 

An infant who is thirty days 

or younger can be surrendered 

without consequence. 

The business members at 

Rescue 20 voted unanimously 

to commit $20,000 to the Baby 

Box project to raise the money 

back through the community. 

Father Shaun Whittington, 

St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 

presented a check for $11,000 

to purchase the baby box, and 

Stan Wiedeman is donating 

the labor to install the box. 

The Baby Box has heating and 

cooling elements to provide 

comfort for the infant, along 

with silent alarms to notify first 

responders. Brian Maynard, 

Wanda Zins, Treasurer of 

Sunman Area Life Squad. 

Chief of Rescue 20, sends out 

heart-filled thanks to everyone 

involved for their generous 

contributions. The Chief 

also stated that any funds 

raised above the goal will be 

designated to promote the box. 

St. John Lutheran Church 

Women’s Group and the 

Men’s Group of St. John 

Hubbells also united to 

somehow help the Ukrainian 

people. With the help of 

Wayne Jenner, the Church 

Council President, and a 

challenge made by Henry 

Chief Brian Maynard, Sunman 

Area Life Squad, and 

Father Shaun Whittington, 

St. Nicholas Catholic 

Church. 

and Kelly Hampton to their 

congregation, the concept 

grew into a total of $5,360.00 

raised. The funds will be 

equally divided between 

Lutheran World Relief and 

The World’s Kitchen to 

provide humanitarian aid and 

necessities. Thanks to Patsy 

Gutapfel for sharing this story 

with us. 

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VERSAILLES/ 

RIPLEY CTY 

By 

Cheryl 

Damon- 

Greiner 

Community 

Correspondent 

versailles@goBEACONnews.com 

Late summer will soon 

become autumn with its own 

set of activities, sights, and 

aromas to enjoy. While it’s still 

sandal weather, Community 

Night Out will be Aug. 17, 

6-8 P.M. on the Courthouse 

Square. This is a chance to 

honor our First Responders 

and Armed Forces, and meet 

these brave members. Kids can 

check out emergency vehicles, 

play games, and win prizes! 

Music and refreshments will 

be provided for all. 

During the Community 

Night Out, a booth will be 

set up by a local group that 

focuses on supporting those 

responders who suffer the effects 

of being the first to run 

towards danger. The Cody 

Carl Moore 

O 

ur 

Farr PTSD/ 

Suicide 

Awareness 

organization 

raises funds 

to provide 

trained 

service dogs. 

Their 

Memorial 

Motorcycle 

Ride will be on Sept. 17 

starting in Rising Sun. Call 

Carl Moore at 812-756-1676 

to register for the ride or to 

learn about the help that is 

available. 

Kicking off Labor Day 

weekend, the Keith Swinney 

Band will wrap up this summer’s 

Concerts on the Square 

in Versailles on Saturday, 

September 3 at 6 P.M. Bring 

your chair or blanket to sit on, 

and wear your boots for some 

serious toe-tappin’ and footstompin!’ 

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Communities 

RISING SUN/ 

OHIO COUNTY 

By 

PG 

Gentrup 

Community 

Correspondent 

risingsun@goBEACONnews.com 

Believe it or not, another 

school year has started. 

Summer was very short. 

I recently had Jim Ketrow, 

a good buddy I grew up with 

in Greendale, spend a week 

with me. He lives in Oregon 

now. We were able to play a 

lot of golf with his Vietnam 

buddy, Ed Bailey, from 

Cadiz, KY, and Kevin Wang. 

Jim and Ed were Airborne 

Rangers in Vietnam. Jim is a 

Purple Heart recipient. 

Ron Spurlock, Mike 

LaFollette, and I spent a 

couple of hours at a senior 

living facility, presenting 

a program to the residents 

with the help of Rhonda 

Stinson and her mom, 

Bev. Rhonda works at the 

Lawrenceburg Library and 

does a tremendous job visiting 

the residents and giving 

very interesting programs. 

This program was about 

the American Flag. We 

presented a small flag to each 

of the residents, along with 

a Vietnam commemorative 

bill. We showed them how 

we fold a burial flag at the 

funeral of a deceased veteran 

and how it is put in a shadow 

box for display. We also had 

two forty-eight-star flags to 

show them. One was a large 

handmade flag made by the 

grandmother of Sog Teaney 

from Aurora. When I was 

explaining the history of the 

flag, Sog’s widow, Mildred 

Teaney, spoke up from the 

audience. I remembered her 

from when she came to Rising 

Sun several years ago to give 

me Sog’s World War II Navy 

uniform, a Navy blanket, and 

the flag. We were in awe of 

the detail of the flag and all of 

the hand stitching. We passed 

a display case around to show 

the residents several military 

medals including a Silver Star, 

Bronze Star, and Purple Heart. 

