Beacon Feb 2025
Southeast Indiana's most beloved periodical. Positive news, Regional coverage, Community Committment.
Southeast Indiana's most beloved periodical. Positive news, Regional coverage, Community Committment.
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
INSIDE
The BEACON
What an Honor!
Local teacher surprised with top
educators award. Page 6A
A Christmas Gift
Greendale resident Ariya Dawn
Holley brought a smile to Santa’s
face.
Page 5B
Community Cheer
Versailles was alight with joy during
the holiday season. Page 8B
The Beacon
(USPS #25510)
ISSN 2835-5067
Volume 31. Issue 2
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
3
THE
BEACON
www.goBEACONnews.com | PUBLISHED MONTHLY SINCE 1994 | February 2025
MS4 – A Program to Protect Our Waterways
By Cheryl Damon-Greiner
Imagine pristine rivers and streams
winding through our towns, home
to thriving wildlife, and a cherished
destination for families who rely on
them for healthy outdoor activities
and clean drinking water. Now, picture
those same waterways threatened
by the pollutants that flow from our
streets, driveways, parking lots, fields,
and yards every time it rains. Most
stormwater- the water from rain and
melted snow- runs over the ground
and down storm drains or drainage
ditches. The water flows through
a network of underground pipes
Adaline and Harper Cox at the Aurora Lions
Club pet parade with Elf Chad Tyler.
Elle Pennington, Lawrenceburg,
at the Greendale
homes tour.
Aurora Public Library- More Than Just a Few Books
By Maureen Stenger
Any time I get to do a story in Aurora,
I enjoy it because I really like the
charm of the quaint river town. Walking
down the streets of the historic district
makes me feel like I have stepped
back in time with the mom-and-pop
shops and inviting restaurants. A
staple of the town is the Aurora Public
Library on Second Street. The current
library was built in 1913-1914 by an
architectural firm in Cincinnati. The
Renaissance revival style brick building
is located in the heart of the downtown
Aurora Historic District and was
accepted into the National Register of
Historic Places in 1993.
Aurora was founded in 1819, at
which time land was set aside for a future
library. In these early days when a
library building was not available, organizing
a subscription library was not
unusual. Typically, someone from the
community would volunteer to keep
and open channels directly into our
streams, rivers, and lakes. A reliable
adage says, “If it’s on the ground, it’s
in our water.” To combat this, our
community is taking a significant step
forward with the implementation of
the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer
System (MS4) programs in Greendale,
Lawrenceburg, Aurora, and Dearborn
County including Hidden Valley.
These programs are designed to
reduce pollution and protect our local
waterways. With these programs, we
are not just addressing an environmental
issue, but investing in the health
and well-being of our community.
Santa arrived in Batesville in a helicopter in 1958. Visiting him in
this photo are Debbie Acasio and her aunt Jenny Awad.
Winter Fun!
Residents throught the
community were caught
enjoying all the holidays
and winter have to offer.
More to come...
(Photos by
Debbie Acasio)
Officer Pam Taylor with daughter Trinity
at Cops and Kids shopping program.
the books and materials
in his or her home. In
1901, the first meeting
of the board of directors
of the Aurora Public
Library took place, and
the public library was
officially established.
Library materials were
kept in the city building.
Abby Sutton researches
the history of the Aurora
Public Library. She
writes, “The library building itself was
a gift donated to the community of
Aurora by Miss Georgiana E. Sutton.
Georgiana Sutton was a well-known
and respected woman of Aurora. She
was very intelligent and loved to travel
all around the world. She was a great
lover of books and reading. When she
passed away in 1910, she left $10,000
specifically for the construction of a
building for the Aurora Public Library.
The MS4 program is an unfunded
federal mandate. Communities must
implement the program with local
resources and funding strategies. MS4
programs are part of a nationwide effort
to manage stormwater runoff and
reduce pollution. They are required by
the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) and involve a comprehensive
approach to controlling pollutants at
their source. First required in 1987
through amendments to the Clean
Water Act (CWA), during Phase I
communities greater than 100,000 in
population were regulated. In 1999, the
Continued on Page 3A
By Cheryl Damon-Greiner
Did you have that special teacher
who really connected with you, and
who you remember to this day?
Research shows that the single most
important in-school factor affecting
student achievement is the quality
of the educator in the classroom.
And a very special seventh-grade
English/Language Arts teacher at
South Ripley Junior High School is
one of those quality educators. Mrs.
