Beacon Apr 2024

INSIDE 

The BEACON 

Fun for Everyone! 

Bright Meadows Park is filled with 

activities and opportunities for the 

community. 

Page 10A 

A Sweet Challenge 

South Dearborn student challenges 

Lawrenceburg students to pancakeeating 

contest. Page 7B 

A Community Legend 

Ann Jeffries has touched the lives 

of many with food, compassion, 

music for a century. Page 7B 

The Beacon 

(USPS #25510) 

ISSN 2835-5067 

Volume 30. Issue 4 

is published monthly by Beacon News Inc 

8018 State Road 48, Aurora IN 47001 

Periodicals postage at 

Lawrenceburg, IN and at 

additional mailing offices. 

POSTMASTER: 

Send address changes to The Beacon, 

PO Box 4022, Lawrenceburg, IN 47025 

Voting- A Gift, A Duty, A Responsibility in a Democratic Society 

By Cheryl Damon-Greiner 

With elections coming up, the time 

has come for a little refresher civics 

lesson. You may be surprised that 

something we all consider fundamental 

to our democratic society – our 

right to vote, is more correctly called 

a gift, a duty, and a responsibility of 

every citizen. Even though the Constitution 

refers to voting fifteen times 

in the original document and another 

twenty-two times in the amendments, 

nowhere does it mention that 

Americans have a right to vote! The 

Founding Fathers couldn’t agree on 

who should be allowed to vote due to 

Slavery and Anti-Slavery- Personal Recollections 

By Maureen Stenger 

Someone recently told me that my 

stories are a little long. Well maybe 

so, but that’s often because I feel that I 

have a duty to unravel the whole story 

and do it justice to the best of my ability. 

Sometimes those stories are not 

mine to tell. 

Sometimes I am just the gateway of 

information, and the true author is the 

voice of the one who actually lived it. 

Attorney and historian Bob Ewbank 

has been so kind to me over the years 

since I have been writing for The Beacon. 

He is always willing to help me 

with whatever research I am doing as 

he is a treasure trove of information. 

This time was no different. Mr. Ewbank 

has a very large ledger filled with 

the history of slavery and anti-slavery 

in Dearborn County. He took time out 

of his busy schedule to meet with me 

and share the contents of the pages of 

that old book. The history was written 

THE 

BEACON 

www.goBEACONnews.com | PUBLISHED MONTHLY SINCE 1994 | April 2024 

differing views on ‘We the People.’ 

James Madison thought only wealthy 

men should vote because the poor 

could be taken in like rats following 

the Pied Piper. Benjamin Franklin, on 

the other hand, argued that commoners 

earned the right to vote by winning 

the War of Independence, and 

besides, the wealthy could be swayed 

easily, too. So, since they couldn’t 

come to a consensus, the decision was 

originally left for each state to decide. 

Since that time, the Fourteenth 

Amendment implicitly guaranteeing 

voting rights was adopted in 1866. 

The Nineteenth Amendment adopted 

Dearborn County Water Rescue cheered on the plungers! 

Bill McDonald 

dancing to 70’s hit 

You’re Cold as Ice! 

Maria, age 71, has 

made the Polar 

Plunge seven 

years in a row! 

Tony Montgomery, Versailles, is a 

veteran plunger! 

Brrr... 

2024 Polar 

Plunge for Special 

Olympics 

(Photos by Cheryl 

Damon- Greiner) 

Charlie Wilson of Aurora, aka 

Polar Bear, has been volunteering 

since he was eight years old. 

by Ralph Collier in 1893 and these are 

his words. 

“It is a matter of history that before 

the formation of the Constitution of the 

State of Indiana, several efforts were 

made to introduce African Slavery in 

some form into the territory of Indiana. 

The ordinance of 1787 prohibiting 

slavery in the Northwest Territory 

was by some a subject of complaint, 

who at different times petitioned 

Congress to obtain a suspension of the 

restriction for a limited time. Several 

efforts were made at different periods 

by the Territorial Legislature to 

obtain the suspension of the ordinance 

against slavery down to as late as 

1807. In that year to avoid the restriction 

in the ordinance against slavery 

The Territorial Legislature passed an 

act. It legalized the introduction of 

persons of color who were slaves in 

the states or territories by requiring 

the possessor to enter into indentures 

in 1920 prohibits denying the right to 

vote based on sex. In 1964 the Supreme 

Court ruled that every vote has 

an equal value. The Voting Rights Act 

of 1965 and federal legislation from 

1993 set ground rules for registering 

new voters and removing existing 

voters. These decisions have cemented 

our belief in the right to cast our 

vote. 

Our votes are valuable because 

they determine issues ranging from 

taxes and police budgets to health 

care, school policies, and where new 

businesses can open. It should be said 

Continued on page 6A 

Renck’s Store- 

A New Chapter 

in Bright 

By Zach Tucker 

A year ago, my family bought 

the old Renck’s Store. I should say 

repurchased it, as my Grandpa, Jerry 

Tucker, was the owner at one point in 

its storied history. The store has been 

many things- the general store, a flower 

shop, a gas station, a gun shop, even 

the home of this very publication, but 

I remember it most as the place I went 

after kindergarten. I’d walk in around 

lunch, and the old-timers would be 

sitting down, eating sandwiches, telling 

stories, normal old-timer behavior. 

I don’t remember what exactly they 

were talking about. I just remember it 

feeling like an institution, something 

that had existed long before me and 

would continue into perpetuity as if I 

were a part of history. 

Reading back through the history 

of the store, I feel the same need to 

recollect as those who went before 

me, gathering the images and occurrences 

that transformed a building into 

a landmark. There were the conversations 

amongst farmers around the old 

pug stove as they brought their eggs 

and crops in for trade, school kids 

trading in bottles for a nickel to buy 

a soda and some penny candy, or the 

Friday nights spent upstairs watching 

a wrestling match on the town’s only 

television. 

With its location in the middle of 

town, the store inevitably became a 

meeting place, as well as a good business. 

But that faded over the years. 

Changing ownership and expected 


The ledger filled with the history 

of slavery and anti-slavery in 

Dearborn County. 

with his slave. 

The slave stipulating to serve as an 

indentured servant for a certain 


THE BEACON 

PO Box 4022 

Lawrenceburg, Indiana 47025

Page 2A THE BEACON April 2024 

By 

Tamara 

Taylor 

Opinions- 

Everybody Has One 

I think Brussell sprouts 

are the best. (Yes Mom, it’s 

true. But then, add bacon to 

anything and I might say the 

same thing!) 

I also think that horses are 

better than cows. For one 

thing, have you ever tried 

to hug a cow? Now go hug 

a horse. The response and 

understanding are tenfold that 

received from a bovine. And 

besides, horses smell better. 

Suffice it to say, I have 

opinions. We all do. 

A friend was recently told 

that I would not support him 

in his political endeavors. 

Seriously? First, the comment 

was unfounded. Second, I 

was honored that whatever 

my opinion was presumed 

to be, carried any weight. I 

mean how much can a “hill of 

beans” weigh? 

To the person who inaccurately 

reiterated my opinion, 

thank you. I am honored that 

you consider my opinion to 

be so impactful. But do me a 

favor and get it right. 

The Primary being held on 

May 7, 2024, is chock full of 

opinions. In the last few hours 

of being able to sign up to be 

on the ballot, the clerk’s office 

was overrun by potential 

candidates. While the instigator 

of this overrun was, in my 

opinion, trying to round up 

the troops to cause a ruckus, 

he actually accomplished 

an interesting phenomenon. 

A large number of residents 

stepped up to represent the 

community, ready to take on 

the responsibilities that being 

an elected official requires. 

Very cool. 

On the other hand, many 

of those who signed up to 

run for office were not aware 

Exceptional Care 

for Everyone 

Behavioral Health, Addiction 

Services and Primary Care 

Formerly known as Community Mental Health 

Center, INcompass Health has been serving the 

Southeastern Indiana community for over 50 years. 

And while our name has changed, our commitment 

to our community has never been stronger. 

Our service offerings form our comprehensive 

approach to care. And our available inpatient unit 

is a safe and closely monitored space for 

emergency support. We’re here to help you on your 

path to wellness and recovery. 

Visit incompasshealth.org 

to learn more. 

A very cool, very loud falcon 

stood guard above the 

massive oak doors at the 

Statehouse. 

of the requirements to run 

in the primary. According to 

the Indiana Election Division 

Candidate Guide, “To 

seek nomination in the May 

7, 2024, primary election, a 

candidate must belong to the 

Democratic or Republican 

Party. This is determined by 

1) the political party ballot 

requested by the candidate 

at the two (2) most recent 

primary elections in Indiana 

the candidate voted, or 2) the 

candidate files a certification 

from their county chair affirming 

their membership in that 

political party. The declaration 

of candidacy for primary 

nomination (CAN-2) requires 

the candidate to affirm their 

party affiliation and attach the 

certification, if required.” 

Sadly quite a few wellmeaning 

residents who 

wanted to run didn’t qualify. 

For those who went for the 

“gotcha” moment, stirring up 

theories about personal intent 

and corruption, only exacerbated 

the situation. They 

may have caused disgust in 

citizens who would otherwise 

have been incredibly great 

public servants. 

But that’s just my opinion. 

In other news, I recently 

visited the Indiana Statehouse. 

Wow- what an eye-opening 

experience. My deepest 

thanks to Rep. Lyness and 

Sen. Maxwell who graciously 

 

2024 

ELECTION 

DEADLINES 

Voter Registration 

Deadline Apr. 8 at 

close of business for 

in-person or midnight 

online. 

The Indiana Statehouse 

showed me around and 

explained what was going 

on in both the House and the 

Senate. The level of activity 

in the common areas is quite 

different than what I have 

seen at the county and local 

levels. And what these elected 

officials have to review, listen 

to, decipher, and discuss is 

overwhelming. All to represent 

little old us here in southeast 

Indiana. My hat is off to 

those who put their “toe” in 

the water to represent us at the 

State level. 

As most of you have 

already figured out, I am a 

nut about cool architecture. 

Hillforest, Veraestau, Union 

Terminal, etc. When I walked 

up to the Statehouse, I was 

struck with awe by the intricate 

details that were everywhere. 

Beautiful woodwork. 

An amazing stained glass 

dome. Stunning floors. All of 

which had been the backdrop 

for so many historic political 

decisions since 1888. 

Except for the intricate light 

fixtures. Imagine my surprise 

when I walked the stone 

stairs, admiring the brass 

chandeliers hanging right 

in front of me, only to learn 

from the person next to me 

that these were not the original 

light fixtures. The originals 

were scrapped between 

1917-1920. Thankfully, under 

the direction of then-Governor 

Robert Orr, the Statehouse 

underwent a major renovation 

to restore its original appearance. 

The forty original brass 

chandeliers were restored, and 

an additional sixty-seven were 

replicated. 

The moral- change is not 

always good. 

Several people have been 

mentioned in my column thus 

far. It may come as no surprise 

that my selection for a 

person of interest this month 

is... YOU! Whether you are 

running for office or currently 

hold an office. Whether you 

are a director of an historic 

property (Hello Mitchell 

Knigga at Veraestau!), or a 

caretaker of an historic home 

that you have been blessed to 

occupy for a lifetime. Whether 

you grew up here or made 

the conscious choice to make 

this your home. YOU are the 

greatest ambassadors of our 

community. 

Which brings me to ask a 

favor... 

You may have heard that a 

total solar eclipse is predicted, 

the likes of which have occurred 

only fifteen times in 

the past one hundred fiftyseven 

years. 

In the United States, skywatchers 

in fifteen states will 

be able to see the moon almost 

completely cover the sun. The 

total solar eclipse will cross 

North America, passing over 

Mexico, the United States, 

and Canada. It will begin over 

the South Pacific Ocean, and 

Mexico’s Pacific coast will be 

the first location in continental 

North America to experience a 

total eclipse. The path continues 

through the United States 

in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, 

Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, 

Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, 

New York, Vermont, New 

Hampshire, and Maine. 

Weather permitting, of 

course. 

Guess what- we are in, if 

not pretty darn close to, the 

path of the total solar eclipse. 

What does that mean? A lot 

more than a hill of beans, to 

reference an earlier analogy. 

Tens of thousands of visitors 

are expected to visit or at 

least travel through our neck 

of the woods to experience 

this phenomenon. Aren’t we 

lucky- we live here! 

Now is your chance to step 

up and share all that you know 

about your community. The 

pride of how great it is to live 

here and why. (Imagine what 

Andy Griffith would say.) 

The next total solar eclipse 

that will be visible from the 

contiguous United States will 

not come around until Aug. 23, 

2044. Where will you be twenty 

years from now? Hopefully 

still enjoying all of the wonder 

and amazement our corner of 

the world has to offer. 

But that’s just my opinion. 

Over 22,000 distribution & growing! To advertise, call 812-637-0660 

Publisher/Editor 

Tamara M. Taylor 

THE 

BEACON 

For advertising rate inquiries 

and to submit news and photos: 

Founding Publisher 

Elizabeth Morris 

editor@goBEACONnews.com 

Sales Manager - New Accounts 

Susan Snyder 

Editorial Assistants 

Connie Webb, Cherie Maddin 

Columnists & Contributors 

Debbie Acasio, Melanie Alexander, 

Susan Carson, Linda Cromer, 

Larry Eaton, PG Gentrup, 

Cheryl Damon-Greiner, 

Jeff Hermesch, Mary-Alice Helms, 

Merrill and Linda Hutchinson, 

Amanda Kirchner, Vivian Kist, 

Laura Keller, Chris Nobbe, 

Marie Segale, Sue Siefert, 

Maureen Stenger, Cheryl Taylor, 

Rhonda Trabel, Randy Turner, 

Bob Waples, Lorene Westmeier, 

Lisa West, Debbie Zimmer 

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. 

Production 

FX-Design, Inc. 

© 2023-2024 Beacon News, Inc. 

All Rights Reserved 

The BEACON - Great News for Great People.

April 2024 THE BEACON Page 3A 

This month’s item 

What Is It? 

Last month’s item 

was an Ediphone or 

dictaphone. It had wax 

cylinders that recorded 

and played back voice 

recordings. Barb Ward, 

Dillsboro, submitted the 

correct answer. 

This month’s item finds 

its home at the Indiana 

historic Landmarks 

regional office located 

at Veraestau. Share your 

your guess as well as 

any stories you know. 

Last month’s item: 

Ediphone, dictaphone 

Please e-mail your answer and where you live to editor@ 

goBEACONnews.com by Wednesday, Mar. 20, 2024. 

sponsored by Cornerstone Realty and Lutz Auctions 

Emergency Management and Drone 

Rescue Lost Resident 

A Dearborn County resident 

was recently reported missing 

after a search by the family 

proved futile. The gentleman 

suffered from dementia and 

had been missing for two to 

three hours. 

Emergency services including 

the Dearborn County 

Sheriff and other emergency 

entities were dispatched to the 

home of the missing resident. 

Upon arrival, the services of 

Dearborn County Director 

of Emergency Management, 

Jason Sullivan, were requested. 

The reason- Mr. Sullivan 

is the drone operator for the 

county. 

The use of a drone for 

search and rescue missions is 

highly effective both regarding 

time and cost savings. 

A drone can search an area 

quickly, using both regular 

and thermal imaging. When 

an individual is spotted, the 

coordinates of the location 

can be transponded via GPS, 

at which point the drone can 

be commanded to return to 

the operator in a direct line. 

Rescuers can then be led 

from the point of the operator 

directly to the individual in 

distress. 

Using a drone in this 

instance is helpful in numerous 

ways. Valuable time and 

manpower are saved because 

the drone can fly higher and 

faster than someone on foot. 

The thermal imaging capability 

is invaluable when trying 

to locate the exact location 

of a person. In the case noted 

before, an animal trained in 

search and rescue may have 

had to wind its way to the 

person by following that person’s 

trail while dealing with 

terrain and switchbacks. A 

mere fifteen minutes elapsed 

to fly over the area and locate 

the gentleman who was lost 

rather than hours that could 

have been lost with traditional 

search methods. 

Manpower can also be 

saved with the use of a drone. 

Renck’s Store- Making History Again 

Continued from page 1A 

depreciation have taken their 

toll, like every other institution 

in an ever-changing 

world. But with change comes 

new opportunities, new stories 

to tell, and more history to 

make. Our family is excited to 

facilitate those new stories by 

providing a refreshed, communal 

space centered around 

a coffee shop where anyone 

and everyone can gather. With 

that future history as the focal 

point, we would like to announce 

the launch of historic 

rencksstore.com, a place for 

collecting those stories and 

memories, a place to facilitate 

those same kinds of gatherings, 

like those old timers did, 

not so long ago. 

I can’t recall how many 

times I’ve heard, “The future 

is Bright,” about as many 

times as I’ve heard, “The 

more things change, the more 

they stay the same.” I used to 

think those were incompatible 

viewpoints, that the old ways 

had to be paved over to make 

way for that Bright future. 

Now, I see the value of embracing 

the passage of time, 

seeing my place, our place, 

in all of it. I see what the old 

Renck’s Store can be, and I 

envision taking my kids there, 

Both the fire department, 

emergency vehicles, and 

volunteers may have been 

needed. In an emergency 

such as a disaster, drones are 

proving to be invaluable tools 

for damage assessment and 

locating victims. 

According to the Federal 

Aviation Administration 

(FAA), a Remote Pilot Certificate 

is needed to operate a 

drone. The operator must have 

this certificate readily available 

at all times when operating 

a drone. 

The drone acquired by 

Dearborn County was made 

possible by a grant from the 

Dearborn Community Foundation. 

Renck’s Store dates back to about 1860 when Mr. Thomas 

H. Gibson opened the Gibson General Store. In 1921 the 

family added the second floor, and in 1922 high school classes 

were held there until the Bright School was completed. 

gathering around a table like 

those old timers, probably telling 

the same stories they told, 

becoming a part of history. 

It’s a comfort I’m only now 

starting to understand, an appreciation 

of what those who 

came before me built, like the 

Rencks, or T.H. Gibson. And 

that I will get to be a part of 

the history that someone will 

read about years from now. 

New shops 

in downtown 

lawrenceburg 

DowntownLawrenceburg.com 

The Tri-State’s Largest Climate 

Controlled Self-Storage Facilities 

• Convenient Locations In Harrison, OH 

& Lawrenceburg, IN. 

• Offering Personal, Business, Boat, RV, 

Camper, Motorcycle And More Storage. 

• Store Your Valuables Safely & Securely. 

• 24/7 Gated Keypad Access. 

• Easy Online Rental Reservations. 

Visit Us At CaseysStorage.com 

Harrison, OH: 513-715-1252 • Lawrenceburg, IN: 513-687-3908 

Get it All at www.goBEACONnews.com


Under Ground Railroad Accounts by Relatives Neighbors 


period, at the end of which he 

was to become free. 

Children under fifteen years 

of age were required to serve 

their former owner until the 

age of thirty-five years; if females, 

until the age of thirtytwo 

years. 

In Indiana slaves before the 

expiration of their term of servitude 

were termed under the 

law “indentured servants.” 

This form of servitude was 

done away with in Indiana by 

judicial decisions. The people 

brought to and held as slaves 

in Dearborn County were no 

doubt held under this provision 

of the Territorial Legislation. 

If after this act became 

inoperative by the decisions 

of the courts or after the 

territory became a state any 

slaves that were brought here 

by their owners were immediately 

entitled to their liberty. 

Indiana might have become a 

slave state had it not been for 

the firmness of Congress in 

resisting what seemed to be a 

popular demand. 

The people of the state 

today do not know and for 

that reason can not appreciate 

the great services of Governor 

Jennings. He lived in a 

critical period of our state’s 

history and led the opposition 

of the party that favored and 

insisted upon the bringing of 

African slavery into Indiana. 

It was in a larger measure the 

vigor and earnestness of the 

fight as led by Governor Jennings 

that saved the state from 

slavery.” 

Jonathan Jennings was the 

Governor of Indiana from 

November 7, 1816, until September 

12, 1822. He was the 

state’s first Governor and he 

was born in New Jersey, the 

son of a minister. 

He was also a lawyer. Indiana 

was granted statehood in 

December of 1816. 

Leading up to Indiana’s 

statehood slavery was a top 

issue. The constitution did not 

permit involuntary servitude 

unless in the case of crime, 

but still, the 1820 census 

reported that there were one 

hundred and ninety people 

living as slaves in the state. 