The Rising Sun Alumni 

147th dinner was a big 

success again this year. Over 

one hundred guests were in 

attendance. The 1972 class 

received their fifty-year pin. 

Betty Rose Vinup, class of 

1947, received her seventyfive-year 

pin. 

Congratulations to Nora 

Powell for being named to the 

Class A/2A All-State Softball 

Team. Kendall Montgomery 

was the lone letter blanket 

recipient this year. Academic 

All-State awards were 

presented to Josie Bell, Ella 

Eldridge, and Cora Poling. 

Letter winners were Jonathan 

Jimenez, Kate Jenkins, Nora 

Powell, Alyssa Simpson, 

Nate Graves, Jenna 

Housemyer, Ani Edwards, 

and Isabelle Davis. 

Our Ohio County Veterans 

Museum is open for tours. 

Regular hours will be set 

soon. For now, call me at 513- 

602-5595 to arrange a tour. I 

will be glad to show you the 

museum and memorabilia. 

The Rising Sun 4-H Fair 

picked Ellie Ohlmansiek for 

Queen, Cara Ohlmansiek for 

Princess, and Holt Walton for 

Royalty Prince. 

Thanks to the City of Rising 

Sun for the outstanding 

fireworks display. That same 

day the RSHS Band’s car 

show was spectacular. 

Kendall Montgomery and 

Nora Powell were honored 

Chuck, Roger & Susan Johnson 

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Vietnam Veterans Mike LaFollette, Jim Ketrow, PG Gentrup 

and Ed Bailey. Mr. Ketrow and Mr. LaFollette are 

Purple Heart Recipients. 

PG Gentrup, Rhonda Stinson, 

Janice Teaney and 

Mildred Teaney with the 

handmade American Flag. 

for their state achievements 

in track and softball. Kendall 

jumped 22 feet, 2.5 inches, 

and just missed the forty-yearold 

record by one inch. 

In golf, Nate Elliott and 

Casey Fletcher earned All- 

ORVC awards. 

Congratulations to Peg 

Dickson on her retirement 

as the Executive Director of 

the Ohio County Community 

Foundation. Peg made a lot of 

friends serving in that job and 

did so much for many people 

and organizations. 

RSHS Lady Shiners were 

ranked number 3 in Class 

A softball and finished with 

a 20-3 record. The boys’ 

baseball team won the 

Sectional and finished 16-9. 

Rising Sun lost one of 

her “Good Guys” with the 

passing of Virgil Neaman. 

He was a long-time teacher 

and business owner. If you 

lived in Rising Sun, you knew 

Virgil. 

Ohio County lost another 

World War II Veteran with 

the passing of Bob Bailey. He 

was a member of America’s 

Greatest Generation and a 

True American Patriot. 

Rising Sun’s Peyton 

Merica posted a 7-2 record 

with a 0.61 ERA and was 

named to the 1st team 

baseball All-State Team. 

I continue to pray for all 

of you and hope that you 

continue to look out for each 

other. God Bless you and our 

great nation. 

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GREENDALE 

By 

Linda 

Cromer 

Community 

Correspondent 

O 

ur 

Communities 

greendale@goBEACONnews.com 

Greendale has gone to the 

dogs! And we’re not the 

least bit embarrassed about it 

either. 

This is a community where 

residents take full advantage 

of our beautiful tree-lined 

streets and well-groomed 

parks to enjoy a relaxing stroll 

for quiet contemplation or to 

get a little cardio jump-start 

at a faster pace. Oftentimes, 

those forays aren’t done solo. 

During the dog days of 

summer, many pets and their 

people take advantage of 

the relative coolness of the 

mornings for an early outing. 

Mollie, a registered Rough 

Collie with an athletic bent, 

owns the outfield at Oakey 

Park. She puts on a dazzling 

demonstration for pal Dick 

Kluesner and anyone else 

lucky enough to witness her 

frisbee-fetching acrobatics. 

Connie Sandbrink and Sami 

are a wonderfully welcome 

sight and gracious enough 

to stop for a quick chat and 

strike a pose during their daily 

outing in Greendale Park and 

environs. Chris Prather often 

joins dachshund-mix Maxwell 

for a promenade down 

Nowlin Avenue and through 

Greendale Cemetery. Husky 

Bella knows who is the top 

dog, however, and invariably 

wins a stare-down with Chris 

to take a pass on any walk 

beyond her water bowl. 