Katie Lanter was recently awarded
the national 2024 Milken Educator
Award for her innovative instruction
and results in the classroom
and in school, and her exemplary
educational accomplishments and
leadership beyond the classroom.
The Milken Educator Award, created
by philanthropist Lowell Milken, is
the teacher’s equivalent of an Oscar
or Grammy, providing public
acknowledgment of the educator’s
performance followed by an award
of $25,000.
In today’s society, more teachers
are leaving the profession, and fewer
young people are pursuing careers
in education. The Milken Educator
Award aims to reverse this trend by
focusing public attention on the need
for able, caring, and creative people
to join the teaching profession in
order to make learning achievable
for all students. The honor rewards
outstanding educators who represent
the top 1% of the teaching profession
for the quality of their teaching, their
professional leadership, their
Continued on Page 6A
The historic Aurora Public Library
0years
Ripley County
Teacher Receives
National Award
Her wish was that the building would
be erected under the supervision of her
brother, Dr. H. H. Sutton. The building
was to be dedicated to her mother and
father, Dr. and Mrs. George Sutton.”
On October 15, 1914, the Aurora
Public Library dedication was held. At
that time, the library board members
were all gentlemen. The library book
selection committee consisted
Continued on Page 4A
THE BEACON
PO Box 4022
Lawrenceburg, Indiana 47025
812-637-3700 glennschollinsurance.com 23947 Salt Fork Rd, Bright, IN
812-637-3700 glennschollinsurance.com 23947 Salt Fork Rd, Bright, IN
Glenn Scholl Agent
Glenn
Scholl
Glenn Scholl Agent
Agent
Glenn
Scholl
Agent
Page 2A THE BEACON February 2025
By
Tamara
Taylor
People let me tell you ‘bout
my best friend...
I recently had a scare concerning
my eyesight. What
looked like a huge geranium
flower passed across my
vision and decided the view
was so great that it took up
residence. Not something to
mess around with. I found
myself sitting in front of Dr.
Kim Covington Hudson, a
native of Bear Branch. Am I
ever grateful that she chose
come “home” to serve her
community!
Dr. Hudson, owner of
Lawrenceburg Eye Center,
graciously rearranged her
schedule and saw me almost
immediately, something that
is almost unheard of these
days. She quickly diagnosed
my concern and set me up for
a follow-up appointment.
In the meantime, I made
an appointment at an eye
institute, just in case I had
been unable to see Dr. Hudson
quickly. Quite honestly, I
forgot to cancel that appointment,
so when the time came,
I thought, well, what could
another opinion hurt? The
diagnosis- exactly the same.
Three months later, I went
back to Dr. Hudson for my
follow-up appointment. She
examined my eye for quite
a long time, going back and
forth with that irritating little
green light... and then I knew
why. She had found a hole.
Something not even the big
boys with all of their fancy
gadgets had found.
Dr. Hudson sent me to see
a specialist quickly, so off
I went. At the appointment
with the specialist, I received
detailed instructions about
surgery. I asked the specialist
about when we should schedule
the surgery. His response
was, “Now.”
Okay...
A few weeks after the
surgery, I scheduled a postoperative
appointment with
a specialist who gave me the
green light to go on an international
flight the next day.
Talk about cutting it close...
The specialist had known
Dr. Kim Hudson for a long
time, just like the friend who
calls Kim his best friend. Both
used the same adjective when
We are here for all
of your Industrial needs.
Asphalt & Concrete repairs. Footers, foundations,
formed walls and machine foundations.
110 Forest Ave, Aurora, IN 47001 812-926-1471
describing Kim- ENTHUSI-
ASTIC! But then I think everyone
who was a cheerleader
in Bear Branch is...
As most of you know, a
zoning change was recently
requested for agricultural land
in Manchester to be changed to
a commercial site. As I sat in a
county planning meeting, I listened
to Manchester residents
voice their concerns calmly
and professionally, yet still
getting their point across. An
acquaintance, Ed Yelton, stood
up. (Who doesn’t know Ed, the
“Mayor of Manchester!”)
“You know the two types of
cuttin’ edges?” he asked.
Silence from the Planning
board members. I was
intrigued by where this was
going...
“There’s a cuttin’ edge on
a tractor blade, and a cuttin’
edge on a bulldozer. The
difference is, one leads to
growth and crops. The other
cases damage that can’t be
reversed.”
Impressive.
Mr. Yelton’s point was that
we have to be careful about
the changes we make. While
spot zoning may look pretty
and shiny on the surface, the
long-term effects have to be
considered.