In early 1838 the fires of the 

abolition movement were fueled 

in Dearborn County. 

The Tanners Creek area 

seemed to be the abolition 

movement’s epicenter. Reverend 

John Clark who was 

the minister of the Methodist 

Protestant circuit in the Lawrenceburg 

area was a staunch 

abolitionist along with many 

congregation members. Stirring 

speeches and meetings 

took place during this time 

period. Words translated 

into actions and many of the 

landowners in Tanners Creek 

and surrounding areas took 

on pivotal roles in the Underground 

Railroad in the area. 

Mr. Collier’s memoirs 

continue. “They were helped 

by their 

friends 

across the 

Ohio River 

and were 

conducted 

to the 

houses of 

prominent 

men in 

Dearborn 

County. 

Thomas 

Smith, 

John 

Hansell, 

and John 

Collier 

are among 

those who 

harbored 

the 

escaped 

slaves. 

There was 

no special 

system 

or organization 

The Spine of 

the ledger. 

here many times they were 

harbored from home to home. 

Many were transported in 

covered wagons of some sort. 

They were or many of them 

were taken from here through 

the town of Brookville in 

Franklin County to Union 

County where they were left 

with a Quaker family by the 

name of Maxwell who lived a 

few miles from Richmond. 

All the connection I had 

with the cause was to conduct 

those who came to the house 

of my father, John Collier, to 

the house of a friend about a 

mile away. 

My younger brother John, 

who at the time was about 

eighteen years of age at one 

time took a load of enslaved 

people from here to the house 

of Mr. Maxwell. He was accompanied 

by John Hansell 

under whose auspices the trip 

was made. 

I was born in Pittsburgh, 

Pennsylvania on October 7, 

1819, and while yet an infant 

came to Tanner’s Creek, 

Helping families make 

informed financial decisions, 

so they can live longer, happier, 

and more fulfilling lives. 

One of the many artifacts in Mr. Ewbank’s collection of 

articles written during the Civil War. 

Dearborn County where I 

have lived throughout my 

boyhood and I have lived all 

my life within a mile of my 

boyhood home. 

My father was an ardent 

Abolitionist and I became 

zealous in the cause in 1838 

when I was nineteen years of 

age.” 

Mr. Ewbank also shared 

with me memoirs of a mister 

R.C. Hansell. Mr. Hansell and 

Mr. Collier were gathering 

their recollections for a W. H. 

Siebert of Cambridge, Massachusetts 

who was researching 

the Under Ground Rail Road 

operations in the Guilford 

area. This information was 

gathered in December of 

1895. 

Mr. Hansell’s recollection 

account is as follows, “The 

enslaved people were stowed 

away under hay or covered 

with blankets but frequently 

they were sheltered only by 

the wagon cover and the darkness, 

for these “runs” were 

usually made in the night. 

Any attempt to induce enslaved 

people to run away was 

condemned, as making the lot 

of those who were left more 

intolerable and delaying their 

final hope for emancipation. 

But, when they were making 

an effort to escape, it was held 

to be a moral and religious 

duty to render any assistance 

that was possible. My father 

was a station master and the 

secretary of the Dearborn 

County Anti-Slavery Society. 

My father, John Hansell, was 


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 

FREE, but you must 

request it. 

To request or continue 

your subscription to 

The BEACON, 

call 812-637-0660 

or email 

editor@ 


Securities offered only by duly registered individuals through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC (MAS), 

member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory products and services made available through AE Wealth 

Management, LLC (AEWM), a Registered Investment Advisor. MAS and Conservative Financial Solutions 

are not affiliated companies. 2177249 - 1/24 

You must include these 

words: 

I wish to receive The 

BEACON as offered for 

as long as I reside at 

the address below. 

Name 

Address 

City 

State 

Zip 

Phone 



The Subject of Slavery 

A review of slavery dated 1836. 


born at Thirsk, in Yorkshire, 

England in 1802. He died in 

Guilford, in 1884. He came to 

this country at eighteen years 

of age. He was keeper of a 

general store at the village 

of Manchester. He occasionally 

had the enslaved people 

lodge at our house and very 

often drove them to the next 

station, a distance of about 

twenty miles. He had lived 

and owned a farm on the 

White Water, (near Harrison, 

OH) and it was natural for 

our neighbors to suppose that 

he still had business there 

occasionally and it came very 

convenient to take advantage 

of this supposition whenever 

he was away on an underground 

trip. 

On one occasion I remember 

he borrowed a mare of 

the village tavern keeper, who 

was a rank proslavery man 

and would have been glad to 

capture a fugitive slave or any 

one assisting them to escape. 

The mare was borrowed for 

a trip “over to White Water” 

and the owner never knew 

that she helped to convey 

away a family consisting of 

a mother, a father, and three 

children whose pursuers 

put up that very night at his 

tavern. 

At another time a woman 

whose husband had preceded 

her to Canada urgently needed 

conveyance at a time when 

the streams were swollen with 

recent rains. 

So, he took her behind him 

on horseback and in swimming 

the White Water River, 

was carried by the current 

past the proper landing place 

and came to shore against a 

steep bank. His horse being 

faithful and strong, clambered 

up and the woman neither lost 

her seat nor her presence of 

mind.” 

As we near the conclusion 

of this article, I deem it 

important that you hear the 

voices of those who lived 

this treacherous life. Many 

adventures were had by 

those who aided the people 

in need, one wrong move or 

one stroke of bad luck truly 

spelled disaster for all involved. 

But the intrinsic drive 

to do what was right trumped 

all. Perhaps that is why many 

of these people’s names are 

still relevant in our community 

today. What they did 

deserves to be remembered 

and serves as a reminder to all 

of us in this present day to do 

the right thing so that liberty 

and justice are truly a way of 

life for all. 

By Beckham and Tammy 

Turner 

Hi, my name is Beckham. 

I am a two-year-old male 

Boxer mix. They say I am 

high energy, but what they 

call high energy is just me 

exercising and jogging to 

stay fit. I am one of those 

guys who likes to stay fit 

and be ready for when my 

forever family comes to 

adopt me. I will be ready 

to go and do whatever they 

want- jogging, hiking, or 

just playing in the yard. 

I have been at the shelter 

for a while now, so I have 

learned a few things about 

the ins and outs. First, I 

know exercise is important 

for good health. We get to 

play in the yards all afternoon, 

and we also get to go 

on walks. 

When you pair that with 

regular vet check-ups, the 

result makes for a long and 

happy life for your pup. 

We get regular checks here 

such as for our ears, checking 

our weight, and making 

sure we do not have any 

problem areas. They make 

sure we get our flea and 

tick meds regularly so those 

little buggers don’t cause 

us any discomfort. We are 

Visit www. 

goBEACONnews 

.com 

for news 

and updates. 

403 Walnut St • Lawrenceburg, IN 47025 

(812) 537-2020 • lawrenceburgeyecenter.com 

From A Dog’s Point of View 

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 

Beckham 

heartworm tested and get 

preventative meds. Along 

with those things, we also 

get our vaccines. 

I hate needles, but I know 

the vaccines are going to 

keep me healthy. I do act 

like the shot hurts just so I 

will get an extra hug or be 

loved on for a little longer. 

You see, making sure 

your pet does have regular 

vet visits is important. So 

many of the animals who 

have come in lately have 

had so much wrong with 

them, and they have a lot 

of pain and discomfort. We 

have had them come in with 

Lyme disease and tapeworms 

which are caused 

by tick or flea bites and can 

be prevented with flea and 

tick meds. We have two 

here who are heartwormpositive 

and now have to go 

through the meds that can 

take from four to six weeks. 

All of that could have been 

prevented. And don’t get 

me started on the big ones 

like parvo, distemper, and 

kennel cough. All can be 

prevented with just a little 

visit to your vet’s office for 

a check-up and vaccines. 

Love your pets because 

they are a part of your family 

and should be treated 

as such. I know I am just 

speaking for myself, but if 

you were to come in and 

adopt me and include me 

in your family, I will give 

you more love that you 

will know what to do with. 

And help you stay active, 

of course! I will be the best 

work-out buddy you will 

ever have. Come in and 

visit with me, and we can 

go on a nice walk, talk, and 

get to know each other. 

Hope to see you soon at 

the Dearborn County Humane 

Center in Lawrenceburg. 

Love & kisses, 

Beckham 

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 

One 

garage 

with concrete driveway call 

and covers 

add’t 

does $99,900 it it all 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 all located 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 

Both 

back 

Realtors Dale & 

porch, other 

and Randy 

room 

Auctioneers Lutz, as 

upstairs $22,000 Dale Realtors & Randy Auctioneers, 

Lutz have 

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

BRIGHT: 3 bed, 2.5 bath home 

lot on private drive off Edgewood 

Their Their profession profession is turning is turning your your 

on nearly 38 acres with exceptional 

views nerstone Realty 

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

Cornerstone 

of Tanner Realty and 

Valley, and Lutz 

1st Lutz LOGAN: 

Auction Auction 2.89 

Service 

acre Service wooded 

where 

country 

lot with all utilities available. 

flr MRB, 1st flr ldry, pond, covered 

rear deck, wrap around 

where we’re 

front 

we’re in your 

porch, 

in $59,900 your corner. corner. 

We Need Listings! 

We Need Listings! Have buyers for farmland! 

Dale Lutz 

Randy Lutz 

lutzauctions.com 

800-508-9811 



Security and Accuracy Abound in Southeast Indiana Elections 


that not voting contributes to 

the outcomes of those issues 

as well. Consequently, not 

voting voids the privilege 

of complaining about the 

outcomes. 

When it comes to casting 

meaningful votes and being a 

role model citizen, three basic 

steps are in play. One, Register 

to Vote! Two, DO YOUR 

HOMEWORK! Three, Vote! 

In Indiana, the website of 

Indiana Voters.IN.Gov has a 

wealth of information that is 

easy to read and very informative. 

This site provides 

Hoosiers with the opportunity 

to register to vote online, 

validate their voter registration 

status, find their polling 

place location, look into their 

provisional ballot status, find 

county contact information, 

and determine “Who’s on 

My Ballot?” for an upcoming 

election. Do you prefer to talk 

with someone to get information 

about voting? In Dearborn 

County, call 812-537- 

8867 for guidance. In Ripley 

County, call 812-689-4783. 

Don’t delay registering to 

vote. Everyone must abide 

by the deadlines and requirements 

without exception. 

If you are concerned about 

being able to vote at a voting 

site, opportunities are available 

for absentee ballots and 

mail-in ballots. A voter can 

request a visit from a Travel- 

Board that sends a bipartisan 

team to you to collect your 

vote. Everyone needs a stateissued 

photo ID when placing 

a vote, regardless of where or 

how you submit it. 

Some people want to be 

much more involved than 

others when deciding issues 

that affect our communities 

and our lives. People who 

choose to be candidates to 

make a difference in the lives 

of their neighbors and families 

must meet basic requirements 

like age, citizenship, 

and residency. State laws are 

in place with conditions for 

affirming their party affiliation. 

Candidates must also file 

financial disclosure forms, 

and in some cases, submit 

signed petitions. These candidates 

need an understanding 

of the issues that will come 

before them. They also need 

a group of supporters who are 

willing to campaign for them, 

raise money, and get others to 

vote for them. Like most jobs, 

having some experience is 

helpful. Qualities like diplomacy, 

cooperation, and communication 

skills are also key. 

And of course, they need to 

Thunderbolt Firearms 

1940 Jamison Dr, Ste 105 

Bright, IN 47025 

812-637-2767 

www.thunderboltfirearms.com 

We're Still in Bright! 

Now offering Suppressors, and other NFA 

items. Fingerprints, Photos, and Formation of 

Gun Trusts done in house. Financing Available. 

SAVE YOURSELF 

be able to attract donors and 

financial contributors. Many 

positions are not full-time, 

so candidates may need to 

be able to balance their jobs 

with their civic obligations. 

Indiana’s Secretary of State 

website, www.in.gov/sos/ 

has a great deal of information 

for anyone considering 

running for office, including 

requirements, deadlines for 

applications, reporting guidelines, 

etc. Contacting your 

party’s headquarters directly 

is also a way to gain valuable 

resources. 

Another way to step up 

your involvement in the 

election process is by volunteering 

as a poll worker. The 

work is long, starting before 

6 A.M. and lasting until 

after the polls close at 6 P.M. 

(One benefit is you can end 

your long day with a glass of 

spirits since Indiana allows 

bars, taverns, and restaurants 

that sell alcohol to stay open 

on Election Day. The law 

changed in 2012, making it 

one of the final states to do 

so. Now, Hoosiers can enjoy 

a drink and vote on the same 

day!) 

Being a poll worker, either 

as an Inspector, Judge, or 

Clerk, provides a service and 

is an excellent opportunity 

to see the security protocols 

firsthand. With training in 

Save Money by Borrowing Items for Your Wedding 

By Stefanie Hoffmeier 

When planning a wedding, 

the cost of decorations and 

flowers can add up quickly. 

After all, you want your 

event to be the best day of 

your life, and you want to 

provide a memorable experience 

for the guests. According 

to bride.com, most 

couples spend twenty to 

thirty percent of their budget 

on decorations. A lot of wedding 

decorations will only be 

used during the wedding after 

which they are stored or discarded. 

So why not consider 

borrowing items like table 

decorations and tablecloths 

rather than buying them? By 

borrowing items, you can 

free up more of your budget 

for things like food and entertainment. 

And at the end of 

the party, you will have less 

advance, you become familiar 

with how every action 

taken at the voting center is 

completed as a multi-person, 

bipartisan team. I worked at 

the polls in the last statewide 

election, and I marveled 

at the voters who came in 

wheelchairs, with babies on 

their hips, and in their work 

clothes rushing in before 

work, on their lunch hour, or 

on their way home. However, 

I was impressed with the 

professionalism of the experienced 

election workers. Every 

action taken was watched 

and scrutinized, from the time 

we entered the building until 

we dismantled the equipment, 

left as a group, and made a 

bi-partisan transport with 

the results on thumb drives 

and paper receipts to the 

courthouse for verification. 

The State and the Clerk’s 

offices put in months of advance 

physical and technical 

preparation with Homeland 

Security, the Indiana Election 

Commission, the Statewide 

Voter Registration System, 

the Voting System Technical 

Oversight Program (VSTOP), 

IU Center for Applied Cybersecurity 

Research (CACR), 

the Secretary of State’s office 

and their local staff. Dearborn 

County Clerk of Courts 

Wendy Beatty worked for ten 

years as an Election Deputy 

to store or throw in the trash. 

The Dearborn County Recycling 

Center (DCRC) Lending 

Station allows individuals to 

borrow items for weddings, 

special events, and parties 

at no cost. Decorative glass 

jars, vases, tea-light candle 

holders, tabletop signs, table 

runners, chair bows, and 

mirrors are just a few of the 

items in the Lending Station 

that can be borrowed for your 

big event. Get creative and 

search the web and Pinterest 

for ideas on reusing items and 

creating your tabletop decorations. 

Simple glass vases, 

candle holders, and mirrors, 

can be dressed up with ribbons, 

burlap, fabric, and silk 

flowers. The Lending Station 

has several colors of organza 

table runners that can be used 

on the table or tied into bows 

before being promoted to 

her current position. Ripley 

County Clerk Liz Baumgartner 

has equally impressive 

on-the-job experience. Both 

officials share solid confidence 

in the security of the 

election processes in their 

counties. 

Whether you are a voter 

(all of you, hopefully), a 

candidate, a donor, or an 

election worker, please keep 

Step 2 in mind. Do Your 

Homework! Log on to political 

party websites or call 

the party’s headquarters to 

request information about the 

different candidates. Indiana 

Republican Party- 317-635- 

7561; Indiana Democratic 

Party 317-231-7100. Another 

online source is Vote411.org, 

an award-winning educational 

election service of the 

League of Women Voters. 

Get involved in community 

activities and events to learn 

from new people about local 

happenings that are important 

to you. Go to local meetings 

– commissioners, school 

boards, and councils to hear 

about issues and decisions. 

Keep an open mind, and 

make your own decisions. 

Remember that voting is 

a privilege and a gift – and 

it is your right to make your 

neighborhood and country 

better by voting. 

around floral and glass decorations. 

While you may not find everything 

for your event at the 

Lending Station, the items 

that you do find will save 

you money and time. Individuals 

who borrow items do 

not need to live in Dearborn 

County. To choose items to 

borrow from the Lending 

Station, make an appointment 

with Julie, the Reuse 

Coordinator at the DCRC. 

Borrowed items can then be 

picked up the week before 

the wedding and dropped 

back off the following week. 

Borrowers will be asked to 

fill out a rental agreement 

to ensure that items will be 

returned on time and in the 

same condition that they were 

when borrowed. Items such 

as tablecloths and chair covers 

will need to be laundered 

before being returned to the 

Lending Station. 

If you have items from your 

wedding or event packed 

away, consider donating them 

so that they can be used for 

another wedding or party. The 

majority of items in the Lending 

Station were donated by 

the public. Anyone interested 

in borrowing or donating 

items can call the Dearborn 

County Recycling Center at 

812-926-9963 or email Julie 

at reuse@ 

dearborncounty.in.gov to 

make an appointment. 

Saving for retirement is 

easy – and we can help. 

Open a Traditional or 

Roth IRA today. 

Does your child need vaccines? 

Do you need a vaccine? 

*School vaccines, lead tests, TB testing, 

Flu vaccine, Covid vaccine 

Call us today! 

We have a programs for everyone 

Uninsured, underinsured, Medicaid, Private insurance 

Kendra: 812-537-8843 

Becky: 812-537-8844 

fcnbank.com 

Dearborn County Health Department 

165 Mary Street 

Lawrenceburg, IN 47025 




C O N V E N T I O N A L 


By PG Gentrup 

CRAWFORD A. 

“HAP” PETERS 

Crawford Albert “Hap” 

Peters was born in Aurora, 

Indiana on Oct. 10, 1895, to 

Fred A. Peters and Ida Marie 

Hayes Peters. He passed 

away on Dec. 24, 1977, at the 

age of 82. 

Hap was well known here 

in Southeastern Indiana and 

quite the character while 

being respected by all. Hap 

was married to Celestine M. 

“Lessie” Englert Peters. Hap 

& Lessie had two daughters, 

Theresa Ann “Tessie” 

Peters Lischkge and Shirley 

Ann Peters Meyer. Shirley’s 

husband was Judge Anthony 

“Tony” Meyer. They had four 

children- Anthony, Anna, 

Nicholas and Rebecca. 

I knew Tessie and her 

husband, Bobby Lischkge. 

Just like Hap, they were both 

characters, and everybody 

loved them. Like Hap, they 

were Aurora Legends. Bobby 

was a proud World War II 

Veteran and had the honor 

of presenting a wreath at 

the Tomb of the Unknown 

Soldier at Arlington National 

Cemetery. Tessie and Bobby 

had two children, Lori and 

Robert, who continue running 

Lischkge Motors in the 

Round Barn near Dillsboro. 

S 

ALUTE 

NEW HOURS 

TO THE MILITARY 

Hap Peters was a World 

War I Veteran. He had a passion 

for flying and earned his 

“wings” to become a pilot. 

The soldiers in World War I 

were referred to as “Doughboys,” 

a term used by the 

Cavalrymen to ridicule foot 

soldiers because the brass 

buttons on their uniforms 

looked like the flour or pipe 

clay dumplings called dough 

cakes that the “Doughboys” 

used to polish their white 

belts. 

Crawford Albert Peters was 

a Second Lieutenant in the 

Air Service (Aeronautics). 

Hap entered the service on 

Dec. 14, 1917. He was commissioned 

on July 3, 1918. 

Stationed at Taliaferro Field 

in Hicks, TX for the School 

of Aerial Gunnery and then 

at Langley Field in Hampton, 

VA. Until his discharge on 

Dec. 24, 1918. Hap piloted 

bi-wing plane models, Dehaviland 

4, Dehaviland 9, 

and Curtis OX and VX. 

Hap enlisted with his 

buddy, Jordan T. Olcott who 

served in the Air Service- 

Ground. Hap trained with 

Wilbur Wright, G. H. Roosevelt, 

brother of Eleanor 

Roosevelt, and Omar Locklear, 

a famous wing walker. 