It’s a simple courtesy 

and should be a nobrainer 

for each of us to 

take responsibility for the 

inevitable gotta-go tokens 

our canine companions 

leave behind on or near the 

sidewalk or a neighbor’s 

lawn. That clutch of plastic 

bags cluttering up a kitchen 

drawer can serve a positive 

Luke Allan Elder (Photo 

courtessy of Sara Wade- 

Lahman) 

secondary 

purpose, and 

conscientious 

dog owners 

in Greendale 

hit the 

street with a 

leash in one 

hand and 

an empty 

plastic bag 

or two in the 

other. 

Kids are 

constantly 

at play in our parks and 

we all want to make 

outdoor activities a positive 

experience for them. Our 

parks are furnished with 

conveniently placed dog 

waste stations and park 

employees check them 

for bags and necessary 

maintenance daily during the 

week. We all know that crap 

happens, but no one wants 

it on the bottom of their 

shoe. Whether because of 

unusually high daily usage, 

some sneak thief with an 

unusual predilection, or a 

busy weekend when workers 

are sharing time with their 

families, a station will 

occasionally run out of bags. 

This is when we appreciate 

a heads up from an alert 

passerby that a station needs 

attention. Kudos to residents 

like Garnett Cavanaugh, who 

helps us monitor the pet waste 

receptacle at Danny Miller 

Park. 

If you haven’t been 

there yet, pay a visit to the 

Greendale Bark Park near 

the newest segment of the 

Greendale walking/bike path 

Javen Lee Krause. (Photo 

courtessy of Sara Wade- 

Lahman) 

Dipsy Dog customers Elizabeth Lusk and 

Sydney Benson with concessionaires Tyler 

Goodwin and Scarlett Vowell. 

and the youth soccer fields. It 

features a grassy expanse with 

a range of elevations for an 

exuberant run, separate fenced 

areas for large and small dogs, 

and convenient dog waste 

stations. A handy water source 

provides for hydration and 

quick paw cleanup before 

climbing back into the family 

car for the ride home. 

Generations of dog lovers 

have walked our streets and 

enjoyed our parks, but in all 

frankness, we’re betting that 

the universally favorite dog in 

the City of Greendale is the 

Dipsy Dog served up at the 

Greendale Pool concession 

stand. Makes a person drool a 

little just to think about it! 

Congratulations to 

Greendale’s newest 

grandmother and grandfather, 

Sara Wade-Lahman and Jay 

Lahman. Twice! 

Javen Lee was born May 

30, 2022 in Honolulu Hawaii 

to proud parents Madison and 

Jarret Krause. 

Luke Allan was born June 

22, 2022 in West Lafayette 

Indiana to proud parents 

Morgan and Steven Elder. 

The infants’ maternal 

The sign at the entrance to the Greendale Bark Park. 

Mollie and Dick Kluesner. 

Chris Prather in a staredown 

with Bella. 

Chris Prather and Maxwell 

on Nowlin Avenue. 

grandfather is Joe 

Zoller. 

All are doing well 

and look forward to 

visiting local family 

and friends in the 

months to come. 

Connie Sandbrink and 

Sami. 

Magnificent Mollie catching 

a frisbee. 

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A Tradition of Baking 

Excellence since 1972! 

MILAN 

By 

Susan 

Cottingham 

Community 

Correspondent 

milan@goBEACONnews.com 

Summer is traditionally the 

beginning of class reunion 

time, but so far this year I 

have not heard of any MHS 

classes that have already gotten 

together. However, I do 

know of a couple of reunions 

that are being planned. The 

MHS class of 1987 is celebrating 

their thirty-five-year 

reunion on Aug. 20, 2022. 

Your contact person is Lori 

Campbell Kennedy, but I 

hope classmates already have 

their reservations in because it 

is just around the corner. 

My MHS graduating class 

of 1967 will follow next with 

our fifty-fifth reunion on Saturday, 

September 24. It will 

be an informal gathering and 

we are looking forward to a 

good turnout, but we do need 

to know how many to plan for 

so if you have not confirmed, 

there is still time. Please 

contact Mike Kissell or one 

of our other classmates. There 

is still time to get it on your 

calendar. 

The next reunion that I am 

aware of is on November 5, 

2022, and this is a big one! 

The MHS classes from the 

‘70s have a tradition of combining 

several classes for their 

reunions, and this is the plan 

again this year. This year they 

are planning a fundraiser that 

will benefit the Music Dept at 

MHS in honor of their (our) 

beloved Band Director, Mr. 