Afterward, I chatted with Ed
and said that his analogy was
thought-provoking. He shared,
“It came to me when I was
working in the field on my
bobcat. Divine intervention.”
I believe I now have a best
friend in Manchester too.
Earlier I mentioned an international
flight. I had the honor
of traveling with the most
incredible people. One was a
veterinary ophthalmologist. I
felt much more comfortable
about my own eye concerns
since many human treatments
have spun off from the veterinary
world. And this woman
Kim Covington Hudson
even worked on the federal
canines that keep the White
House and Pentagon safe. I
can’t make this stuff up...
I also traveled with a judge,
a baker, a candlestick maker,
and a sound engineer who
worked with both Dolby and
Bose. Heck, I didn’t even
realize those were real people!
Boy, could this guy hear
everything. No whispering
secrets around him...
And then there were Nikki
and Denny from Montana, a
couple who had been married
for over sixty years. They
ran circles around me for two
weeks. Very impressive.
This couple had the gift of
Ed Yelton
banter mixed with humor and
respect down to a science.
Both are highly intelligent and
have intriguing stories.
This wasn’t their first rodeo
by any means. Nikki and Denny
have traveled the world
from Pikes Peak to Paris and
all places in between. (Think
about it- it’s a lot of places
depending on if you travel
east or west.) They made the
trip so memorable for me.
The next time you’re sitting
on the couch thinking about
how old you are, remember
Nikki and Denny. You are
never too old...
Yeah, they’re my best
friends, La. Pa-da-da-da-yah...
Dearborn County Designated
Stellar Pathways Community
Dearborn County recently
received the honor of becoming
a designated Stellar
Pathways community. The
Stellar Pathways program
provides funding for community
improvements that
impact the quality of place.
Each project was judged on
four components- planning,
leveraging existing assets,
growing regional investments,
and stimulating future growth.
One Dearborn led the
coordination of the plan for
Dearborn County. Projects
include areas from the City
of Greendale to the town of
Dillsboro, the community of
Bright, and Dearborn County
overall.
The county-wide portion
of the plan focuses on a
renter-occupied infill housing
program. Fifteen senior rental
units are included. The project
also addresses blight, increasing
property values, housing
shortages, reinvestment in
county parks, and enhancing
senior residents’ quality of life.
Additional information
about each of these projects
is available in the community
columns in section B of this
BEACON.
A HANDS-ON CAREER
with ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES
–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
The BEACON - Great News for Great People.
February 2025 THE BEACON Page 3A
MS4 Planning and Implementation Moves Forward in Southeast Indiana
Austin Woods and Mayor Patrick Schwing, Aurora MS4
Dennis Kraus, Jr. and Sandy Whitehead, Dearborn
county MS4
Continued from Page 1A
Phase II MS4 program was
initiated, affecting communities
larger than 10,000, or
with significant potential
for growth. Indiana began
implementation of the MS4
program in 2003. In 2024,
Dearborn County cities and
towns addressed MS4 with
the collaboration GLAD
(Greendale, Lawrenceburg,
Aurora, Dearborn County) so
that member communities can
work together toward regional
stormwater goals.
In Indiana, the MS4 program
is regulated by the
Indiana Department of
Environmental Management
(IDEM). The goal is to
prevent harmful substances
from entering our storm drains
and, ultimately, our rivers,
streams, and drinking water.
Some steps to safeguard our
stormwater and water sheds
were already being enforced,
but the MS4 components take
procedures to a new level of
detail. Requirements are the
same for every location and
are monitored closely. Key
components of these MS4
programs will work to have a
positive impact on our towns.
Some of the key components
of the MS4 Program are:
Public Education and Outreach:
Educating residents
about the impact of stormwater
pollution and how they can
help reduce it. Simple actions
like proper disposal of waste
and reducing the use of chemicals
on lawns can make a big
difference. Preventing pollutants
from seeping into the
watershed under your land can
be accomplished by cleaning
up pet waste. Clean vehicles
and outdoor furniture with environmentally
safe products,
preferably over gravel or grass
rather than concrete to allow
the soil time to absorb some
pollutants. Flourishing parts of
your landscape act as a filter
for water runoff. Also, never
put oil, paint, soap, litter, yard
waste, or other pollutants into
storm drains.
Public Participation and
Involvement: Community
involvement in stormwater
management activities is vital.
Volunteers can help with
clean-up events, tree planting,
and other initiatives offered
by businesses and schools
to improve water quality.