Hap was there when the 

former Mayor of New York, 

John P. Mitchell, was killed 

SPECIALIZING IN 

HEALTH and MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT INSURANCE 

M-F | 8 AM-6 PM 

NOW YOU CAN REGISTER ONLINE 

TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT IN LINE. 

JUST VISIT ACCUDOCCARE.COM. 

Hap Peters’ pilot wings. 

by being flipped from a plane 

because he failed to fasten 

his safety belt. A tornado 

hit Texas and Louisiana in 

early 1918 and martial law 

was declared. Hap went to 

St. Charles, Louisiana, and 

served under Harve G. Rice 

of Aurora, Indiana, who was 

in the Navy and would later 

on be the Mayor of Aurora. 

Hap graduated as a pilot 

and then served as an 

instructor. He sometimes 

flew a German Faulker with 

a gunnery tow target. Hap 

retired as a Captain while 

flying in the Reserves for 

twenty years. He never 

wore a parachute because he 

By Alan Thorup 

According to the Federal 

Reserve Bank of New York, 

credit card balances reached 

$1.13 trillion in the fourth 

quarter of 2023. That is an increase 

of $50 billion from the 

third quarter, and continuing 

an upward trend since 2020. 

Also, according to Trans 

Union, one of three national 

credit repositories, the average 

American household credit 

card balance in 2023 was 

$6,088. Lastly, delinquencies 

on credit cards issued by 

commercial banks almost 

doubled from 1.55% in 2021 

to 2.98% in 2023 according to 

the St. Louis Federal Reserve. 

With credit cards being such 

a critical and large portion of 

individual and family finances, 

it is extremely important to 

understand and manage them 

effectively. 

While there are numerous 

resources to help educate 

consumers on the understanding 

and use of credit cards, I 

want to focus on two of them 

from unbiased sources, the 

Federal Deposit Insurance 

Hap Peters in his later 

years. (Photo courtesy of 

the Lischge family) 

found them uncomfortable. 

In 1922, Hap flew a “Flying 

Boat” from Louisville, KY 

to Aurora and offered people 

rides at the Farmers Fair. He 

was awarded his membership 

in the SILVER WINGS 

Fraternity of Aviation Pathfinders, 

an honor that requires 

twenty-five years of flying. 

Hap doubled that. 

Today, the flying that Hap 

Corporation (FDIC) and the 

Consumer Financial Protection 

Bureau (CFPB). Each of 

these is an agency within the 

federal government. 

The first of these, the 

FDIC’s Money Smart Program 

has a specific section for 

adults: 

https://www.fdic.gov/ 

resources/consumers/moneysmart/teach-money-smart/ 

money-smart-for-adults.html 

Fourteen separate modules 

for consumer education 

are included, including one 

specifically on credit cards. 

The consumer guide in this 

module details how credit 

cards work, disclosures creditors 

must provide a consumer, 

and terms associated with 

credit cards (rates, fees, 

‘teaser rates’, rewards, etc.). 

Additionally, there is a section 

on managing credit cards that 

includes reading a credit card 

statement, steps for managing 

your credit card, and many 

tips for managing your credit 

card effectively. 

On the CFPB’s home page: 

https://www.consumer 

PG Gentrup and Hap 

Peters’ granddaughter, Lori 

Lischkge, with photos and 

artifacts from Hap’s military 

career. 

did led to what is now known 

as the United States Air 

Force. Hap was a great man 

to know and he had many 

stories to tell. Thank God 

such men lived and served 

our country. 

Resources for Understanding and Managing 

Credit Cards Effectively 

finance.gov/, there is a 

dropdown for ‘Consumer 

Education’ that features many 

topics, including credit cards. 

On the credit card page, 

numerous links will guide 

consumers through the basics 

of credit cards, key terms in 

credit card agreements, and 

how credit card issuers calculate 

interest. Additional links 

provide guidance on how to 

find the best credit card, how 

to fix mistakes on your bill, 

how to cancel a credit card, 

and, your rights as a consumer. 

There are also guides that 

detail how to dispute charges 

on your bill, how to get a 

refund on a product or service 

purchased with a credit card, 

and how to submit a complaint 

to the CFPB regarding 

a credit card provider. 

Understanding the range of 

financial options available for 

your specific needs as well 

as an understanding of the 

agreements you enter into is 

in your best interest. These 

two resources are very helpful 

and valuable in meeting those 

needs. 

Where Wellness Begins 

I C 

I N E 

N AT U R A L 

M E D 

M E D I C I N E 

LOCATED NEAR YOU & OPEN FOR WALK-INS! 

BATESVILLE, IN 

20 Alpine Drive | Batesville, IN 47006 

M—F: 8am—6pm 

Weekends: 9am—3pm 

HARRISON, OH 

620 Ring Road, Suite B | Harrison, OH 45030 

M—F: 8am—6pm 

ACCUDOCCARE.COM 



FROM 

H ere 

By 

Ollie 

Roehm 

As I write this, everything 

looks like it always does 

this time of year. Dirty. 

When the leaves are 

off the trees and the grass 

doesn’t grow, everything 

looks barren and drab. Litter 

becomes exposed along 

the roadsides and in the 

fields and it looks disgusting. 

This year it seems like 

there is more litter than 

usual. 

OK, I was trying to be 

nice. 

It doesn’t “seem” like it, 

there is more litter this year, 

again. 

Many places in our area 

are truly repulsive and make 

me ashamed of us. 

I’ve never understood how 

people can heave their trash 

into our beautiful countryside 

and not feel a twinge 

of remorse. But I do understand 

why it has become 

worse. I hate to say this, but 

I believe it to be true: Many 

folks have become more 

selfish over the last several 

years and our increase in 

litter reflects that. 

But, I offer big thanks 

to all the folks who don’t 

believe the roadside is their 

personal garbage can and 

who care about the way their 

community looks. I wish 

you a happy springtime. 

Rant over. 

Harrison native and 

legendary high school girls’ 

basketball coach Mary Jo 

Huismann has racked up 

another prestigious award. 

Mary Jo recently received 

the Ohio Basketball 

Coaches Association John 

Wooden Legacy Award. 

The honor reflects the 

characteristics and qualities 

of Coach Wooden including 

service, longevity, character, 

education, and excellence. 

She is currently the girls’ 

varsity basketball coach at 

Talawanda High School and 

has coached in more than 

one thousand games during 

her career. Mary Jo was the 

coach at Mother of Mercy 

High School where she 

posted a 769-401 won/lost 

record and was athletic director 

for thirty-nine years. 

She coached at the University 

of Cincinnati for 

four years and spent two 

years coaching at Capitol 

University. 

Mary Jo is a member 

of the Ohio High School 

Basketball Coaches Hall of 

Fame and has collected a 

boatload of awards over her 

long career. 

She is the recipient of the 

Women’s Sports Foundation 

Lifetime Achievement 

Award. Mary Jo is a member 

of the Buddy LaRosa 

High School Sports Hall of 

Fame, the Greater Cincinnati 

Basketball Hall of 

Fame, and the Mother of 

Mercy Hall of Fame. 

Way to go, Mary Jo! 

By the time you read this, 

fish fry season will be in 

full swing throughout our 

area. I hope you take the 

time to reel in a great fish 

dinner and support some of 

our nonprofit organizations. 

Spring Cleaning for Your Marriage 

By Linda Hutchinson 

Every Spring, I get the bug 

to do some spring cleaning. 

I love to open my windows 

and let the fresh air in. The 

problem is that I also have to 

take the time to wipe away 

all of the cobwebs and bugs 

that have found their way in 

between the screens and windows 

during the cold winter 

months. A layer of dust and 

grime also seems to settle on 

the window sills. Please say 

you have experienced this too. 

I can’t be the only one… 

Spring is also a great time 

to clean away the dirt and 

bugs that can “rot” away at 

our marriages. Some of these 

things can be like termites 

that quickly do extreme damage, 

and other things are more 

like a slow fade of the relationship. 

Either way, the time 

has come for some spring 

cleaning. 

Transparency is critical to 

growing a healthy marriage 

especially if trust has been 

broken before. Trust is the 

glue that holds a relationship 

together. Take the time NOW 

to get rid of the things that 

could keep trust from growing 

and a relationship being 

healthy. 

Below are five basics to 

help with your Marriage 

Spring Cleaning: 

1. Spend at least fifteen 

minutes a day of uninterrupted 

time talking to your 

spouse. Take the time not only 

to just ask them what happened 

in their day but also 

how they are doing. Intimacy 

is built when each spouse 

feels heard and understood. 

Don’t let bitterness or resentment 

build up like that grime 

on my window sill. 

2. Protect your relationship 

from outside forces that want to 

beat against your house and try 

to steal your time and attention. 

Whether it be a whiny child, 

an overworking boss, or a 

flirtatious neighbor, keep your 

marriage protected and make it 

a top priority in your life. 

3. Be a united front when it 

comes to kids, finances, faith, 

future, etc. A house divided 

against itself cannot stand. If 

you come to an impasse on a 

topic, get some outside help 

to resolve the problem so that 

the “bugs” of division and 

bitterness don’t creep in to 

destroy your relationship. 

4. Think and speak positively 

about one another whether 

you’re together or not. Praise 

and affirm your spouse regularly, 

and you’ll make coming 

home that much more enjoyable. 

5. Have fun together. A family 

who plays together stays 

together. Life can’t always be 

serious and hard. Life today can 

be very stressful, and you want 

your house to be a house of 

peace and joy. As the weather 

gets nicer, spend time outdoors 

together. Go for a walk. Take 

the kids to a park. Work on a 

project together in the yard. 

So there you have it- five 

quick things you can do 

TODAY to spruce up your 

marriage and get it ready for a 

season of joy and peace. These 

are not the only things but are 

five quick things that can have 

quite a positive impact. Again, 

if these things seem impossible 

to do or out of reach for 

you, get some outside help. 

HOPE does exist for a better 

tomorrow no matter how 

much damage or “rot” has 

occurred in your relationship. 

Take the time now to get rid 

of any residual hurt or issue 

in your marriage to ensure 

your relationship has the best 

chance to grow and bloom into 

something beautiful this year. 

Linda Hutchinson is the 

Executive Director of Rock 

Solid Families, a faith-based 

coaching organization. 

Visit 

go 

BEACON 

news.com 

COMMUNITY 

EVERYTHING! 



Bright Meadows Park- More Fun Than You Can Shake a Stick At! 

By Gene Cleary 

In March 2023, I was appointed 

Steward of Bright 

Meadows Park. Terry and 

Vicki Stephens, retired park 

stewards for the Guilford 

Covered Bridge Park, met 

with me several times to help 

me understand what the duties 

of a park steward are. They 

were most helpful. Terry was 

also a vital member of the 

Dearborn County Park Board 

for many years. I was amazed 

at all of the accomplishments 

that he, Jim Red Elk, and others 

had made since the inception 

of the Dearborn County 

Parks in 1996. 

The Bright Meadows Park 

is open all year and hosts 

many activities throughout the 

seasons. Although the gates 

and restrooms are closed from 

Nov. 1 to Mar. 31, visitors still 

use the walking trails, shelter, 

playgrounds, etc. during the 

colder months. Opening day 

for the gates and restrooms 

is Apr. 1 and continues until 

Oct. 31. Baseball games 

and practice begin in March 

weather permitting. Jon Deters 

and Corey Kaeser did an 

amazing job getting the ball 

fields in good playing condition 

this year. We are fortunate 

that they plan to continue 

doing this in the future. The 

master plan for the fields is to 

keep them playable all year. 

Jeff Hermesch, Purdue University 

Extension Agent and 

Park Board member is a valuable 

consultant for upgrading 

the ball fields. 

The baseball fields were 

used almost every day from 

April through early July last 

year. This year players will 

find that the old backstops 

and some fences have been 

replaced on both fields. After 

baseball comes the football/ 

soccer teams using the fields 

most weekdays from July to 

Oct. So many of our youth 

greatly benefit from using 

the fields at Bright Meadows 

Park. 

The park also has a basketball 

court available for 

those who want to play 

some pick-up games. For the 

younger kids, two very nice 

playgrounds are on site, one 

for ages 2-6 and the other for 

ages 7 and older. The playgrounds 

are used a lot, especially 

when the older brothers 

and sisters are practicing their 

sports. The purchase of the 

playground equipment was 

made possible by a grant from 

the Dearborn Community 

Foundation. 

We hope to improve the 

current walking trail with 

2 1 6 7 

1 4 

8 7 5 

4 5 9 8 

2 9 

5 4 

3 9 7 

1 3 

3 6 2 4 

Sudoku 

Sudoku is a logical puzzle game 

that may seem difficult at first glance, 

but actually 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 3×3 boxes. 

The solution can be found on our website www. 

goBEACONnews.com/print_edition. Click on the link for 

Print Edition / Sudoku 

and view the solution for this month and last. Good luck 

and have fun! 

parks 

dearborn 

county 

the Dearborn County Parks Foundation. 

A Gift For all Seasons! 

www.dearborncountyPARKS.com 

Bright Meadows Park features playgrounds, fields, and 

trails for all to enjoy. (Photo by Toni Cleary) 

a new and wider one this 

spring. Any time that I have 

been at the Park throughout 

the year, I have seen several 

walkers using the walking 

trails in virtually all types of 

weather. A wilderness area 

comprised of approximately 

four acres has mowed trails 

throughout that can be hiked 

as well. Roy Johnson and the 

FFA from East Central High 

School have volunteered to 

help clean out some of the 

invasive trees and shrubs to 

make the area look better and 

be more easily accessible. The 

East Central Agriculture Dept. 

is also in the process of building 

eight new picnic tables for 

the shelters. Truly a community 

effort. 

The Park now boasts a 

state-of-the-art camera system 

around the shelters. I can view 

the area at any time on my 

computer or cell phone. The 

Sheriff’s Department also has 

access to these cameras and 

videos. 

I am a big believer in allowing 

adults and children to 

spend as much time outdoors 

as possible. Bright Meadows 

Park certainly plays a part 

in making that possible. The 

Park Board wants Bright 

Meadows Park, and all of the 

county parks, to be a source 

of pride for the community. 

The Dearborn County Highway 

Dept. has been incredibly 

helpful with bush hogging, removing 

dead trees and fallen 

branches, spraying weeds, and 

a multitude of other maintenance. 

We hope to continually 

upgrade and improve the 

facilities that we have. 

Bright Meadows Park is 

only one of five Dearborn 

County Parks which include 

County Farm Park, Gladys 

Russell Park, Guilford Covered 

Bridge Park, and Rullman 

Wildlife Refuge. More 

information and reservation 

opportunities are available 

on the Park’s website, www. 

dearborncountyparks.com. 

Have you made your post-high school plans? 

We’re here for you. 

CONVENIENT LOCATIONS AVAILABLE 

Ivy Tech is your hometown college! Campuses in 

Lawrenceburg and Batesville offer convenient 

locations to take your next step in education. 

MORE THAN 30 ACADEMIC PROGRAMS 

Programs in high-demand career fields including 

business, healthcare, information technology, and 

advanced manufacturing will prepare you for 

your future. 

START CAREER OR TRANSFER TO 4-YEAR 

Earn a degree from Ivy Tech and start your or career 

or transfer your credits and continue your education 

at one of our four-year partners. 

PERSONALIZED 

CAMPUS TOURS 

AVAILABLE! 

Tour campus, learn about 

academic programs, talk 

to admissions counselors, 

and get financial aid info! 

SCAN TO 

PLAN YOUR 

CAMPUS 

VISIT 


By 

Jack 

Zoller 

beaconsports 

@live.com 


By 

Melanie 

Alexander 

Today, I’m sitting at my 

By 

dining room table Maxine and watching 

a beautiful Klump sunrise unfold. 

My first cup of morning 

coffee sits nearby. Community I promised 

Correspondent 

myself breakfast after I hit the 

“send” button to forward this 

maxineklump.thebeacon@yahoo.com 

column. I share this because 

the first recipe reminds me 

of breakfast cinnamon coffee 

cakes when I visited my 

Grandpa Renck’s home on 

Saturday mornings. My greatgrandmother, 

Mary Renck, 

and Great Aunt Elsa bustled 

about making sweet treats for 

the family. 

To this day, breakfast recipes 

often include cinnamon. 

I am sad to say that I don’t 

have the recipe for that coffee 

cake but this crumb cake 

serves as a substitute. The 

cake is baked in a sheet pan 

(13x18 inch) and incorporates 

a cinnamon topping that comprises 

almost as much space 

as the cake. 

Sheet Pan Crumb Cake 

Crumb: 

1 ½ cups packed brown sugar 

2/3 cup granulated sugar 

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, melted 

3 cups flour 

Cake: 

Non-stick cooking spray for 

the baking sheet 

3 cups flour 

1 ¾ teaspoon baking powder 

¾ teaspoon baking soda 

½ teaspoon salt 

¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) butter at 

room temperature 

1 ¾ cup granulated sugar 

3 large eggs 

1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

1 ¼ cup sour cream 

For the crumb: Combine 

the brown sugar, granulated 

sugar, and cinnamon in a 

medium bowl. Drizzle in the 

melted butter and mix with a 

fork until just combined. Add 

the flour and mix with the 

fork until it has been evenly 

incorporated and small to 

medium clumps have formed. 

DO NOT OVERMIX or it 

will turn into a paste. 

For the cake: Preheat 

oven to 350 degrees. Spray 

the 13x18-inch sheet pan 

with cooking spray. Whisk 

together the flour, baking 

powder, baking soda, and salt 

in a medium bowl. Using an 

electric mixer, beat the butter 

and sugar on medium-high 

speed until light and fluffy, 

about 5 minutes. Add the 

eggs, one at a time, beating 

well after each addition. Beat 

in the vanilla. 

Reduce the mixer speed to 

low and add the flour mixture 

in 3 batches alternating with 

the sour cream (1/2 at a time). 

Beat just until incorporated 

after each addition. 

Spoon the batter into 

the greased baking sheet 

and smooth with a spatula. 

Sprinkle the crumb topping 

evenly over the batter and 

press gently into the batter to 

adhere. 

Bake until the cake and 

topping are golden brown and 

a toothpick inserted into the 

center comes out clean (40-45 

minutes). Let cool completely 

on the baking sheet, for about 

one hour. Slice and serve from 

the baking sheet. 

My second recipe for this 

month is both fun to make and 

really good. Because April 

(and April Fools Day) is near, 

consider this a “joke” but a 

really tasty drink. When I read 

this recipe, my first thought 

was, “ You’ve got to be joking!” 

but I already knew that I 

was going to try it. 

I enlisted my daughter in 

a subsequent taste test and 

she was an instant convert 

to a new and different way 

to make a latte. I now keep 

a pint of coffee ice cream in 

my freezer just to be ready 

to enjoy a treat. Needless to 

say, alternate flavors of ice 

cream can be used. Just think 

of yourself as a neighborhood 

barista. 

Melted Coffee Ice Cream 

Caffè Latte 

(4 servings) 

1 cup milk 

1 pint coffee ice cream 

1 cup brewed coffee or 

espresso (hot) 

In a small saucepan, heat 

the milk and ice cream over 

medium heat, whisking as it 

heats, until the mixture simmers 

and becomes foamy (Yes 

it works). 

Divide the HOT coffee/ 

espresso among four cups and 

pour some of the frothed milk 

mixture over each cup. Serve 

immediately. 

A New Twist on an Old 

Service at Your Library 

Jake Moore, Lawrenceburg 

Public Library District 

Director 

Emily Wille, Outreach 

Services Manager 

A long time ago, the Lawrenceburg 

Public Library 

District (LPLD) began offering 

a Homebound Service 

which brought materials to 

residents of the library district 

who struggled to physically 

come to one of our buildings. 

It was, and is, a great service 

that is utilized by many. 

Then, LPLD realized that the 

name “Homebound Service” 

conjures an image of being 

unable to set even a single toe 

outside, which is not a necessary 

qualification to use the 

service. As a result, LPLD has 

now decided to change the 

name of the service to Home 

Delivery, and we’d like to 

invite anyone who may need 

the service to sign up! 