Bill Schein, who served the 

students of Milan for nearly 

forty years. The event will be 

a competition between classes 

to raise the funds with a goal 

of $2500. This year they are 

opening the event up to other 

alumni from outside the ’70s, 

so organize your class and 

join the celebration in Milan 

between 3:00-midnight on 

Nov. 5. The contact person 

is Mike Schmidt. Donations 

will be collected on the day 

of the event and recorded 

according to class. Following 

the event, a check will be 

presented to the Milan High 

School Music Program in the 

name of the late Mr. Schein 

along with a plaque that 

includes the name of the class 

donating the most. 

Amy Ellison Harris has 

mentioned to me that their class 

of 1992 is discussing a thirtieth 

reunion, but the details have not 

been finalized. If you are a ’92 

classmate and are ready to get 

things going, let Amy know. If 

you hear that your class, whether 

it is in Milan or elsewhere, is 

planning a reunion this year I 

hope you will consider 

clearing your calendar 

and joining some “old 

friends” for a special 

time! Don’t let time 

slip away. 

Email me at milan@ 

goBEACONnews. 

com with news about 

Milan! 

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B 

eacon 

Vacation 

Grandsons and brothers Remington Chenault and 

Benny Sabino, Lawrenceburg, went to Disney World 

with Jennifer Hurt, grandma; Shawn Sexton, grandpa; 

and Cydney Hayes, mother. 

The Kerns family took the Beacon to Whitewater State Park in Liberty, IN for their annual 

weekend in the cabins. Wilda Kinnett, Debby Fryer, William Frank Kerns, Doris 

Kinnett, Joyce McQueen, Jackie Kirby, Shirley Schalk, Gene Kerns, Tom Kerns, Ed 

Kerns, Chuck Kerns West Harrison, IN 

Manchester Shiners Robotics team travels to the Dallas 

Farmers Market in Texas. Pictured are Jade Miller, 

Piper Cole, and Wyatt Heeman. 

Chuck and Grace Cantwell, Sunman, visited Orland, 

FL with Thelma Howlett and her daughters. Grace 

Cantwell and Thelma Howlett are shown with the 

crew of The Eagle. 

Mayor Alan Weiss took 

the Beacon on the 

Appalachian Trail in 

southwest Virginia. 

A group of friends from St. Leon, New Alsace, and Dover went to the Grand Canyon. Shown are Gary ( Bud) and 

Jane Hiltz, Ken Trabel, Roseanne Grossman, Rhonda Trabel, Babs Wuestefeld, Linda & Larry Gutzwiller, and 

Cheryl and Joe Lieland. 

American Legion Post 452 New Alsace 

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Next euchre party Aug. 21 & Sept. 18 

Doors open 12 noon • Games begin at 1 • All are invited 

Proudly serving our veterans and the community since WWII 

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Please include where you live. 

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Doors open at 6:00 P.M. 

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Bebe Kinnett went to 

Romania with her sister 

to visit their niece. 

They visited the Bran 

Castle which is also 

known as Dracula’s 

Castle in Transylvania. 



Kids Building Bikes Camp Brings Community Youth Together 

Kids Building Bikes Camp 

was a huge success for the 

second year in a row. The 

camp organized by Genesis: 

Pathways to Success and 

Nine13sports, was held at 

Liberty Park in Batesville. 

Eight students participated in 

the summer camp, which was 

a part of the initiative, A Summer 

of STREAM (Science, 

Technology, Reading, Engineering, 

Art, & Mathematics). 

The camp was comprised 

of four, twelve-hour days 

where students learned about 

the history of bicycles, proper 

biking terminology, in-depth 

mechanics, geometry skills, 

repair, and road safety. At the 

same time, students practiced 

critical thinking, problemsolving, 

and collaboration. 

“It’s hands-on learning that 

makes all the difference. You 

can search and watch videos, 

but nothing compares to being 

able to teach the youth lifelong 

skills like self-esteem, 

confidence, and teamwork,” 

said Matty Bennett, Director 

of Kids Building Bikes at 

Nine13sports. 

Students made their bicycles 

in a mobile bike lab, they 

wrapped their experience up 

with a bike tour of downtown 

Batesville. Of course, the tour 

included stops along the way 

at Brum Woods and the Sky 

Color Rain Exhibit. Camp 

participants applied their 

newfound knowledge from 

the camp by testing their road 

safety skills. 

Mr. Bennett further stated, 

Robinson, House to Represent USA in Duel in the Pool 

By Chris Nobbe 

Robinson and House are 

two names known well in 

southeastern Indiana if you 

have followed the sport of 

swimming over the past thirty 

years or more. Both names 

should bring forth thoughts 

of greatness in and around 

the pool both from personal 

achievement and growth of 

the sport. However, if you are 

unaware, a little background is 

a good thing. 