Here is how it works: 

As in the past, Home 

Delivery Service is free and 

available to any resident of 

the library district who has 

difficulty traveling to one of 

our buildings. Why might 

a person sign up for Home 

Delivery Service? Reasons 

may include temporary or 

permanent physical disability, 

non-communicable illness 

(please don’t ask anyone to 

come to your house when you 

have the flu), or simply a lack 

of transportation. Materials 

are delivered monthly, and the 

service can be canceled at any 

time. 

In addition to the new 

name, the service is getting 

a new way for you to choose 

what books, DVDs, etc... 

are delivered to you. Previously, 

patrons signing up for 

the service would complete 

a “Reader Profile” which 

described their likes and dislikes. 

An outreach staff member 

would use these choices to 

select items for delivery based 

on the information provided. 

Patrons who prefer this option, 

as well as those who just 

think it would be easier to ask 

to be brought everything by 

Beverly Lewis and nothing by 

E.L. James (or vice versa, we 

don’t judge), will still be able 

to use this method. However, 

there will now be an option 

for you to self-select materials 

from the online catalog or 

mobile app. After signing up 

for Home Delivery Service 

and coordinating a delivery 

day and time with an outreach 

staff member, patrons will be 

able to search for the items 

they want in the online catalog 

or mobile app and place 

them on hold. Patrons must 

select the “Mobile Library” 

as their desired pickup location, 

and on the previously 

scheduled day and time, the 

materials will appear at their 

front door, just like magic! 

Since home delivery patrons 

keep items for a month, highdemand 

items, specifically 

hot spots and new DVDs 

(purchased within the past 3 

months), are not available for 

home delivery. 

To sign up for Home Delivery 

Service, or if you just 

have some questions about 

the service, please call the 

LPLD Outreach Department 

at (812) 537-2775 x1130. If 

you’re ready to jump in and 

utilize the service, you can 

call us at the number above 

or visit our website (https:// 

www.lpld.lib.in.us/homedelivery-service) 

and complete 

a Reader Profile. 

By Richard Stoll 

Oak Heritage Conservancy 

is a nonprofit land trust that 

conserves natural areas such 

as forests, farms, meadows, 

wetlands, and other greenspace 

to retain the quality 

of life in southeast Indiana. 

Oak Heritage protects land 

in perpetuity by outright 

purchase or by accepting 

donations, bequests, and 

conservation easements. 

Conservation easements are 

legal agreements where a 

landowner retains ownership 

of a property but gives up 

specific rights such as the 

right to subdivide and develop. 

These agreements ensure 

the long-term protection 

of the land. Oak Heritage 

protects land in Dearborn, 

Ripley, Ohio, Switzerland, 

Jefferson, Jennings, Jackson, 

What is a Land Trust? 

Decatur, Clark, Scott, and 

Washington Counties. 


owns or holds easements of 

over 1,100 acres in southeast 

Indiana including thirteen 

nature preserves open to the 

public. The Conservancy 

carries out basic activities 

such as controlling invasive 

plants, removing trash, 

planting trees, building 

trails, and installing interpretive 

signage to make the 

preserves more accessible to 

the public. Throughout the 

year, the organization offers 

hiking events, a Butterfly 

Walk in the summer, and a 

Winter Social. Volunteers 

are welcome to help maintain 

the nature preserves. 


is actively working to protect 

more land for people to 

Photo by Rebekah Caddell 

visit and in which wildlife 

can live and thrive. 

If you or your organization 

would like to learn more 

about Oak Heritage Conservancy, 

Executive Director, 

Jack Sutton would be happy 

to give a presentation. Visit 

OakHeritageConservancy. 

org to learn more 

Richard Stoll is a board 

member of Oak Heritage 

Conservancy. 



DEARBORN COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT 

SERVICES 

STD TESTING BY APPOINTMENT 

(HEP C, HIV, SYPHILIS, GONORRHEA, CHLAMYDIA) 

812-537-8843 

SMOKING CESSATION, EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS AND PROGRAMS 

TB TESTING 

LEAD TESTING 

VACCINES (UNDER-INSURED, UNINSURED, OR INSURED) 

GLUCOSE CHECK 

BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKS 

SHARPS CONTAINERS 

NEEDLE COLLECTION (HOME 

GENERATED) 

NARCAN/TRAINING 

PERIOD PACKS 

CONDOMS 

SAFER WORKS KITS 

WOUND CARE KITS 

HOMELESS KITS 

PREGNANCY TESTS (AT HOME) 

SAFE SLEEP CLASSES 

BIRTH/DEATH CERTIFICATES 

FOOD PERMITS/INSPECTIONS 

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVIES 

HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAMS FOR SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY 

PROGRAMS 

WWW.DCHEALTHDEPARTMENT.ORG 

165 MARY STREET 

LAWRENCEBURG, IN 47025 

812-537-8826 



By 

Jeff 

Hermesch 

Purdue 

Extension 

jhermesch@purdue.edu 

M 

DEAR 

ARIE 

4 VILLAGE RD 

BATESVILLE, IN 47006 

812-934-4626 

By 

Marie 

Segale 

marie@goBEACONnews.com 

Dear Marie, 

I have made some big 

financial mistakes in my life. 

When one of my kids comes 

to me saying, “Mom I need 

help,” “I need money for this 

or that,” or whatever it is, I 

usually give in to the request. 

When the request is to be a 

co-signer or to make a loan 

for a large amount, I would 

have been wise to consider 

how the loan would be paid 

back. Did I consider the odds 

of whether I would get the 

money back? Well, yes, I did. 

Sadly my good intentions did 

not guarantee that the money 

would be returned. I did not 

put enough thought into the 

consequences of my decisions. 

I wonder which one of 

my kids will be there to take 

care of me when I am old 

and perhaps running low on 

money. I would like to believe 

all of my kids would chip in if 

Garden Seed Starting 

Spring is finally here! Many 

of our readers are looking 

forward to getting out in their 

established gardens, while 

others are exploring the idea 

of having a garden for the 

first time. Regardless if you 

are experienced or a newbie, 

seed starting is a great way to 

kick off the gardening season. 

Several advantages of starting 

seeds indoors include 

better germination rates, less 

competition from other plants, 

and fewer insect and disease 

problems. 

To get started, gather your 

desired seed, containers to 

start them in, some growing 

media, water, and light. 

Growing media should be a 

seed-starting mix comprised 

of peat moss, perlite, coconut 

coir, and vermiculite. This 

seed-starting mix is sterile and 

provides a light, fine-textured 

media that is ideal for seedstarting. 

Garden soil is not 

recommended since it contains 

weed seeds and diseases. 

It also tends to be very dense 

which causes poor drainage. 

A variety of containers can 

be used including plastic pots, 

peat pots, eggshells, toilet paper 

tubes, egg cartons, or cell flats. 

Ensure that the container can 

hold the media while still allowing 

moisture to drain away. 

Lighting is important. 

Fluorescent grow lights are 

often preferred, but regular 

fluorescent bulbs, desk lamps, 

and even windowsills will 

work. Windowsills should 

have good southern exposure, 

although additional lighting 

may be needed. 

Seed packages provide 

directions that cover when the 

seeds should be sown/planted 

and how deep to plant. As 

always, please follow the directions 

on the seed packages 

for best results. 

The steps to start plants 

from seed include: 

1. Pre-moisten your media 

by mixing it with enough 

water so it holds its shape 

when you grab a handful but 

isn’t dripping water. Fill your 

container with the wet seedstarting 

media. Make sure that 

the media is settled, and that 

the container does not have 

large air pockets inside. 

2. Make an indentation in 

the media to the recommended 

depth. Place 2-3 seeds 

inside this indentation and 

I were destitute…maybe. 

Marie, can you give me advice 

on how to say no to my 

kids’ financial requests? 

Audrey in Lawrenceburg 

cover with the recommended 

amount of media. Press the 

media down to ensure good 

contact with the seeds. 

3. Gently mist the media 

with water. 

4. The container can be covered 

with plastic to help retain 

moisture and warmth. Remove 

the plastic to spray the 

container if the media dries 

out. If left uncovered, the 

media will need to be watered 

more often. Once the seeds 

begin to germinate, remove 

the plastic cover. 

5. If you are starting seeds 

in a cool area, a heat mat that 

is made for starting seeds is 

helpful for proper germination 

and disease prevention. 

As seedlings grow, keep 

the lights three inches above 

the tallest plants and provide 

twelve to sixteen hours of 

light per day. Water the growing 

media as needed, making 

sure it stays moist. A weak 

fertilizer can be used with water 

once the seedlings produce 

their first true leaves. 

By the end of March, starting 

warm-season plants such 

as tomatoes and peppers is 

ideal. Unfortunately, the time 

has passed to start cool-season 

plants such as broccoli, cauliflower, 

and cabbage. 

If you have questions, 

please contact me at 812-926- 

1189. by email at 

jhermesch@purdue.edu. 

Dear Audrey, 

Your question is considered 

the “Great Predicament.” As 

moms, we tend to do whatever 

we can to help our children, 

sometimes to our detriment. 

Lending and/or co-signing for 

a loan is a big ask. 

Making a loan to someone is 

a huge risk, but some safeguards 

can be taken. I suggest 

that you draw up a document 

that details the terms of 

repayment to ensure that you 

are repaid. A simple loan list 

shows the amount to be paid 

each month, the accrued interest, 

and the payment due date. 

You also should establish the 

repercussions when the payment 

is not made on time. As 

any other creditor would, you 

should have a late fee. If the 

loan is for the purchase of an 

item of value, you can sell the 

asset if repayment is not made. 

Parenting is hard work. 

Take the opportunity to teach 

your children the value of a 

dollar no matter what age they 

are. They must comprehend 

the seriousness of borrowing 

money from you or a bank. 

When you lend money to 

anyone, keep in mind that you 

should not lend more than you 

can afford to lose! 

Do you have a pressing issue? 

Contact Marie@go 

BEACONnews.com. 

Credibility • Advocacy • Education • Visibility 

What Can The Chamber 

Do For You? Just Ask! 

812-537-0814 

www.dearborncountychamber.org 

B 

Beacon 

NEWS ABOUT OUR 

ADVERTISERS 

USINESS 

INcompass 

Healthcare Fills 

Many Needs 

INcompass Healthcare 

offers programs specifically 

designed for adults, children, 

and families to meet them at 

their current life stages. Adult, 

child, and family programming 

provides services that 

are trauma-informed and 

recovery-focused. INcompass 

Healthcare believes that every 

person’s journey to healing is 

individualized. The services 

provided are designed to be 

flexible, comprehensive, and 

holistic. 

Their Adult, Child, and 

Family programming at 

INcompass Healthcare 

encompasses services for all 

ages from five years through 

the geriatric population. 

Treatment includes a comprehensive 

assessment and 

an individualized treatment 

approach through evidencebased 

practices that are 

supported by research. Some 

evidence-based practices 

offered are Trauma-Focused 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy 

(CBT), Eye Movement 

Desensitization and Reprocessing 

(EMDR), Parent- 

Child Interaction Therapy, 

File taxes 

your way. 

Get started today. 

Virtually 

Via drop off 

In person 

4 VILLAGE RD 

BATESVILLE, IN 47006 | 812-934-4626 

Cognitive Behavioral Intervention, 

and Child-Parent 

Psychotherapy. 

Youth and Family services 

help set children and caregivers 

up for a lifetime of 

success and knowledge to 

guide them on their journeys. 

INcompass Healthcare is 

here to be a partner in each 

patient’s treatment plan and to 

provide resources to be better 

prepared for the future. They 

offer programs such as outpatient 

services, school-based 

services for those children 

who may benefit from learning 

coping skills in the school 

environment, and even intensive 

family services to help 

families when multiple social, 

emotional, and behavioral 

needs are needed. 

Adult programming offers 

a full array of services for 

adults who need outpatient 

services, acute inpatient services, 

and long-term treatment 

for serious mental illness. 

Helping adults learn to cope 

with stressors can greatly 

benefit their daily lives. 

Adult, Child, and Family 

services are at the heart of INcompass 

Healthcare’s promise 

to provide exceptional care 

for everyone. The organization 

offers hope for the future 

to individuals and families 

while encouraging them to 

utilize their resources to live 

more fulfilling lives. 

To start your journey with 

INcompass Healthcare, call 

(812) 537-1302. 



THE STORY OF MY LIFE 

Life on the Farm 

The following excerpt is 

from a book written in 1930 

by a lifetime resident of Ripley 

County, Yorkville, and Manchester. 

The BEACON is honored 

to share another chapter 

of the book each month thanks 

to Mary Randell’s descendants. 

Previous chapters are 

available online starting with 

the August 2022 print edition 

at goBEACONnews.com/ 

print_edition. 

By Mary M. Greiner Randell 

Chapter XIV (cont.) 

We didn’t get to Louisville 

until evening. Then we got 

a berth, while some stayed 

in the waiting room. But the 

mosquitoes were so bad they 

could get no rest sitting up 

on chairs or lying down on 

couches. The next morning 

we went to get something 

to eat and then went back to 

the boat. While we had been 

gone, some men had rolled on 

some tobacco hogsheads. You 

know they are very heavy. 

COME JOIN US FOR 

OUR OPEN HOUSE! 

MARCH 24, 2024 

12PM - 3PM 

The Lawrenceburg Event Center 

offers event space for all sizes! 

Our flexible space includes two ballrooms, 

six suites and a multi-purpose exhibition 

area. We can accommodate groups from 

a few people up to 2,000! Plus, we offer 

in-house banquet services and audio/visual 

equipment to fulfill any needs. 

WIN A WEDDING 

SCAN THE QR CODE 

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN 

A $15,000 WEDDING! 

When the captain came they 

had to roll them off again, 

there was too much load 

already. In about an hour we 

started back and we had more 

trouble going back than we 

had had on the way down. We 

were to land at Lawrence-burg 

at six o’clock in the evening, 

but we got there at twelve 

o’clock that night. Some 

people got very hungry. It was 

said there wasn’t a slice of 

bread left in the dining room 

even for the well-to-do people 

with their diamonds. They 

had to go thirty-three miles 

more to Cincinnati, to where 

the boat had started from. Just 

before we got off, one of the 

passengers asked us if I could 

pray. I said I could and they 

asked me to pray for them, 

they were so hungry. But I 

think the crew of the boat had 

something to eat. I didn’t hear 

them say they were hungry. 

One time Pa and I went to a 

national prohibition convention 

in Indianapolis. I had 

fixed up a big lunch for the 

occasion. We went to Lawrenceburg 

to get on the train. 

They had promised Pa, that 

if he would go as a delegate, 

they would pay his way. When 

we got to the depot there were 

no arrangements to that effect. 

Pa wanted to go back home, 

but I told him I wasn’t going 

without him. I said that maybe 

this would be the last time we 

would make a trip together, 

so he had better go. It was the 

last time. 

When we got on the train Pa 

saw a man he had been 

reading about in his prohibition 

paper and he was glad he 

had not gone back home. And 

I saw Brother Brown that 

married Myrtle, a lady that 

had preached in Lawrenceburg 

at the time I was staying 

with Jennie. She preached 

holiness and married a 

holiness preacher. I had some 

very good talks with them. He 

said, “Just because you have 

salvation, you don’t have to 

let people run over you. You 

Author 

Mary Randell 

should have 

that sweet 

peace in 

your soul so 

that you can 

talk to such 

ones without 

getting mad 

at them.” I 

have that 

sweet peace 

in my soul. 

The front yard where we 

lived had some beautiful 

flowers; the house stood on 

a kind of hill and the front 

yard sloped enough so it 

never stayed wet. There were 

130 acres in the farm. The 

children could go out to play 

a little while after a rain. 

There were three shrubs, one 

was a snowball, one a rose of 

Sharon, and the other a lilac. 

There were two peony bushes 

and a clump of water lilies 

with a deep center, and those 

tall white lilies that the florists 

sell in the cities. There 

were two big cedar trees and 

one smaller one. One day, 

when Louis was a small boy, 

he brought home a cedar tree 

from the woods and planted 

it between the house and the 

garden to keep the hot sun 

away from the door in the 

afternoon- the little tree was 

only half an arm high. There 

was a big orchard and cider 

mill run by horsepower. We 

made lots of cider and sold it 

for vinegar. We cooked lots 

of apple butter and sold it 

too, and made plenty for our 

own use. There was a cane 

mill and we made our own 

sorghum molasses. Then we 

had a large grainary and mill 

upstairs to grind feed corn, 

rye, and oats. This mill was 

run by horsepower. Then 

we had a feed box that we 

Chuck, Roger & Susan Johnson 

Serving the Tri-State and Beyond 

Your full-service company! 

Taking care of your items with care, 

honesty, and ethically. 

**Call for an Appointment Today** 

JohnsonSells4You.com 

(812) 576-0157 or (513) 403-6734 

Licensed in Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio 

Live Auctions, Online Auctions, USPAP Appraisals 

turned by hand. We left all 

these things there when we 

sold the farm and moved to 

a little town, called Wright’s 

Corner. 

All seven of my children 

were born on the farm. Some 

of the dates of the births and 

marriages of my children 

slipped my mind and so that is 

why I wrote to each of you. Of 

course we have your records 

in the family album which 

is at Gertie’s place. Some of 

the children made comments 

when they replied giving me 

this information. I will try to 

tell you some of these. 

Malena said it’s no wonder 

you forgot the dates, you had 

so many to remember. Gertie 

was born July 12, 1875. She 

was married to Frank Mendel 

in Cincinnati, Ohio, in March 

1896. 

Louis was born January 

31, 1878. He was married to 

Fanny Johnson at Dillsboro, 

November 2, 1902. 

Jennie was born May 11, 

1882. She was married to 

Frank Haas at home on November 

7, 1901. June 1, 1914, 

she was married to Beaufort 

Terrill. She left the date blank 

for her third marriage, Ha, 

Ha! 

Benny was born September 

15, 1885. Ben said he was 

born at one o’clock in the 

morning in a hay mow, but he 

was talking through his hat. 

He was born in the old brick 

house. I was there the same as 

he was and I know. Ben said 

the second greatest event that 

happened in his life was the 

day that Zella Snyder took him 

in out of the cold and married 

him. It was July 18, 1909. 

Malena was born September 

17, 1888. She was married 

June 10, 1920, to Harry 

Haverland at our home at 

Wright’s Corner. 

Wesley was born March 

21, 1891. He married Bernice 

Grasser June 9, 1916, in Louisville, 

Kentucky. Doc in writing 

spoke on being married on 

the above-mentioned date and 

said that he has been pretty 

much married ever since. 

Gilbert was born September 

23, 1896. He was married to 

Carolina Schmidt at Sunset 

Heights, Lenexa, Kansas, on 

December 23, 1926. 38 

The Beacon thanks the descendants 

of the Randell family 

for sharing Mrs. Randell’s 

story. Upcoming chapters will 

be featured in future editions 

of the Beacon. 

Garrett Bascom 

CONSERVATIVE REPUBLICAN 

Husband. Father. Small Business Owner. 

Former Deputy Attorney General. 

Devoted Republican Leader. 

As our next Republican State Representative, 

Garrett Bascom will: 

• Advocate for Mental Health 

• Apply a Fair Approach to Justice 

• Support Law Enforcement 

• Protect Our Family Values 

• Defend Our Gun Rights 

• Stand Up for Life 

• Promote Indiana’s Main Streets 

• Fight to Limit Government Waste 

BascomforIndiana.com 

PAID FOR BY BASCOM FOR INDIANA, E.G. MCLAUGHLIN, TREASURER. 


debbystutz.thebeacon@yahoo.com 

April 2024 THE BEACON Page 1B 

S 

BEACON 

PORTS 

SCENE 

By 

Chris Jack 

Nobbe 

Zoller 

beaconsports 

@live.com 

sports@goBEACONnews.com 

Batesville Archery 

Ranked #1 in All Levels 

The archery teams of several 

local high, middle, and 

elementary schools competed 

in the 2024 Indiana NASP 

State Tournament at the Indiana 

State Fairgrounds. The 

competition was fierce for the 

chance to garner individual 

and team By titles. 

The Batesville Maxine Bulldog Archery 

program has been quite 

Klump 

dominant Community throughout the year. 

Going into Correspondent the state tournament, 

the Batesville teams at 

all levels claim the top-ranked 

maxineklump.thebeacon@yahoo.com 

spot in the state in the 10/15 

Meter Range, while the middle 

school also goes in with the top 

3D Range score in the state. 

While the teams compete as 

co-ed, the statistics are often 

broken down by male and 

female competitors. The high 

school boys claim 8 of the top 

35 top scores in 10/15 Meter, 

led by Quinten Sarringhaus 

tied for fifth with a high score 

of 292. Robert McKell is tied 

for tenth with a 291, and Ben 

The Batesville Bulldog Archery program focus while in line 

for competition. (Photo courtesy of Batesville Archery) 

Kuntz is tied for fifteenth with 

a 290. The girls claim three 

of the top 12, led by Lydia 

Haskamp who is tied for third 

with a score of 292. 

The Batesville High School 

team is also ranked sixth in 

3D led by Sarringhaus and 

Haskamp with 284 with only 

one more meet before the 

state tournament. 

In the 10/15 Meter Range, 

Batesville claims a great 

amount of depth on their high 

school team. After Haskamp, 

Sarringhaus, McKell, and 

Kuntz, the Bulldogs have 

thirteen others who have been 

above the 280 mark this year. 

Kaiden Fasbinder has scored 

289, Macy Young and Brooklyn 

Ludwig have scored 288, 

Noah Ramsey 287, Kayden 

Weiler, Conner Feiss, and 

Conner Foster have all scored 

286, Lilian Eckstein 284, 

Landin Hughes and William 

Patterson have scored 281, 

and Jason Honnert, Charlie 

Pulskamp, and Owen Ramsey 

have scored 280. 

The Batesville Middle 

School team is nearly as impressive 

being ranked first in 

both disciplines. They are led 

by Grace Magee, whose top 

score of 293 is the best in the 

state for a middle school girl 

this year. She is followed by 

teammate Varshath Rajesh at 

288, making him the secondranked 

middle school boy in 

the state. Two other girls are 

ranked in the top six of the 

state with both Alyssa Mauer 

and Gracie Doll both having a 

top score of 287. Trace Scott 

is also ranked seventh for the 

boys at 284. 

All four are also ranked 

highly in 3D. Magee is third 

in girls with a 284 followed 

by Mauer in sixth at 279 and 

Doll in tenth at 275. Rajesh is 

sixth among the boys with a 

275 to this point. 

The Batesville Intermediate 

School leads all other elementaries 

in the state for a top 

ranking. That team is led by 

the top-scoring elementary girl 

Rebecca Siebert with a score 

of 277. She is joined in the 

rankings by four boys from 

her team. Wyatt Magee is 

third with a score of 271. He 

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

Glenn Scholl Agent 

812-637-3700 

with 

glennschollinsurance.com 

ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES 

is followed by Levi Trenkamp 

at 269 in fifth, Wesley Rogier 

at 268 in sixth, and Bruce Li 

at 267 tied for seventh. 

South Dearborn has also 

competed strongly this season. 

The high school is led by top 

scorers Brayden Huddleston 

and Dalton Land with 283. 

Danica Neff has a high score 

of 282, and Makayla Crisswell 

has scored 281 this season. 

The South Dearborn Middle 

School team has been led in 

top scores by three boys. Kainen 

Wanstrath has competed 

well in past years and is currently 

ranked third in middle 

school boys’ rankings with 

a score of 286 this season. 

Teammates Gordon Black 

has scored 277 while Cohen 

Phelps has scored 274. 

Dillsboro Elementary’s 

team has competed a few 

times this year and is led by 

Logan Pires whose high score 

of 264 ranks him fourteenth 

among elementary boys in the 

state. Three teammates have 

also scored well for elementary 

with Lucy Yeary, Josie 

Glenn 

Scholl 

Agent 

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

Glenn Scholl Agent 

812-637-3700 

A HANDS-ON glennschollinsurance.com CAREER 

Glenn 

Scholl 

Agent 

South Dearborn Archery coaches Robin Monday, Richard 

Pettit, Terry Vernon, Kenny Carpenter, and Matt Crisswell. 

(Photo courtesy of Amber Crisswell) 

Manis, and Lucas Cady, all 

scoring 253. 

Milan has a combined team 

this year in competition. They 

are led by three who have 

scored 279 this year. Kaitlyn 

Carpenter, Abigail Carpenter, 

and Gaige Colen. Fredy Cortes 

has also scored 272 for the 

Indians. Kaitlyn Carpenter is 

also ranked tenth in the state 

for high school girls in 3D 

competition with a high score 

for the season of 280. 

Oldenburg Academy has 

entered the realm of archery 

competition this season and is 

led by Annabelle Nunlist with 

a top score of 277 to this point 

and Aaron Bauer with a 262. 

Two Catholic grade schools 

are competing this season. 

St. Louis Catholic School in 

Batesville is competing in the 

middle school division. They 

are led by Landon Beiser with 

266 as his top score, Andrew 

King with a top score of 265, 

and Tripp Hertel with a score 

of 254 for the Cardinals. 

St. Nicholas in Sunman is 

also competing this year with 

a middle school team. They 

are led by Luke Hendren’s top 

score of 276 for the season as 

well as Owen Vollmer shooting 

a best 251 this year. 

Archery continues to be a 

growing sport and is organized 

by the National Archery 

in Schools Program (NASP), 

who conduct state, national, 

and world competitions in the 

sport. Visit nasptournaments. 

org for more information. 

–Top-notch, affordable education through the bachelor’s degree in Land Surveying 

is available at Cincinnati State’s Clifton campus. 

–Earn your Associate and Bachelor’s degree at Cincinnati State. 

–Gain experience using state of the art field equipment and computer software in 

the classroom and during your paid co-op semesters. 

–Graduates are eligible to take the NCEES FS exam and NSPS CST certification exams. 

–Starting annual salaries of $35,000 to $55,000 or higher with employers in the 

tri-state and throughout the United States. 

–Indiana and Kentucky students may qualify for Ohio in-state tuition. 

–Scholarships available. Veterans and transfer students welcome. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: 

Carol Morman 

PS, PE - Land Surveying Program Chair 

513-569-1743 

carol.morman@cincinnatistate.edu 

CLIFTON CAMPUS: 3520 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45223 

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

Page 2B THE BEACON April 2024 

BRIGHT/ 

SUGAR RIDGE 

By 

Bob 

Waples 

Community 

Correspondent 

bright@goBEACONnews.com 

I’ve discovered that my limited/creative 

writing abilities 

are like the weather.....they 

use the winter to replenish/restore. 

In other words… ”ain’t 

a lot going on folks” during 

the weeks past or near future. 

I am looking back, looking 

forward, and just plain looking, 

so here we go. 

Looking back- thought I 

would give you all a brief 

history of our Bright area. 

Several Indian tribes called 

our area home. Some tribes 

can be traced as far back as 

8000 BC with newer tribes 

such as the Mississippian 

O 

ur 

Volunteers gather to solve the world’s problems every 

morning in Bright. 

Celebrating lives 

of the ones you love. 

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

NICOLE WUESTEFELD 

WWW.ANDRES-WUESTEFELD.COM 

Communities 

Indians in the 1600s. John 

Gibson founded our Bright 

area (known as Saltillo) in the 

late 1820s. It became Bright 

around 1904 when the first 

post office was established 

and called Bright Post Office 

after Postmaster General 

Bright… and the rest, as they 

say, is history. 

Looking forward (with just 

a bit of humor) we see Bright 

today with our bright (?) 

trustee meeting each morning 

at a local coffee hangout. Because 

of these dedicated men, 

every situation imaginable is 

discussed and resolved. If not 

resolved that day, the discussion 

resumes the next. Discussions 

are taking place on 

how the ‘Bright’ council can 

go global to help other cities 

and towns become as well-run 

as our Bright… all thanks to 

these dedicated men who do 

all of this for no pay… they 

even pay for their coffee. 

ST. LEON 

By 

Debbie A. 

Zimmer 

Community 

Correspondent 

stleon@goBEACONnews.com 

The Greg “Big Man” Andres 

Golf Outing will be held 

on Saturday, May 18, 2024. 

Get in touch with me at stleon@goBEACONnews.com. 

if you have a foursome and 

want to sign up. All proceeds 

will go to the Dearborn Community 

Foundation for the 

Greg Andres/North Dearborn 

Conservation Club Scholarship 

Fund. We presented three 

scholarships last year to very 

deserving seniors. 

The North Dearborn Alumni 

All kidding aside, these are 

a great group of guys and I 

enjoy their company 

Looking now I send a 

BIG birthday wish to a very 

special lady…..an honorary 

‘Bright’ resident who lives in 

Logan. Happy 100 years to 

Ms. Ann Jeffries. The big day 

is March 27. Ann has lived in 

our area her entire life. Ann 

was the force behind our current 

North Dearborn Pantry. 

For many years Ann, with her 

late husband Leroy, ran the 

North Dearborn Pantry from 

the basement of their home. 

They even delivered to some 

families who were not able 

to get out. So again to a very 

Association will be having 

its annual event on Saturday, 

May 11 at St. Joseph American 

Legion Post 464. Watch 

for your notice in the mail. 

Proceeds go to a scholarship 

presented to an East Central 

Senior. 

Twenty-eight newly appointed 

probationary troopers 

graduated from the 84th 

Indiana State Police Academy. 

One trooper assigned to the 

Indiana State Police-Versailles 

Post is Trooper Tyler 

Busch, a 2016 graduate of 

East Central High School, St. 

Leon, IN. He graduated from 

Thomas More University in 

2021 with a bachelor’s degree 

in biology. Before joining ISP, 

Trooper Busch was a jailer for 

the Dearborn County Sheriff’s 

Department, a diver for 

the Dearborn County Water 

Rescue Team, and a deputy 

coroner for the Dearborn 

County Coroner’s Office. He 

lives in Dearborn County with 

his wife and daughter. 

Trooper Busch will begin 

his next phase of training- a 

three-month field training 

period where he will ride with 

veteran troopers. The purpose 

of the field training is to apply 

the training they received at 

the formal academy. 

Hanover College Junior 

Jessie Stenger from St. Leon 

recently led the Hanover Panthers 

and set a school record 

as part of the Anderson Invitational. 

Ms. Stenger claimed 

the top spot in the shot put 

with a school-record toss of 

13.19 meters. The toss ranks 

her in the top twenty-five 

nationally. She also won the 

weight throw with a throw of 

14.61 meters. Congratulations 

Jessie on the good work! 

A big thank you to the St 

special LADY……Happy 

Birthday. Big hug and love. 

On a sad note, we lost 

another lifetime member of 

our community… Ms. Ruth 

Sutton. Ruth was the sister of 

Ann Jeffries. Ruth was a very 

special lady and I will miss 

her hugs. My sympathy to the 

entire family. 

In closing, I would like to 

wish everyone a very happy, 

blessed Easter and Happy St. 

Patrick’s Day. 

Time is like a river. You 

cannot touch the same water 

twice because the flow that 

has passed will never pass 

again. Enjoy every moment of 

your God-given life. 

Leon New Year’s Eve committee 

Sharon Bischoff, 

Mary Schuman, and Janet 

Bischoff. They organized 

a dance at the St. Joseph 

American Legion. Monetary 

collections and donations 

were made to the YES Home. 

Thank you to all those who 

attended. A good time was 

had by all in attendance. I 

even got on the dance floor 

for a dance or two and enjoyed 

listening to the great 

music. 

April Birthdays– 1 Patty 

Herth and Jeanette Dole, 2 

Paige Hoog, Marie Connolly, 

3 Marge Fogelson, 4 

Jennie Maune, Brad Callahan, 

and cousin Scott Brier, 

5 Gerilyn Chaffee, 6 Abbie 

Alig, 7 Diana Alig and my 

husband Ron, 11 Bob Barnhorst, 

Jodie Fox, Brandon 

Vogelsang and Joan Erhart, 

12 cousin Matt Powell, 

13 my niece Deanna 

Biddle, 14 Dave Bader, 15 

Jenny Giltz, Greg Ritzi and 

Aaron Klenke, 17 Ethan 

Alig, Steve Bertram, Sam 

Wilgenbusch, Bree Cleary 

and cousin Mike Brier, 18 

cousins Connie Andres 

and Matt Brier, 19 Julie 

Becker, 20 Virgil Bulach, 

21 Steve Callahan, 24 Paul 

Alig and Abby Bittner, 

26 Kevin Alig and Tracy 

Cleary, 27 cousin Mark 

Powell, 29 Jared Vogelsang, 

Kate Weldishofer 

and Emma Werner, 30 

Peyton Hoog and Maureen 

Siebert. 

Happy twentieth anniversary 

to my daughter Jennie and 

Todd Geisheimer on April 9. 

Get in touch with me with 

any news items for the column 

at stleon@goBEACON 

news.com 

Equal 

Opportunity 

Lender 

NMLS #454283 

RELY ON FRIENDSHIP 

FOR THE RIGHT PATH 

Rely on Friendship for the financial 

needs along your life’s journey, 

including a no-frills, no worries, 

basic checking account. Open a 

Friendship First Checking account 

and get FREE access to 55,000 ATMs. 

... 

BANK 

ANYWHERE, 

ANYTIME 

... 

OPEN YOUR FRIENDSHIP FIRST CHECKING ACCOUNT NOW 

FriendshipStateBank.com | 812-667-5101 



HIDDEN 

VALLEY LAKE 

By 

Bonnie Starks 

Community 

Correspondent 

hvl@goBEACONnews.com 

I can’t believe April is here 

already and that spring has 

sprung. Where does the time 

go? We all are hoping for 

good weather with some nice, 

easy rain showers. Mother’s 

Day is next month on May 12, 

and your neighbors will probably 

be putting new plants 

in to spruce up the neighborhood. 

Hidden Valley Fish and 

Game Club has posted its 

2024 Tournament Schedules. 

To participate, a person must 

be a member of the club. 

A regular tournament and a 

senior tournament are held annually. 

The senior tournament 

is only for seniors fifty years 

and older. Remember, no alcoholic 

beverages are allowed 

during these tournaments. 

The regular club competition 

will be held at HVL Lake 

all season. The first tournament 

will be on Apr. 6 with 

a rain date of Apr. 7. Another 

competition is Apr. 13 and 14. 

The senior competition is 

held at different locations. On 

Apr. 10 the competition will 

be at HVL Lake starting at 7 

A.M. and commencing by 1 

P.M. On Apr. 24, the competition 

will start at 8 A.M. 

and commence at 2 P.M. at 

Brookville, Fairfield. 

O 

ur 

Jean and Dave Roberts at 

the Polar Plunge. 

The HVL Civic Club had 

a successful Trivia Night on 

Feb. 10 at Willie’s. We had 

eight tables. The event went 

over two hours and had three 

cash drawings. Everyone had 

a great time. Two upcoming 

events are the Adult Easter 

Egg Hunt on Mar. 30 and 

the big HVL Garage Sale on 

Apr. 27 -28. The Egg Hunt 

is an adult event held during 

the afternoon. Plastic eggs 

containing prize slips are 

going to be used. The gazebo 

will be the starting point. In 

April the Garage Sale allows 

everyone to do some wheeling 

and dealing for great bargains. 

Everything imaginable will be 

for sale at many area homes. 

Please be aware, however, 

that traffic gets very crowded 

and our speed limit in the 

community is 15 mph around 

our play areas as posted. The 

speed limit in the rest of HVL 

is 25 mph. Our police force 

will be on duty for everyone’s 

safety. 

Communities 

Dave Roberts is the fastest 

rower over age 55 in the 

country. 

Our neighbor Ashley Howe 

submitted the following: 

In 2023, Rower Dave 

Roberts won the gold medal 

at the Masters National 

Championship regatta as the 

fastest rower over the age of 

55 in the country. In addition 

to winning the gold in his 

single event, he won gold in a 

mixed eight (an eight-person 

boat with four men and four 

women) as well as a men’s 

quad (four-person boat). Dave 

is a member of the Cincinnati 

Rowing Club and in addition 

to winning at the Master’s 

Championship regatta, in 

2023 Dave brought home gold 

medals at regattas in Chicago, 

Oak Ridge, and Chattanooga. 

Dave has been rowing on 

and off since college where he 

NEW ALSACE 

By 

Laura 

Keller 

Community 

Correspondent 

newalsace@goBEACONnews.com 

Hoosier Boys and Girls 

State is a week-long intensive 

government and leadership 

program sponsored by the 

Indiana Legion and Indiana 

Legion Auxiliary. Each year, 

young men and women from 

across the state participate in 

the program, where they learn 

about the primary process and 

select a government or political 

position to which they 

want to be elected. 

The North Dearborn 

American Legion Auxiliary 

Unit 452 is looking for 

was co-captain for the University 

of Michigan crew. 

He won his age grouping 

at the World Masters Regatta 

in 2010. In 2004, Dave 

participated in the Olympic 

trials in a two-man boat that 

was not able to win the trials 

as needed to represent the US 

at the Olympics. You may see 

young men and women who 

will be completing their junior 

year of high school this 

spring and who are interested 

in participating in Hoosier 

Boys or Girls State. If you or 

someone you know is interested, 

contact Krista Ferry- 

Wilber at kferrywilber 

@gmail.com. 

The North Dearborn 

American Legion is hosting 

its monthly euchre tournament 

on Apr. 14. 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. 

If you have news in the 

New Alsace area that you’d 

like me to share, please 

contact me at newalsace@ 

goBEACONnews.com. 

Dave rowing his yellow boat 

on Hidden Valley Lake in 

preparation for his next race. 

Dave is married to Jean 

Roberts and together they 

have a blended family which 

includes seven children. 

On a side note, Mr. Roberts 

was crowned grand pooh-bah 

of HVL Polar Bear Dip! 

#theplace2play 

Visit Southeast Indiana 

April 2024 

River Cities Bike Share Opens 

Art Guild Spring Member Show 

Hillforest Victorian House Museum 

March 2 - April 21 – Student Art Exhibit - Mon, Tues 

Thurs, Fri - Dearborn Highlands Arts Council, 331 Walnut 

Street, Lawrenceburg, IN from 10:00am - 4:00pm. Info: 

www.dearbornhighlandsarts.org. 

April – River Cities Bike Share Opens for the Season 

– Bike rental stations located throughout Dearborn County. 

Info and rental locations: www.rivercitiesbikeshare.com. 

April 1 – June 28 – Main Street Aurora’s “Explore 

Aurora” - Visit downtown Aurora using a passport to 

redeem for prizes. www.aurora.in.us 

April 2 – Hillforest Victorian House Museum Opens 

for the Touring Season - 213 Fifth Street, Aurora. 

Tuesday-Friday, 11am-3pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 

1-5pm. Info: 812-926-0087 or www.hillforest.org. 

April 2, 9, 16, 23 – Tuesdays at Arts – Dillsboro 

Arts in the Creator Space - Each Tuesday share music, 

writing, drawing, and creativity. Location: 12926 Bank Street, 

Dillsboro. Time: 6-8pm. Info: info@dillsboroarts.org or visit 

them at www.facebook.com/dillsboroarts. 

April 5-6 – Over the Moon Vintage Spring Market 

– Agner Hall at the Lawrenceburg Fairgrounds, US 50, 

Lawrenceburg. Saturday, 9am-4pm. Inside market full of 

repurposed and vintage items. Info: www.facebook.com/ 

OverTheMoonVintageMarket. 

April 6 – May 25 – Friendship Gallery Exhibitions – 

Art Exhibition Open Call to Artists, Theme “Home” 

- Open Call to Artists, Theme: “Home”. 10am - 2pm. 

Artist Reception April 12th 6-8pm. Location: 12926 Bank 

Street, Corner of North & Bank Streets at Heritage Pointe, 

Dillsboro. www.dillsboroarts.org 

April 6-20 – Southeastern Indiana Art Guild 

All Members Spring Art Show - a wide variety of 

art on exhibit from guild members. Light refreshments 

& music. Hours: Sun 1-4pm; Mon-Sat 1-6pm; Apr 

20 - closes 4pm. 2nd and Main – Aurora. Info: www. 

southeasternindianaartguild.org. 

April 6, 13, 20, 2024 – Lawrenceburg Speedway - 

Sprint Cars, Modifieds, Pure Stocks and Hornets. For more 

information go to www.lawrenceburgspeedway.com. 

April 8 – Holtkamp Winery – Solar Eclipse Viewing 

Party - 12-5pm. This is a once in a lifetime experience, and 

can be seen right here in Northern Dearborn County. Music 

by Dan Gutapfel. 10868 Woliung Road, Sunman. Info: www. 

holtkampwinery.com. 