Katie Robinson was a 

six-time state champion in 

swimming while a student at 

South Dearborn High School, 

even setting state meet records 

three consecutive years in the 

100-yard butterfly. She swam 

collegiately for the University 

of Texas and was a three-time 

Big 12 conference champion 

in the 200-yard butterfly. 

She was inducted into the 

Indiana Swimming and Diving 

Hall of Fame in 2007 and has 

gone on to become a successful 

collegiate coach. She 

coached as an assistant at the 

University of Virginia and Rutgers 

University before becoming 

head coach at Tulane. She 

led that women’s program to 

great success from 2013-2018. 

At that point she became associate 

head coach at Northwestern 

University and was 

more recently named in 2020 

as the Director of Swimming 

and Diving for the school, 

heading both the men’s and 

women’s programs at the 

university. 

All of this prominence in 

how she conducts herself 

as a coach and operates her 

programs led USA Swimming 

to call upon her to serve as an 

assistant coach for the Duel in 

the Pool. This competition has 

been taking place with Australia 

since its inception in 2003. 

The competition this year will 

be held in Sydney, Australia, 

from August 19-21. Despite 

beginning in 2003, it will be 

the first time since 2015 that 

this has taken place. 

Among those swimmers 

who will be competing under 

her tutelage for the meet is 

Bright native Grant House. 

Many know that his parents 

Ray and Sue House led the 

East Central swim program for 

30 years and are well-recognized 

for their contributions to 

the sport. The duo led the Trojans 

to 23 EIAC titles for the 

boys and 18 EIAC titles for the 

girls over those thirty years. 

Grant House, like Robinson, 

has enjoyed a tremendous 

career in the pool. He swam 

scholastically for St. Xavier 

in Cincinnati and helped the 

Bombers continue a program 

that already had an illustrious 

reputation not only in 

the state of Ohio but in the 

nation. During his scholastic 

career, House developed into a 

tremendous freestyle swimmer. 

His 4:19.15 time in the 

500-freestyle set a new Ohio 

state record in his senior year 

among other state relay records 

and a 200-freestyle title. 

He would amass 8 individual 

titles and 5 relay titles in 

high school. He is perhaps the 

most decorated male swimmer 

in Ohio high school history. 

While still in high school, he 

competed for our country and 

won a gold medal as part of 

the 800-freestyle relay at the 

Junior World Championships 

in Singapore in 2015. 

House would continue 

collegiately at Arizona State 

University where he did quite 

well. His first two years in 

Tempe saw him continue to 

improve and be noticed on 

the national stage. He finished 

third in the Pac-12 and 14th at 

Bike Camp participants Cayden Hautman, Brandt Ebererle, Sam Flodder, Ethan Rahschulte, 

Roman Flodder, Beckett Jones, Savannah Dowers, and Grant Wanstrath. 

the NCAAs in the 200-freestyle 

during his freshman season 

while also competing and 

placing as part of relays. His 

sophomore season saw him 

place second in the Pac-12 

and place in three events at the 

NCAAs with an All-American 

effort in the 400-free relay. 

After his sophomore season, 

House competed in the Pan 

American Games in Peru. 

He was part of two second 

place USA finishes in relays 

and finished sixth overall in 

the 200-freestyle. House then 

took a redshirt season to focus 

toward the 2020 Olympic 

Games. (We know how that 

went for everyone.) The next 

season, the entire ASU team 

was redshirted rather than risk 

losing another year of NCAA 

eligibility. 

House’s senior redshirt 

season this past year showed 

even greater progress in his 

freestyle races. He recently 

won the Pac-12 title in the 

200-freestyle and finished second 

in the event in the NCAA 

Championships. He was a part 

of a couple of school-record 

relays with the 400-freestyle 

relay also finishing second nationally. 

He was an Academic 

All-American for the Sun 

Devils while helping lead the 

team to a sixth-place finish, 

the highest the program has 

ever finished at the national 

championships. 

All of this led to Grant 

House being asked to be a part 

of USA Swimming’s roster for 

the Duel in the Pool. House 

will compete in the 200-freestyle 

and probably a relay or 

two as well. He will also be 

coached on the team by ASU 

assistant Herbie Behm, who 

was his sprints coach at ASU. 

“It was a fast and furious four 

days, and we’re thrilled to see 

another successful Kids Building 

Bikes Camp in the books.” 

Genesis: Pathways to Success 

is an initiative of the 

Ripley County Community 

Foundation. Genesis expands 

and enhances educational and 

economic opportunities that 

result in thriving communities. 

Visit www.genesisp2s.org 

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Beacon Sept 2022

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