April 13 – Artifact ID at Archaeological Research 

Institute - 10am - 2pm 424 Walnut St., Lawrenceburg. Info: 

812-290-2966 or visit www.exploreARI.org. 

April 16 – Happy Hour History: Speaker Series - 

6:30pm. Archaeological Research Institute at 424 Walnut 

Street, Lawrenceburg. Speaker Bob Genheimer. Info: 812- 

290-2966 or visit www.exploreARI.org. 

April 19, 20, 21 – Lawrenceburg P.A.W.S. Spring 

Rummage Sale - a rummage sale where you can buy a 

little bit of everything for an affordable price. Fri: 8am-6pm; 

Sat: 8am-4pm; Sun: 8am-1pm. We are accepting rummage 

sale donations at P.A.W.S. Humane Center. DONATION DROP 

OFF at Agner Hall: TUES (16th) & WEDS (17th) 10 am-6 pm 

Info: 513-910-2728 or www.pawsofdearborncounty.org 

April 20 – “Wizard of Oz” Book Tea - 11am-1pm. Follow 

the yellow brick road to Hillforest for this Wizard of Oz tea. 

This annual “Book Lovers” Tea is a partnership between 

Hillforest and the Aurora Public Library. Includes delectable 

three-course tea and a discussion about the L. Frank Baum 

classic. Info: 812-926-0087 or visit www.hillforest.org. 

April 20 – Holtkamp Winery - enjoy music by Dooley & 

Justin from 6-9pm. Location: 10868 Woliung Road, Sunman. 

Info: www.holtkampwinery.com 

April 27 – Lawrenceburg Community Cookout 

- 11am - 3pm at Lawrenceburg Civic Park. Info: www. 

thinklawrenceburg.com. 

April 27 – Speakeasy: King of Bootleggers - The 

Archaeological Research Institute invites you to their first 

annual gala-style fundraiser celebrating Lawrenceburg’s rich 

& storied past. Info: www.exploreari.org. 

May 3 – Indiana Native Plant Sale - ORDER 

DEADLINE - Dearborn County Soil & Water Conservation 

District. Info: 812-926-2406, x3 or Kyla.dick@in.nacdnet.net. 

Dearborn County 

Convention, Visitor and Tourism 

320 Walnut St. • Lawrenceburg, IN 47025 • 800-322-8198 

www.VisitSoutheastIndiana.com 



BATESVILLE 

By 

Sue 

Siefert 

Community 

Correspondent 

O 

ur 

Are You Ready to Make 

a Move in 2024? 

Please call Patrick Martini & 

Teresa Kaiser Martini today! 

Martini Team 

HUFF Realty, Indiana 

513-460-2754 

MartiniTeam.com 

Communities 

Award recipients Jim and Maureen Saner, Jill Hollins, George Junker, Kristine Beal, 

Jaime Nobbe and Paulette Varble. 

batesville@goBEACONnews.com 

Congratulations to Batesville’s 

“Stars” 

Over two hundred fifty 

guests recently gathered at 

Batesville’s “Celebration of a 

Night Full of Stars” to recognize 

its 2024 award recipients 

for the difference they each 

make in the community. 

Jim and Maureen Saner 

were recognized as the 

“Volunteers of the Year” 

following a nomination by 

their sons, Jim, Jr., Andy, 

and Matt who noted their 

parents “jump right in when 

there is a need in the community,” 

and shared a portion 

of their involvement. Jim and 

Maureen were instrumental in 

starting the St. Louis Catholic 

School Bingo forty years ago 

to aid in the school’s funding. 

The couple is known throughout 

the community for their 

dedication to helping provide 

Christmas gifts and assistance 

to over one hundred twentyfive 

families in need annually. 

The couple’s involvement 

has included the Kiwanis 

and PTO. They have been 

involved since the inception 

of the health center in 2013 

which provides healthcare to 

the underserved in Franklin 

and Ripley Counties. In their 

comments, Jim noted, “You 

really need to have a Maureen 

Saner at your back … she 

makes me look great!” Maureen 

concluded with, “Use 

your ideas – share your ideas 

and bring more to the community.” 

St. Louis School Principal 

Patty Mauer nominated Jill 

Hollins, fourth grade teacher 

at SLS as the “Educator of the 

Year”. Patty noted, “Jill has a 

passion for continuous learning 

and positively impacts 

her students every day. She is 

our STEM teacher for grades 

K-8 and has been an educator 

for twenty-one years. In her 

acceptance speech, Jill shared, 

“I want to thank everyone, my 

teachers, family, friends, and 

especially my students. Seeing 

them grow every day makes 

me an even better person.” 

George Junker was the 

Distinguished Service Award 

recipient in recognition of his 

involvement with several organizations 

and foundations. In 

his acceptance speech, George 

noted, “You don’t have to be 

an expert to raise all levels for 

students and the community… 

just make a difference.” 

So Loved Kids Clothing 

Closet received the “Organization 

of the Year” award with 

Jaime Nobbe, co-founder and 

president speaking on behalf of 

the organization, “Every child 

feels so loved by us helping 

HARRISON 

By 

Amanda 

Kirchner 

Community 

Correspondent 

harrison@goBEACONnews.com 

Harrison has received a 

blessing. This blessing comes 

in the form of a Safe Haven 

Baby Box now located at the 

Harrison Fire Department 

Station 56 at 200 Harrison 

Ave, Harrison, OH. 

A Safe Haven Baby Box 

is an anonymous way to 

surrender an unharmed 

baby 30 days old or less in 

a safe manner. ‘No shame. 

No blame. No name.’ is a 

tagline used by Safe Haven 

Baby Box. This has resulted 

in forty-two babies safely 

surrendered in the boxes 

and one hundred forty-seven 

babies safely handed over in 

fifteen states over six years. 

The new Safe Haven Baby 

Box in Harrison, OH was 

Baby Box #203 that has been 

installed in the USA. 

them. In the past four years, our 

volunteers have helped 1,230 

kids … and it started with a 

couple of moms throwing 

around an idea of how we could 

help those in need with clothing 

and personal needs.” Due 

to the overwhelming volume 

of donations from the community, 

the organization outgrew 

its original location and now 

resides in a free-standing 

building within the Batesville 

The idea to bring a baby 

box to Harrison was born 

when Sue Dermody, a former 

client advocate, heard about 

these boxes and proposed 

getting one in Harrison to 

Diane Elrod, who then raised 

$11,000 toward the cause. 

Then with the generous 

donation of their time and 

skill from local businesses, 

Maxwell Construction, Kist 

Electric, and Zuber Safety and 

Security, the Safe Haven Baby 

Box was installed. Also, a 

big thank you to the Harrison 

Fire Department Station 56 

who will maintain the baby 

box and be the guardians 

awaiting any precious baby 

surrendered in the box. 

On February 14, 2024, 

a ceremony was held to 

bless the Baby Box. The 

founder of Safe Haven Baby 

Box, Monica Kelsey, was 

in attendance and spoke 

about the background and 

purpose of Safe Haven Baby 

Area Resource Center campus. 

Kristine Beal, Co-Founder and 

Vice President, and Paulette 

Varble, Treasurer joined Jaime 

in expressing appreciation to 

the community that has helped 

to make their mission a reality. 

Jaime concluded with, “I was 

a mom on a mission, and they 

believed in us, and we believe 

in better. Those involved have 

big hearts and want to make a 

difference.” 

Monica Kelsey, founder of Safe Haven Baby Box, speaking 

at the Blessing of the Box. 

Box. Also in attendance 

were Harrison Mayor 

Ryan Grubbs, State 

Representative Cindy 

Abrams, Honorable Judge 

Amy Searcy, and Pastor 

John Calabrese. 

“It was a beautiful day for 

the Safe Haven Baby Box 

blessing yesterday! More than 

75 people were in attendance 

for the blessing, and it was 

a sweet, sweet day for the 

community. The box is now 

open to be used for women in 

crisis to surrender their babies, 

aged 30 days old and younger, 

anonymously and without 

shame. Reach Out Pregnancy 

Center is honored to have 

raised the funds for the 

box, so this community has 

another alternative to keeping 

abandoned children safe and 

loved. We are thankful to the 

mayor and City Council for 

agreeing to the need for this 

box in our community,” said 

Jackie Sulfridge. 

8-16 

9-17 

859-341-9188 

www.friendshippeamarket.com 

We have best sellers & new releases in stock, and can 

drop ship most books anywhere in the US 

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 

BRATER - WINTER 

FUNERAL HOMES 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



GREENDALE 

By 

Linda 

Cromer 

Community 

Correspondent 

O 

ur 

Communities 

greendale@goBEACONnews.com 

Whatcha wanna be when 

you grow up? You know 

you’ve asked it of every kid 

you’ve locked eyes with. 

Sticky-fingered little hellions 

chasing the dog at family 

gatherings. Taller-than-you 

teenagers surrounded by 

pizza boxes and smelly socks 

holed up in your basement. I 

occasionally ask myself that 

very question. 

Catch almost any Greendale 

youngster at a certain moment 

in time and they’ll likely 

tell you they want to be a 

firefighter or a police officer. 

Might be the uniforms. 

Maybe the flashing lights on 

fast-moving vehicles. The 

siren song of, well, a siren at 

your command. Perhaps all 

those things play a part. But 

I suspect the actual reason 

is a desire to be somebody 

special. Someone who counts. 

A hero. 

Jeff Lane earned that 

distinction during thirty years 

of service to Greendale. 

We’ve had to tell him 

goodbye as he moved on 

to a position with the Ohio 

County Sheriff’s Department. 

The most telling farewells 

were little hands waving from 

the back windows of school 

buses. Kids love Jeff. When 

they grow up, they still love 

Jeff. His most valuable totem 

Two superheroes at 

Halloween. 

isn’t his badge. It isn’t his 

gun. It’s his big, beautiful 

heart. 

Assistant Chief Lane 

participated in his share of 

high speed chases and criminal 

arrests, but an adrenaline rush 

wasn’t why he chose police 

work as a career. He will 

most miss his weekday school 

patrols following lumbering 

yellow behemoths loading 

and unloading precious cargo. 

Idiots sometimes get in a 

hurry and think they can blow 

by flashing lights and the stop 

arm that is used to alert traffic 

while kids climb on or off the 

bus. Lane made sure drivers 

paid attention. Violators paid 

a price. 

Jeff kept watch over trickor-treaters 

in every guise. 

Patrolled school lots during 

the week and church lots 

on Sunday. Kept a keen eye 

out at 4th of July events for 

cars ignoring barricades and 

endangering participants. 

He taught preschoolers that 

police officers are there to 

help when help is needed. 

A police cruiser in your 

rearview mirror grabs your 

attention, sometimes not in 

a good way. Spot a shiny red 

Asst. Chief Lane waiting for the bus with Greendale residents. 

fire truck, chrome sparkling 

in the sunlight in front of a 

firehouse, and it’s a whole 

other story. Drivers slowed 

down on Ridge Avenue to 

rubber-neck late last month as 

Fire Chief Shannon Craig 

and EMS President and 

Assistant Fire Chief Tommy 

Craig did a final check of 

outgoing Engine 320. You 

could have sold tickets as 

folks offered to hop up and 

“help.” 

The unit served Greendale 

and surrounding areas for 

thirty-two (that’s right, 32!) 

years, operating in support 

of firefighters battling blazes 

threatening people and 

property. Five years spanning 

initial discussions of need, 

investigating funding sources, 

exploring design options, 

placing an order, and waiting 

for the manufacture and 

delivery of a replacement 

have paid off. The Greendale 

Fire Department was able to 

send the oldie-but-goodie on 

to serve New Trenton, Indiana 

for the token price of one 

dollar. Our new Engine 320 

is a more versatile multiuse 

unit that can support 

EMT Nicholson, Fire Chief Craig, EMS President Craig 

with new Engine 320. 

not only fire suppression 

but also vehicle extractions, 

water emergencies, and other 

critical needs. 

Greendale is grateful for 

Assistant Chief Jeff Lane. 

Grateful to be in a position 

to supply our first responders 

 

 

 

with the equipment to do 

their jobs. Honored to say 

goodbye to man and machine 

as they move on to serve 

other communities as they’ve 

served us. Makes us want to 

sound a siren and flash some 

lights. 

 

 



OLDENBURG 

By 

Sue 

Siefert 

Community 

Correspondent 

O 

ur 

Communities 

oldenburg@goBEACONnews.com 

Oldenburgers have been 

blessed by the presence of 

Brother John Barker who 

came to minister at Holy 

Family Parish in 2023. On 

January 20, 2024, he was 

ordained a Deacon by Archbishop 

Charles Thompson. 

I interviewed Brother John to 

share with readers about his 

ministry. 

John and his younger sister 

were born in Oklahoma City, 

and he shares, “My parents, 

Gary and Sandra Barker are 

from Iowa, so we lived there 

in a couple of places from my 

age 3 to 15; then we moved to 

South Carolina, where I lived 

until I joined the Franciscans 

in 1998.” 

Education has influenced 

his religious vocation as the 

friar received a BS in chemistry 

from Francis Marion 

College; a Master’s in Divinity 

and also an MA in Biblical 

Studies from Catholic Theological 

Union in Chicago in 

2008; and a PhD in Biblical 

Studies from Boston College 

in 2016. 

Upon reflection about his 

calling, the Franciscan noted, 

“It’s a complex answer, but I 

will just say that I was drawn 

first to the friars themselves, 

and then eventually to the 

spirituality of Saint Francis. I 

Brother John Barker and 

Archbishop Charles Thompson 

(Photo by Fr. Frank 

Jasper, OFM) 

was assigned here to gain additional 

pastoral experience in 

preparation for ordination to 

the diaconate and then priesthood.” 

He explained the distinction 

between the two callings. 

“A ‘brother’ is a member of 

the Franciscan Order (a friar) 

who is not ordained – that is, 

who has not discerned a call 

to what the Church calls the 

‘ministerial priesthood’. To be 

a member of a men’s religious 

order is not the same as to be 

ordained – they are two different 

callings or vocations. A 

non-ordained friar is no less 

a friar than an ordained one, 

with all the same rights and 

responsibilities. 

A deacon is a friar (or other 

Catholic male) who is ordained 

as a deacon. That is 

redundant but let me explain. 

While all deacons have the 

same sacramental powers, 

there are two types of deacons. 

‘Transitional deacons’ are deacons 

who are in the process of 

becoming priests; all priests 

serve for some time (6 mos. to 

a year, typically) as a deacon. 

It’s like a step in the process. I 

am a transitional deacon. 

Put your tax refund where you can enjoy it everyday 

with beautiful new kitchen countertops! 

One stop shopping for 

your kitchen countertops 

and tile backsplash! 

Excellence By Nature 

Countertops & Flooring 

9250 Brookfield Ct, Suite 400 

Florence, Kentucky 41042 

859-283-1130 

www.ebngranite.com 

granitemarble@hotmail.com 

FOR ALL YOUR 

REAL ESTATE NEEDS 

CONTACT YOUR 

LOCAL EXPERT 

Miller York Fire Dept. members Shawn Lightner, Jacob Gaynor, Skip Stutz, Gary Honschell, 

Darren Callahan, Pete Schwebach, Todd Biedenharn, Gregg Callahan, Cody 

Dooly, Jared Callahan, Jamie Beard, Terry Stephens, Bob Billups, Nathan Mueller. (Photo 

by Greg Callahan) 

YORKVILLE 

& GUILFORD 

By 

Laura 

Keller 

Community 

Correspondent 

yorkville@goBEACONnews.com 

Several members of the 

Miller-York Volunteer Fire 

Department and their significant 

others recently gathered 

at the fire station to enjoy a 

meal and fellowship. Many 

thanks to John Huddleston 

for fifty years of service as a 

volunteer firefighter! 

The annual Hoosier Classic 

Basketball Tournament 

for Special Olympics Indiana 

– including Dearborn, Ohio, 

and Ripley counties – was 

held on Feb.11. Congratulations 

to the Hot Rods players 

“Big Mike,” Billy Joe Tallman, 

Eric Moore, Matthew 

Menchhofer, assistant coach 

Kevin Beiersdorfer, and 

coach Jessica Heindorn for 

winning the tournament. 

Members of a self-advocacy 

group from New Horizons 

recently visited the Statehouse 

in Indianapolis to discuss 

MOORES HILL 

By 

Barbara 

Wetzler 

Community 

Correspondent 

mooreshill@goBEACONnews.com 

The Veterans Park received 

a face-lift with clean-up, new 

benches, and new plantings by 

a local landscaping company. 

All made possible with a grant 

from the Dearborn Community 

Foundation and sponsors. 

Time to get outside and enjoy! 

Cheryl and Marvin Keith 

Ellison will be celebrating 

their fiftieth wedding anniversary 

on May 4. 

April 24 is the first 2024 

Cruise-In at the Legion. Come 

join the fun and check out 

great cars, and food. 

Moores Hill Alumni Dinner 

is May 4 at Carnegie Hall. 

The doors open at 4, with 

dinner at 5 P.M., followed by 

The Hot Rods Special Olympics Indiana Team Mgr Kevin 

Beiersdorfer, Eric Moore, Coach Jessica Heidorn, Matthew 

Menchhofer, Billy Joey Tallman, Mike Scott, and David 

Day. (Photo submitted by Kevin Beiersdorfer) 

Advocates visited Rep. Alex Zimmerman at the Statehouse 

to discuss issues impacting the disabled community. 

(Photo submitted by Kevin Beiersdorfer) 

issues impacting the disabled 

community. Kevin Beiersdorfer 

serves as the voting chair 

for New Horizons. The advocates 

participated in a session 

with Jean Leising followed 

by time with State Treasurer 

Daniel Elliot to discuss how 

individuals living on social 

security often do not have 

enough income to sustain the 

cost of living. The group also 

met with Rep. Alex Zimmerman 

who shared, “It’s 

always a blessing to get to 

a meeting of alumni from the 

former Moores Hill School. 

This is always a great opportunity 

to connect with former 

classmates and recognize 

graduation anniversaries. 

Contact Brenda Ochs for 

more information. 

Proceeds from the Alumni 

dinner fund the South Dearborn 

Dollars for Scholars 

Moores Hill Alumni Scholarship. 

The Moores Hill 

Alumni Scholarship has an 

endowment at the Dearborn 

Community Foundation. Past 

recipients include Mary Jo 

Busching Boruta, Chris 

Bloom, Harry Dean, Jordyn 

Armstrong Randall, Matt 

McLaughlin, Skylar Butler, 

Kaitlyn McLaughlin, Carley 

Ochs, Aren Tibbits, Ashley 

Brown, Georgia Hummel, 

Natalie Mulholland, Katelyn 

Brown, Alyssa Baker, Jaelyn 

Lows, Kevin Brown, Emma 

Traue, Izabella Bear, Max 

Burger, Raegan Pyles, and 

Lauren McHenry. 

meet our local community 

members, and I really appreciated 

meeting with individuals 

from New Horizons at the 

Statehouse. Hoosiers living 

with intellectual and physical 

disabilities and their families 

face unique challenges, and 

I’ll continue to support efforts 

on the state level that empower 

them to lead their best 

lives.” 

If you have news to share, 

contact me at yorkville@ 

goBEACON news.com. 

Congratulations to the 2024 

Chili Cook-off Winners: 1st 

Carol Rummel (far right), 

2nd Donna Davis (far left), 

3rd Donna Phillips (center) 

Carnegie Hall of Moores 

Hill College, also known 

as Moores Hill School, is a 

historic educational building 

built in 1907. The building 

housed Moores Hill College 

until 1917 when it moved to 

Evansville to later become the 

University of Evansville. It 

was funded in part by Andrew 

Carnegie, who donated 

$18,750 to its construction. 

It was added to the National 

Register of Historic Places in 

1994. Today, a local Board of 

Directors oversees its use and 

preservation. 

ZACHARY MARSHALL 

MARSHALL GROUP 

513-673-9178 

zmarshall@sibcycline.com 

sibcycline.com/zmarshall 

Scan to Learn 

the Value of 

Your House 

www.goBEACONnews.com 

Great news for great people! 



O 

ur 

LAWRENCEBURG 

By 

Debbie 

Acasio 

Community 

Correspondent 

CommunitiesFilet Mignon 

Brad Peddenpohl (as Superman) Tracy and Scott Smith of 

Logan at the Polar Plunge. 

LOGAN 

By 

Susan 

Carson 

Community 

Correspondent 

logan@goBEACONnews.com 

Two Logan locals, Scott 

and Tracy Smith, participated 

in the Special Olympics 

Polar Plunge at the Versailles 

State Park. Before they could 

jump in the water, they had to 

wait about forty-five minutes 

before their turn to plunge. 

Fortunately, the sponsors had 

a heated tent for people to 

dress in after they got out of 

the 41-degree water in 24-degree 

weather. Mr. Smith said 

that their team raised $580. 

The entire event at Versailles 

Park raised $63,000 for 

Special Olympics. Eighteen 

plunges were held across the 

state of Indiana. 

Anna Francis Lyness Jeffries 

was born in Logan on 

March 27th, 1924. She was 

the second child of Harry 

Randolf Lyness (1897-1973) 

and Mary Bell Clark (-1966). 

Siblings: Harry C. Lyness 

(Pete), Mary Jane Smith, 

Ruth Ellen Sutton, and 

Janet Eckler. She graduated 

from Bright Elementary and 

then High School in 1942, 

and she married Leroy Jeffries 

on Christmas Day that 

same year. She and “Jeff” had 

one daughter, Bev (or “Bevvy-Ann”, 

as she used to call 

out for her), one grandson, 

and four great-grandchildren. 

In the 1960s and ‘70s, she 

and Leroy were Logan 

Township Trustees. They 

alternated the position as 

term limits were applied. As 

trustees, they were responsible 

for helping residents of 

Logan Township with things 

like rent, and food subsidies, 

and even took in used furniture, 

etc. for redistribution to 

those in need. But even after 

Leroy had passed and the 

Ann Lyness Jeffries 

Trustee job had moved on to 

someone else, she was still 

the person people came to 

see. The mission was one of 

love for her. She was always 

doing God’s work. By late 

2004, helping residents was 

becoming too much work for 

one person. A building was 

purchased at the corner of 

Carr Road by the Dearborn 

Hills Church. What is now 

known as the North Dearborn 

Pantry was established 

in January 2005. Operations 

started in the basement and 

have grown to be what it is 

today. 

One of Ann’s great gifts is 

her ability to play the piano 

“by ear.” She doesn’t read 

music at all. Once she knows 

a song, she can play it. 

Amazing! 

Ms. Jeffries will be 100 

on Mar. 27. HAPPY BIRTH- 

DAY, ANN! 

To the NDHS Alumni- 

Invitations will be going out 

in early April for an event on 

May 11. 

lawrenceburg@goBEACONnews.com 

Did anyone else notice that 

we took down our Christmas 

decorations and flew right into 

the Lenten season? Valentine’s 

Day and Ash Wednesday were 

both on the same day! Some 

churches celebrate Shrove 

Tuesday (AKA Fat Tuesday), 

the Tuesday before Lent 

by gobbling down as many 

calories as possible in preparation 

for Lenten fasting. Ethan 

Fehr managed to gobble 

down twelve chocolate chip 

pancakes and a few sausages 

at his Shrove Tuesday meal at 

St. John Lutheran Church in 

Lawrenceburg. That made him 

the all-time winner that night. 

As a middle schooler at South 

Dearborn, he plans to challenge 

Lawrenceburg students next 

year. Who will eat the most 

pancakes- Lawrenceburg or 

South Dearborn? We will see. 

Speaking of challenges, 

many classrooms each year 

have contests for the best 

Valentine’s box. 

With the Stanley Cup 

hysteria going on these days, 

it was only fitting that Avery 

Lansing teamed up with her 

dad Bryan Lansing for the 

all-time most creative Valentine’s 

box I have ever seen. 

What do you think? 

Much to the surprise of 

breakfastgoers, Mr. Abraham 

Lincoln and Mrs. Lincoln 

visited a local restaurant for 

breakfast on Presidents Day. 

Jim Fulton very much looks 

the part of Mr. Lincoln. If you 

go up the levy in Lawrenceburg 

by the clock tower, you 

will find a historical marker 

commemorating the day 

(February 12, 1861) when Mr. 

Lincoln visited Lawrenceburg 

on his campaign trail. Check 

it out! 

Mark your calendars for 

Apr. 20 and don’t miss the 

local authors fair at the Lawrenceburg 

Library. Kids will 

get a free stuffed animal by 

Milan veteran Al Bamberger 

traveled to Batesville to 

bring Cherry Thing-A-Lings 

to friends in Lawrenceburg. 

Ethan Fehr, son of Melissa 

and Dan Fehr at Shrove 

Tuesday pancake supper. 

attending the Barks & Books 

session from 11 to noon on 

that day. It will be interesting 

to see the talent in this area. 

Enjoy the local fish frys 

through Lent and pray for a 

warm Easter Sunday! 

PRIME CUTS 

NOW AVAILABLE 

Steer-Rite Farm 

Grain Fed Home Raised Beef 

*All Steaks, Briskets, & Roasts are weighed & priced 

Ribeye (Boneless) 

New York Strip 

T-Bone Steak 

Top Sirloin Steak 

Sirloin Steak 

Flank steak 

Sirloin Tip Roast 

Sam and Jim Fulton as 

Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln with 

Lawrenceburg primary 

school students Isabelle 

and George Redick. 

Avery Lansing, daughter of 

Bryan and Amber Lansing 

with her Valentine’s box. 

Chuck Roast 

Brisket 

Stew Meat 

Beef short ribs 

18 - 1/3 lb. Steak Burger 

Patties 

Bulk 

Ground Beef 

Payment: Cash or Check 

Available in our freezer at the Lutz Auction Center 

weekdays from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 

On Saturday’s during auction hours 

You can also call Dale Lutz at 513-266-1859 or Randy 

Lutz at 513-266-1860 to schedule a pickup time. 

Home grown, grain fed, government inspected, 

& locally processed 

Lutz Auction Center is located at 25980 Auction Ln. 

Guilford, IN 47022 



AURORA 

By 

Randy 

Turner 

Community 

Correspondent 

aurora@goBEACONnews.com 

Hello Beacon readers, 

I think good weather for 

spring is here! Each night as 

I drive home, I see two boys 

walking toward town, one is 

still wearing a down jacket 

but he also has shorts on. 

Mine are ready to go, but I 

am still in my bibs and it is 

too cold to ride my bike. The 

signs are there! 

Fish Frys were underway, 

and that’s my favorite sign of 

spring. I hit Saint Mary’s first 

one which was held during a 

snowfall. The kids were in the 

drive-thru selling pop for their 

class trip. St. John was in the 

action the next Friday. Paul 

Kunkel told me their fish was 

so good, they did not want 

to spoil the people by doing 

more than one! I just cannot 

say no to either one. 

Maybe a little too early, but 

Charlotte Hastings told me 

they are putting the flower 

pots out on the street corners. 

No flowers yet… I think they 

want to stir interest in people 

to sponsor them. 

A city project to clean the 

river bank at Lesko Park 

looks fantastic! Now we just 

have to hope for no serious 

flooding to bring driftwood 

back onto the bank. I learned 

that the hard way after cleaning 

it years ago only to have 

Mother Nature bring that river 

up with all the new debris that 

we had just gotten rid of. No 

matter what the “GROUND- 

HOG’’ says, grass cutting and 

flower planting will get here! 

As for Market Street, despite 

some things not being 

where the engineers thought 

It’s your 

O 

ur 

they were, the work continues. 

The contractor has been 

doing excellent work, but DO 

NOT look for an early road 

opening. They still have a lot 

to do. People on the hilltop 

will be using the Dutch Hollow 

route all year. 

The City has introduced a 

new website look for www. 

aurora.in.us on City services 

and activities. As with any 

change, some say it is easier 

to navigate, and others miss 

the historic tone that matched 

Aurora. 

Façade Improvement 

Matching Grants are happening 

again in Aurora, for more 

information contact the Clerk 

Treasurer’s office in care of 

Benny Turner. 

Non-profit grants for Aurora 

residents are also in the works 

by contacting City Manager 

Austin Woods, awoods@ 

aurora.in.us. 

I also want to stress that 

Aurora residents can stay up 

to date on utility outages and 

road closings by signing up 

for “REACH Alert”. Voice, 

text, or e-mail informational 

methods are available free 

of cost. You can go to www. 

reachalert.com or simply call 

the Utility Office at 812-926- 

2745, and sign up. 

While I am on City topics, a 

BIG THANK YOU to Gregg 

Plyman and his City crew 

for keeping our streets salted 

this winter. It was not a bad 

winter, but they rolled when 

needed. Before Gregg came 

to the City, he had previously 

worked for the County Highway 

and State Highway, so he 

knew what to expect. When 

you are in this position, you 

get many comments, good and 

bad, from the public. I for one 

have been happy with what I 

have seen from grass cutting, 

street cleaning, and painting, 

to decorations for Christmas. 

You get a little of everything. 

Gregg has two full-timers, 

Communities 

Willie Weaver who has been 

around for a while, and Joe 

Burris who came on board 

last summer. Kerry Brunner 

is part-time but he logs 

a lot of hours. He also drives 

a school bus. I have known 

Kerry and his family since our 

Saint Mary’s days, plus when 

he was an apprentice printer 

at Moreton Printing for Joe 

Henry. My THANKS to you 

guys, keep up the good work! 

Another former City guy, 

Mike Crider, keeps me up to 

date on the SDHS basketball 

teams. It has been tough for 

him this year as he is having 

health issues. Now I cannot 

begin to tell you how many 

phone lines this guy took care 

of in his job with Sprint, but 

Mike was there for a lot of 

people. I’m sure he did more 

service work than the phone 

company intended, especially 

if you wanted to talk. Please 

drop him a card and tell him 

you are pulling for him. 

I was also very excited to 

see the East Central Sports 

Hall of Fame inducting Kenzie 

Bentle into their honor’s 

class. Kenzie was the longtime 

band director responsible 

for entertaining fans at football 

games and basketball. He 

directed a whole lot of kids 

in his years and put on some 

great shows. The shows have 

always been my favorite, and 

I could enjoy a return to television 

showing them instead 

of the “talking heads” that we 

endure now! THANK YOU, 

Kenzie for your service. 

The South Dearborn Opening 

Knight and The Overtones, 

have been busy this 

winter, attending four competitions, 

and achieving top 

marks in all. The most recent 

being in Loveland, OH, where 

Maddy Burris was Best 

Female Vocalist, and Dance 

Captain Myla Bennett was 

the Outstanding Performer. In 

their slow time, they also sang 

day when you 

Support the Specialty Retail, Personal 

Services, Professional Services and 

Restaurants of Downtown Aurora 

#SHOPSMALLBEFOREYOUSHOPBIG 

Get it All at www.goBEACONnews.com 

the National Anthem for a 

Northern Kentucky basketball 

game. When you are good, 

they just keep wanting you! 

This was a tough Beacon to 

do, as I am getting ready for a 

knee replacement, my second 

one. Dr. Brian Wissel is my 

guy, he is young, but aren’t 

they all now? I had good luck 

on the first. 

On top of all this the Super 

Bowl with the Chiefs, and 

Taylor Swift mania had my 

attention. I was amazed that 

the NFL did not know ladies 

could be fans. Now I 

also have tuned in to Caitlin 

Clark and her record-breaking 

performance at Iowa. I 

keep having dreams of Coach 

Woodson convincing her 

to come over to the Indiana 

men’s side so we can finally 

have a 3-point shooter! 

Remember now, it is getting 

warmer… 

MILAN 

By 

Sialia 

Swainson 

Community 

Correspondent 

e 

milan@goBEACONnews.com 

Winter was relatively kind 

to us this year and I know I 

am happy to see more hours 

of daylight. I saw the first 

robin in mid-February and am 

looking forward to spring. 

The Indiana State Police 

recently announced appointments 

to the local post in 

Versailles. Among them was a 

Milan native, Jordan Hartman. 

He was a 2014 graduate 

of MHS and graduated from 

the ISP Academy in December. 

He has previous experience 

working at the Ripley 

County Sheriff’s Dept. and 

will no doubt be an asset to 

the ISP. Many thankas to Jordan 

for your law enforcement 

service to the community. 

The story of the Milan 

Miracle continues to fascinate 

basketball fans of all ages. 

This year is the seventieth 

anniversary of the 1954 state 

championship win and a commemorative 

celebration is 

being planned. On Mar. 23 at 

the high school gymnasium, 

a panel will be held. Beginning 

at 11:00 A.M., the panel 

will be hosted by Indianapolis 

sportscaster Greg Rakestraw 

and will include players from 

the ‘54 team and other dignitaries. 

Following the program 

there will be a chance to get 

autographs from players and 

also from cast members who 

portrayed them in the movie 

Hoosiers, which premiered in 

1986. Milan is the smallest 

school to ever win the state 

championship and will retain 

that distinction now that class 

basketball has taken over. 

MHS senior Dylan Thomas 

was recently recognized on 

television as the Student-Athlete 

of the Week. Dylan has 

set many school records and 

has advanced to the state finals 

in swimming the past two 

years. He also volunteers at 

his church and is a member of 

the band, does all of this while 

earning an academic honors 

diploma. Way to go Dylan! 

Have you made plans to 

watch the solar eclipse coming 

on Apr. 8? Much of the state is 

in the path of totality. The next 

opportunity to see something 

like this will be 2044 in the 

northwest part of the United 

States. I’ve seen many tips for 

watching the eclipse and the 

most important, of course, is 

to protect your eyes. 

I would love to hear from 

you with community news! 

You can reach me at milan@ 

goBEACONnews.com.


DOVER 

By 

Rhonda 

Trabel 

Community 

Correspondent 

O 

ur 

St. John the Baptist Church 

in the 1970s. 

dover@goBEACONnews.com 

Since our parish St. John 

the Baptist recently celebrated 

our 200th Anniversary, 

I would like to present 

more information on how 

the parish got started. A log 

meeting house was built 

by residents of Fenwick’s 

Crossing which was the 

former name of Dover and 

the founding of St. John the 

Baptist Parish in 1824. This 

log meeting house was built 

under the spiritual direction 

of Rev. Edward Fenwick. 

By 1840, an influx of German 

immigrants warranted 

a larger building which was 

a frame structure under the 

direction of Fr. Conrad 

Schneiderjans. By 1847, Fr. 

Andrew Bennett directed 

the construction of a new 

brick building with a spire 

and a bell. More construction 

continued under the direction 

of Fr. Anthony Scheidler in 

1863 until the other improvements 

were made by Fr. 

Seibertz in 1874. However, 

when Fr Seibertz departed 

from St. John’s in 1877, the 

church interior was unfinished. 

The additional work 

needed was supervised by 

Fr. Bernard Brueggeman 

and was completed in 1879. 

Under Fr. Brueggeman’s 

direction, there was the addition 

of the church pipe organ 

which was brought here by 

boat to Lawrenceburg and 

then transferred to a wagon 

for the trip up State Route 1 

to the church. The organ was 

then assembled in the church. 

Stained glass windows were 

added at this time which were 

donated by various parishioners. 

Fr. Brueggeman is buried 

in the present-day cemetery 

St. John’s in Dover right 

next to the crucifix at the 

front of the cemetery. When 

the present brick church was 

started there were about sixty-six 

families in the parish. 

Now there are approximately 

one thousand one hundred 

families in All Saints Parish, 

meaning the combination of 

St. John the Baptist, St. Paul, 

St. Martin, and St. Joseph of 

northern Dearborn County. 

Fr. Brueggeman was instrumental 

in finishing much of 

the interior of the church but 

court records reveal that in 

1867 Fr. Duddenhausen purchased 

real estate from Robert 

Barker that later became 

the ground for the present 

church building. On October 

19, 1879, Fr. Brueggeman 

presented a finished church 

to the community containing 

a spire and three bells 

which are present today. And 

so is some of the history of 

the building of St John the 

Baptist Church in Dover. 

The church mostly looks the 

same as it did in the 1970s 

except for the changes that 

took place on other buildings 

and inside the church. 

As the years went by there 

were more improvements and 

remodeling done by numerous 

priests, the latest being 

Fr. Jonathan Meyer. The 

school building, the hall, and 

the priest’s house were added 

over the years which is more 

history to discover in a future 

column. 

A celebration was held 

for the two most historic 

and lifelong residents of St. 

John’s parish for none other 

than Bob and Mary Gaynor. 

They presented the gifts at the 

Offertory which was most ap- 

Macy Lyness hard at work 

making dog treats for PAWS. 

propriate. Thank you for all of 

your service to the parish. You 

two are amazing! 

Macy Lyness has been collecting 

donations for PAWS as 

a project for FCCLA (Family, 

Career, and Community 

Leaders of America) at East 

Central High School under the 

direction of Brenda Osman. 

Macy is a freshman there and 

led an FCCLA Day of Service 

by making and distributing 

dog treats and toys to PAWS. 

Macy is the daughter of Pete 

and Peggy Lyness. Awesome 

job, Macy! 

We are into March which 

means springtime! Easter is 

upon us! I hope this spring 

finds you all healthy so you 

can enjoy the warmer weather 

and all of the blooming of 

trees and flowers. I love all 

the spring colors which is 

why my husband and I got 

married in the spring. We had 

a gorgeous sunny but breezy 

day in April. 

If you have any Dover 

news you would like to share, 

please email me at dover@ 


Communities 

MANCHESTER 

By 

Lisa 

West 

Community 

Correspondent 

manchester@goBEACONnews.com 

As we move past Valentine’s 

month, many from 

Manchester are looking forward 

to warmer weather and 

wedding vows. The theme of 

‘Destination Weddings’ is expanding 

to include ‘Destination 

Engagements’, as couples 

look for the perfect spot to 

start it all. 

The Deaton family will 

be growing since Christian 

Cowan said “yes” to Kurt 

Deaton. The couple is pictured 

here at the majestic Crater 

Lake National Park in Oregon. 

SUNMAN 

By 

Cheryl 

Taylor 

Community 

Correspondent 

sunman@goBEACONnews.com 

The Annual Pinewood 

Derby held by Sunman Boy 

Scout Pack 610 in 2024 was 

an exciting, well-organized 

event that brought together 

eager scouts and their families 

for a day filled with friendly 

competition. The scouts 

kicked off the day by checking 

in their cars, with leaders 

standing by to assist with 

any last-minute adjustments 

or repairs. The inspection 

process ensured that each car 

met the requirements before 

the races commenced at 10:30 

A.M. As the cars sped down 

the tracks, the atmosphere 

was charged with excitement, 

culminating in a display of 

speed and craftsmanship. The 

event provided a platform not 

only for racing but also for 

showcasing creativity, as attendees 

had the opportunity to 

vote for the most original and 

impressive cars. With coveted 

1st, 2nd, and 3rd place titles 

up for grabs, the competition 

was fierce yet encouraging. 

To extend the thrill, an outlaw 

class race opened to all 

participants, adding an extra 

layer of excitement to the 

Tara West and Kolton Wagner 

engagement, Tokyo, 

Japan. 

The West family was very 

excited when Tara West and 

Kolton Wagner returned 

from the beautiful country of 

Japan, engaged to be married 

in August. Their destination 

wedding will be right here in 

Manchester on Possum Ridge. 

Another West had a destination 

wedding near the top of 

Mt. Rainier in Washington 

state. In August 2023, they 

actually hiked up the mountain 

while wearing a wedding 

dress and suit! 

Sunman Boy Scout Pack 610 

day’s events. Lasting around 

1.5 action-packed hours, 

the Pinewood Derby was a 

memorable experience that 

brought the scouting community 

together in the spirit of 

camaraderie and sportsmanship. 

Good Luck to the Scouts 

that will be moving on to the 

District Race in North Vernon. 

The 2024 Annual Easter 

Egg Hunt, organized by the 

Sunman Beautification Committee, 

is scheduled to take 

place on Mar. 23, at 1:30 P.M. 

at the Sunman Community 

Kurt Deaton and Christian 

Cowan engagement, Crater 

Lake in Oregon. 

Jamie-Le West and Brandon 

Brenneman, Mt. Rainier 

in Washington. 

Park. This event promises a 

fun-filled experience for all 

attendees, with over 3500 

eggs stuffed with candy 

and bonus prizes waiting 

to be discovered. Children 

will have the opportunity to 

partake in the excitement, 

compete for various gifts, 

and even have a chance to 

win a brand-new bicycle. A 

“bad weather day” has been 

arranged for Mar. 24, at the 

same time as 1:30 P.M. Mark 

your calendars for this free 

community celebration! 



Drug overdoses caused over 100,000 deaths 

in 2021, most involving opioids. Thanks to a 

partnership between Indiana University and 

Dearborn County Health Department, you can 

help decrease the risk of overdose deaths in your 

community and 

by signing up for a free 30-minute online 

Naloxone (Narcan) training. 

Visit go.iu.edu/naloxone 

to register or learn more. 

Email naloxone@iu.edu 

for specific questions. 

Are you ready, willing, and able to become 

a citizen responder? 

• Enroll in the Citizen Opioid Responders (COR) 

program for FREE and receive a certificate of 

completion 

• Get FREE naloxone/NARCAN from the 

Dearborn County Health Department when 

you show your certificate of completion 

• Carry naloxone/Narcan on your person 

• Learn how to respond to PulsePoint Medical 

Alerts in real-time and help save a life! 

Timely administration of naloxone/NARCAN can 

mean the difference between life or death in a 

opioid overdose medical event. 

To qualify for training, you must live or work in Dearborn County. 



VERSAILLES/ 

RIPLEY CTY 

By 

Cheryl 

Damon- 

Greiner 

Community 

Correspondent 

versailles@goBEACONnews.com 

Randy Travis had a song 

out in the early 2000s called 

Heroes and Friends. The 

lyrics went “They’ll both 

stand beside you thru thick 

and thru thin, And that’s 

how it goes with heroes and 

friends.” As I look around 

Ripley County and beyond, 

I am proud to live among so 

many heroes and friends in 

our midst. Let’s start with the 

Polar Plunge that took place 

last month on the coldest day 

in February. With a winter 

advisory the night before, 

snow on the ground, and temperatures 

that stayed below 

freezing, hundreds of friends 

came to watch their heroes 

wade into the icy cold lake 

in Versailles State Park, all 

for the benefit of the Special 

Olympics organization. High 

school kids with teachers, 

teams of co-workers, multigeneration 

family groups, and 

inspiring individuals raised 

at least $99 for the chance to 

be thrilled by the chill for the 

benefit of others who need 

some support. 

Going from Polar to Solar- 

Total Solar Eclipse, that is. In 

just a few weeks, thousands 

of people are forecasted to 

be coming to our area to see 

a rare, awe-inspiring, total 

eclipse of the sun. With 

Versailles and parts of Ripley 

County in the path of total 

coverage, welcome mats are 

being spread by towns, businesses, 

and government entities. 

Check with Ripley County 

Tourism for the special 

events that are planned. First 

Responders and Emergency 

Management Agencies are 

working to make sure that our 

counties are ready to handle 

the crowds. Their behind-thescenes 

work will help visitors 

and home-towners alike, 

enjoy this rare event. We can 

all follow their good advice to 

enjoy the experience. 

Before the Eclipse: Anticipate 

increased traffic and 

congestion. Pack snacks and 

water, as well as charging 

cables for mobile devices, if 

you become stranded. Make 

sure your vehicle has a full 

tank of gas, and top off fluids 

in case you’re stuck in traffic 

for a long period. Don’t forget 

your solar eclipse viewing 

O 

ur 

glasses to avoid damaging 

your eyes. The DNR has approved 

glasses at Versailles 

State Park for $3 or 4/$10. 

During the Eclipse: Avoid 

travel during the eclipse if 

possible. Exit the roadway to 

view the solar eclipse. Do not 

stop along highways or park 

on the shoulder for viewing. 

Do not take photos or 

videos while driving. Indiana 

is a hands-free state. Holding 

mobile devices such as 

smartphones or tablets while 

driving is prohibited by state 

law. Do not wear eclipse 

glasses while driving (you’ll 

look silly). Turn on your 

headlights. 

After the Eclipse: If celebrating, 

ensure everyone has a 

safe way to get home. Designate 

a sober driver or arrange 

for alternate transportation. 

Be patient when leaving your 

viewing location as traffic 

may be heavy. I’ve heard 

from people who were at 

previous eclipse sites who say 

that two-hour trips home took 

six to seven hours. Follow 

instructions from law enforcement 

or emergency personnel, 

and be considerate of fellow 

drivers. Stay put and stick 

around to avoid the post-event 

rush. If you stop for food or 

gas, be kind to merchants and 

service people- they’re doing 

the best they can. The last 

total eclipse in Indiana was in 

1869 so they don’t have a lot 

to refer to for best practices. 

Getting back to the heroes 

and friends theme, a group of 

guys who work together in 

Versailles call themselves Ripley 

County’s Infamous Few. 

Considering their generosity 

and the amount of good work 

they organize, they deserve 

to be famous. Their soft spots 

are for the elderly, veterans, 

and kids, according to Dave 

DeHamer and his business 

partner John Brison. These 

two gentlemen use their auto 

repair business to store a salvaged 

truckload of wrapping 

paper for Christmas gifts and 

other donations. They also organize 

the Ride for Yes Home 

to provide daily necessities 

for the children staying at the 

home. The event is for Jeeps, 

side by sides, and bikes. Of 

Communities 

Fire Chief Charlie Meisberger 

installing electrical Amish volunteer construc- 

Cherry Thing-A-Lings to 

Ben Smoker, one of the Becky Goodwin helped get 

lines in the new firehouse. tion team. 

Versailles customers. 

Girls just wanna have fun... for a good cause like the Polar The Infamous Few - Dave 

Plunge! 

DeHamer, John Brison, 

Jason Smith. 

course, they coordinate music perform all of the vital, lifesaving 

tasks that are needed house. In a matter of weeks, 

with top-name musicians after 

the run. As if their jobs and in emergencies. It’s unusual, there were walls, trusses, a 

charity work weren’t enough, though, when citizens volunteer 

to build the firefighters a new building that is so large 

roof, and a concrete floor for 

they’ve taken on the task of 

returning the Courthouse something that they truly it could hold several of the 

Days Car Show to Versailles need, like a new firehouse. old firehouse. Previously, the 

Square on June 22. Watch for But that is exactly what happened 

at New Marion Fire $800,000, which the small 

cost was estimated at over 

further information on Ripley 

County Tourism’s social Department on Michigan Rd fire department could never 

media. 

in Holton. The local Amish afford. With the free labor, the 

Communities can have bishop contacted Chief Charlie 

Meisberger with an offer like the song lyrics say, “And 

cost is a quarter of that. Just 

friendships, too. Batesville 

is well known for its Cherry to provide free labor to build that’s how it goes with heroes 

Thing-A-Lings and the long a much-needed, updated fire- 

and friends!” 

lines that people stand in to 

get their boxes of the annual 

treat. This year they sold 

another record of the yummy 

fritters – 254,880! Driving to 

Batesville and standing in line 

isn’t possible for many in the 

Versailles area. So, five years 

ago when we owned Pat’s 

Bulk Food, we worked out 

an arrangement with Bertie 

Schmidt to pick up Thing-A- 

Lings at night to sell in our 

store in Versailles. Every year, 

we literally sold thousands 

during the five days that we 

had them! Well, tradition and 

friendship continued with the 

new owners, Daniel Leonetti 

and Dustin Payne, and 2024 

saw Versailles, once again, 

partnering with Batesville to 

keep their citizens on a weeklong 

sugar high! 

Firefighters are among the CONNECTIONS 

heroes that we all count on. 

And most rural fire departments 

count on volunteers to 

Wrap your home in warmth and speed 

CALL 800-737-4111 

BINGO 

Every Friday at 7:00 P.M. 

Doors open at 6:00 P.M. 

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 

VERSAILLES AMERICAN LEGION 

Lic. 000195 

Ref #157971 

Enter across from the post office 

Food available. 

seiremc.com/seifiber 



DILLSBORO 

By 

Lorene 

Westmeier 

Community 

Correspondent 

dillsboro@goBEACONnews.com 

Dillsboro Elementary 

School is proud to announce 

its recent designation as 

one of the “Best Elementary 

Schools of 2024” by US 

News & World Report. The 

recognition is a testament to 

their unwavering commitment 

to academic excellence 

and dedication to providing 

an outstanding educational 

experience for our students. 

Congrats, DES! Kyle (Thayer) 

Miller is the Principal. 

The town of Dillsboro has 

good news. Derek Walker 

has been 

hired as the 

new Town 

Manager. 

Derek 

was born 

and raised 

in Milan. 

He earned 

Derek Walker a Master’s 

degree in 

O 

ur 

Urban and Regional Planning 

and then worked for Dearborn 

County Planning and Zoning 

for four years. He then 

worked for Aurora and Greendale 

as a City Manager. 

Derek and his wife, Amber, 

daughter Nora who is 

nine, and their five-year-old 

son Elliott, will be moving 

to Dillsboro as soon as they 

find a home. We are excited to 

welcome them to our town. 

Susan Greco, Director of 

Economic Development has 

been acting as interim town 

manager. The town would like 

to thank Susan for all of her 

help and hard work keeping 

things going while the Board 

searched for a replacement. 

A Look Back- Apr. 3, 1974 

Only one tornado tore 

across southern Indiana on 

April 3, 1974, but it was on 

the ground for one hour and 

thirty-five minutes, covering 

one hundred twenty miles, 

killing fourteen people, and 

injuring two hundred eightysix. 

The tornado seemed to 

start around Brandenburg, 

KY and continued to scenic 

Hanover and Madison. I was 

at work at S.E. Indiana Rural 

Telephone Co-op at that time 

Communities 

Congratulations to the staff and students at Dillsboro Elementary School for being ranked 

the best. 

and hurried home to check on 

my invalid mother. As I pulled 

in our barnyard at Farmers 

Retreat, I saw a cloud of red 

dust in the southeast. Later 

we found out that St. Peters 

Lutheran Church in Bear 

Branch had been hit. The red 

dust that I had seen was from 

the red bricks of the church 

going up in a cloud of dust. 

Many neighbors of the church 

had considerable damage. 

Fortunately, the minister’s 

wife and little boy were in the 

basement when the parsonage 

was hit. After the tornado had 

passed, they went upstairs to 

the kitchen, thinking that she 

could clean up the mess. She 

then turned around to close 

the door and found the entire 

front of the house was gone. 

The church had a statue 

of Jesus on the altar. It was 

one of the only things left 

and appeared to be watching 

over the remaining items. But 

the church was gone. Some 

of the families that were hit 

were Knigga, Race, Iceberg, 

Kittenbrink, Sommer, Bushman, 

and Walston. Judy 

Race said her car was on top 

of her dad’s combine in the 

barn. A photo of it made the 

front page of the Cincinnati 

Enquirer. 

Tornadoes begin in thunderclouds. 

Winds high in the 

cloud blow faster than winds 

lower down. Sometimes high 

and low winds blow in different 

directions, causing the air 

to start spinning. Power builds 

up in the center. The bottom 

of the cloud often stretches to 

a point to form a funnel. And 

when the cloud touches the 

ground, it’s a tornado! This all 

happened fifty years ago. 

Editor’s note- When attending 

a recent celebration in 

Bear Branch, the conversation 

turned to photos of John 

and Judy Race’s wedding 

photos being destroyed by 

the tornado. One must pause 

and realize that decades later, 

the impact of April 3, 1974 

continues to intertwine itself 

in the life of this resilient 

community and many others. 

RISING SUN/ 

OHIO COUNTY 

By 

PG 

Gentrup 

Residential & Commercial 

Community 

rior & Exterior Interior Lighting• & Exterior Landscape Lighting Lighting• • Landscape Decorative Lighting Fixture Installations• Correspondent 

Decorative Fixture Installations 

Replacement• Lighting Device Design• Replacement Electric • Lighting Service Design Replacement• New risingsun@goBEACONnews.com 

Construction• 

Electric Service Replacement • New Construction 

22421 GEORGETOWN RD, LAWRENCEBURG, IN 47025 Spring is here and the past 

22421 GEORGETOWN RD, LAWRENCEBURG, IN 47025 few months have been kind to 

#513-235-5161 

#513-235-5161 / 

RCMIDDENDORF@GMAIL.COM 

RCMIDDENDORF@GMAIL.COM 

us for the most part. I always 

look forward to the refreshing 

weather that is upon us. We 

have two special birthdays in 

our family as Kelli’s twins, 

Grady and Carli, celebrate 

ReProm 

DEARBORN COUNTY RECYCLING CENTER 

formal dress exchange 

bring a dress & take a dress 

All are welcome to the ReProm Dress Exchange. Approximately 

1200 formal dresses are available. Exchange a short dress for a 

short dress, long for a long. Only formal, current-style dresses in 

good clean condition will be accepted. A set, minimum donation 

will be required if you do not have an acceptable dress to 

exchange. Cash, checks, and credit cards are accepted 

Appointments are limited to 45 minutes, 2 people per appointment. 

NO WALK-INS. BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. 

Reserve your time online or call 812-926-9963. 

hours 

WEDNESDAYS 1:00-6:00 PM 

SPRING BREAK: MARCH 18-28 

MONDAY-FRIDAY 9 AM - 4 PM 

WEDNESDAY 9 AM - 6 PM 

CLOSED FRIDAY, MARCH 29 

DEARBORNCOUNTYRECYCLES.COM/REPROM 

Dearborn County Recycling Center 

10700 Prospect Ln | Aurora, IN 47001 

7247 State Road 46E 

Batesville, IN 47006 

812.932.3300 

the Big 16! Carli turned 16 

on Mar. 1 but twin brother, 

Grady, turned an official 4 on 

Feb. 29. Yes, Grady is a Leap 

Year baby and only gets a real 

birthday every four years. 

It’s hard to believe that they 

are getting ready to get their 

driver’s licenses. 

Paula will be celebrating 

her birthday on Mar. 21 and 

Kelli on Apr. 4. and I am not 

putting the ages out. You can 

ask them. If you insist, then 

Kelli will be 46 and Paula 72. 

Congratulations to Jeff 

Lane on his retirement as a 

police officer in Greendale 

after thirty years. He will 

now be a Deputy Sheriff in 

TOPSOIL 

(Regular and Shredded) 

FILL DIRT 

GRAVEL 

SPECIALIZED HAULING 

& DELIVERY 

Spring is just 

around the corner. 

Start the season right. 

Join the Advantage 

Home Care Team. 

$$$ Earn extra $$$ 

We have openings for 

CNA •Home Health Aides •LPN • RN 

Lawrenceburg/Versailles/Sunman/Milan/ 

Vevay/Rising Sun/West Harrison/Deputy 

Enjoy weekly pay, benefits package, 

one-on-one care, competitive pay rates 

All interested applicants please contact 

ADVANTAGE HOME CARE 

800-807-6839 • 812-537-0325 

Get it All at www.goBEACONnews.com 

460 Ridge Ave. Lawrenceburg, IN 47025 EOE 

Abe Lincoln (Jim Fulton), 

PG and Raya Ziegler at 

Harrison Elementary. 

Ohio County for Sheriff Tom 

Baxter. Since the Rising Sun 

Police Department disbanded, 

the city will be served by the 

Sheriff’s Department. We are 

fortunate to get someone of 

Jeff’s caliber to come to work 

here. 

If you get a chance to see 

any of our remaining World 

War II Veterans from Dearborn 

County- George Shelby, 

George Lingg, George 

Klopp, Tom Cook, Clarence 

Cook, and JC Lewis, be sure 

to shake their hand and thank 

them for being a part of America’s 

Greatest Generation. 

The remaining three in Ohio 

County, are Leroy Guard, 

Bob Browning, and Bill Elder. 

God Bless all of them. 

The Rising Sun High School 

honored the 40th Anniversary 

Basketball Team from when 

they won the Boys’ Sectional 

back in 1984. That brings back 

a lot of memories when they 

lit up the town of Rising Sun. 

RSHS Junior, Brody Morris, 

has been putting up some 

big numbers with his scoring 

for the Shiners. 

Congratulations to Olivia 

Graver and Max Mossburger 

for being named All ORVC 

Swimmers with their two victories 

each in the conference 

meet. Both are school record 

holders. 

A Rising Sun High School 

graduate, Maddy Moore, 

recently had an art show at 

IUPUI in Indianapolis where 

she is a first-year drawing 

and illustration major. The 

show was titled “Head in the 

Clouds” and she was able to 

show her wonderful talent. 

Ron Spurlock and I accompanied 

Abe Lincoln (Jim Fulton) 

to Harrison Elementary 

on his 215th birthday where 

we entertained one hundred 

thirty students. They enjoyed 

Abe and his presentation. 

I continue to pray for all of 

you and to have good health.


B 

eacon 

Vacation 

Marjorie Fluegeman, Loraine Werner,Carol and Dave 

Schwanholt took the Beacon on a British Isles cruise to 

Norway, Scotland, Ireland, and England. 

Bill McDonald of Osgood, IN, took The Beacon to 

Prudhoe Bay Alaska. Mr. McDonald took a PLUNGE 

into the Arctic Ocean to raise Donations for Special 

Olympics on his wife Toni’s and his 48th wedding anniversary. 

Mason Parris Claims 

Back-to-Back 

Pan-Am Titles 

By Chris Nobbe 

Mason Parris continues 

his trek to get to Paris for 

the 2024 Summer Olympic 

Games with a recent USA 

Team performance that sealed 

the seventh-consecutive freestyle 

team title as well. 

The 2024 Pan-Am Championships 

were held in Acapulco, 

Mexico. Team USA came 

away with impressive team 

titles in freestyle, Greco-Roman, 

and women’s freestyle. 

Mason Parris represented 

the United States in the 125- 

kg weight class. He won his 

first match against Canadian 

Richard DesChatelets by a 

score of 10-0. He got two 

injury default victories to 

claim the title for him and the 

United States. The first was 

over Jose Diaz of Venezuela 

and the second over Donovan 

Smith of Puerto Rico. 

Parris will now gear up for 

the Olympic Team Trials in 

State College, PA, in mid-April. 

Join Our Team at Ripley Crossing 

The Joy of Giving 

Back! 

TAKE YOUR 

BEACON 

ON 

VACATION 

If business or 

pleasure takes you 

out of town, bring 

your hometown 

newspaper along 

for the trip. 

Send your photo, 

displaying the 

Beacon, to editor@ 

goBEACON news. 

com 

Please include 

where you live. 

PAMPERED PETS 

CERTIFIED GROOMER 

GROOMING SPECIALIST 

SMALL CLIENTELE FOR BEST RESULTS 

CALL 513-374-9231 MAUREEN 

1st Visit 10% Discount 

Specializing in Yorkies, Shih Tzu’s, Lhasa’s, 

Smaller Terrier Breeds and Other Small Dogs 

BOARDING AVAILABLE 

Mary Voegele and Vanessa Ellis of Batesville and Pam 

Monnig of Saint Leon took the Beacon on their trip to 

Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. This picture was 

taken on the banks of the Rhine river in Saint Goar , 

Germany. 

BUSINESS & 

PROFESSIONAL 

DIRECTORY 

Cornerstone Realty, Inc. & 

Lutz Auction Service, LLC 

“One Call Does It All” 

Dale Lutz 

. 

25980 Auction Lane, Guilford, IN 47022 

Office 812-637-2220 

Cell 513-266-1859 

cstonerealty.com lutzauctions.com 

ripleycrossing.com 

They made our community great 

(and they did it without cell phones!) 

Now is your chance to 

share their stories... 

AND GET PAID FOR IT! 

Ripley Crossing is a beautiful 

Senior Health Campus. Services range 

from Independent Living 

to specialized dementia care. 

Excellent pay and Benefits. 

Call today for more information 

812-654-2231 



“Is it possible to treat 

the whole me, and not 

just my cancer?” 

- Sue, Lawrenceburg, IN 

“Of course. The 

most important 

part of your 

cancer treatment 

is — YOU.” 

Dr. Lauren Castellini 

Oncology 

At the St. Elizabeth Cancer Center we provide our patients access to everything 

from precision medicine and international clinical trials to family support groups 

and yoga classes. We make sure all your needs are met, with personal nurse 

navigators and a whole team that puts YOU first. We understand you have 

questions, and at St. Elizabeth we personalize care with answers you need. 

Do you have questions? 

Visit stelizabeth.com/AskUs

Beacon Apr 2024

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?