Several public departments
tasked with overseeing the
implementation of MS4 have
hired additional staff to follow
through on the daily, monthly,
and annual reports required
Publisher/Editor
Tamara M. Taylor
Founding Publisher
Elizabeth Morris
Editorial Assistants
Connie Webb, Cherie Maddin
Columnists & Contributors
Debbie Acasio, Susan Carson,
Linda Cromer, Carolyn Egbert,
PG Gentrup,
Cheryl Damon-Greiner,
Kami Hamilton, Jeff Hermesch,
Laura Keller, Amanda Kirchner,
Merrill and Linda Hutchinson,
Chris Nobbe, Marcia Parcell
Crystal Richardson, Sue Siefert,
Bonnie Starks, Maureen Stenger,
Richard Stoll, Alan Thorup,
Rhonda Trabel, Randy Turner,
Bob Waples, Lisa West,
Debbie Zimmer
concerning stormwater safety.
Dearborn County established
a social media page, Dearborn
County MS4, to provide
information and updates while
striving to inspire residents to
do their part in the protection
of stormwater.
Illicit Discharge Detection
and Elimination: Identifying
and eliminating illegal discharges
into the storm sewer
system. Identification includes
finding and fixing leaks from
septic tanks. The sources of
spills and the dumping of
household or business waste
can become a significant
source of pollution. Cleaning
polluted stormwater can cost
millions of dollars every year.
Prevention with detection and
enforcement of the guidelines
is both fiscally and environmentally
sound. This step also
requires ongoing training of
county employees tasked with
enforcing MS4 guidelines.
Construction Site Runoff
Control: Implementing measures
to control runoff from
construction sites. The installation
of silt fences, sediment
traps, and other best management
practices will prevent soil
erosion and sediment from entering
waterways. These sites
are visited regularly by trained
inspectors. Infractions must be
remedied immediately.
Post-Construction Stormwater
Management: Ensuring
that new development
includes managing stormwater
effectively. Solutions may require
the creation of retention
ponds, green roofs, or permeable
pavements that allow
water to soak into the ground.
When you think of how much
water runs off old roofs and
across blacktop parking lots
and driveways, and how much
litter is washed into sewers
with every rainfall, you can
understand why MS4 incorporates
new design features into
its guidelines.
Pollution Prevention and
Good Housekeeping: Reduce
Over 22,000 distribution & growing! To advertise, call 812-637-0660
THE
BEACON
For advertising rate inquiries
and to submit news and photos:
editor@goBEACONnews.com
Phone: 812-637-0660
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, IN 47025.
Production
FX-Design, Inc.
© 2025 Beacon News, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
pollution from municipal
operations and maintenance
activities. Regular street
sweeping, proper disposal of
hazardous waste, and maintaining
stormwater infrastructure
will have an impact on
cleaner stormwater.
Each community in Dearborn
County will need to
follow the MS4 guidelines,
but each will have different
focuses based on their
infrastructure, land use, and
growth. One may have new
businesses being built, while
others are dealing with issues
occurring in residential or
rural zones. All are concerned
with stretching resources and
staff hours to ensure compliance
with MS4. And they are
all committed to being good
stewards of the environment
and to providing the most
effective protection of our
water. Local MS4 project officials
include Alan Duncan in
Greendale; Linda Hartman in
Hidden Valley; Austin Woods
and Mayor Patrick Schwing
in Aurora; Sandy Whitehead
in Lawrenceburg/Dearborn
County; Nicole Daily, Director
of Dearborn County Planning
and Zoning; Kyla Dick Potter,
Stormwater Coordinator with
Dearborn County Soil and
Water; and Dennis Kraus, Jr.,
Dearborn County Surveyor.
The implementation of
these MS4 programs will have
a profound positive impact on
our local environment. Cleaner
waterways mean healthier
ecosystems, safer recreational
areas, higher property values,
and better quality drinking
water for everyone. The collective
effort requires the participation
of all citizens. By
embracing the MS4 programs,
we can ensure that our area
remains a healthy, beautiful,
thriving place to live for
generations.
Get it All at www.goBEACONnews.com
Page 4A THE BEACON February 2025
Local Library District Poised for Growth to Serve the Community
Continued from Page 1A
of all ladies.
On a crisp November afternoon
before Thanksgiving, I
had the pleasure of meeting
with Aurora Public Library
Director Leslie Sutherlin,
whose cheerful disposition
put me right at ease. Mrs.
Sutherlin has been the director
since 2022 and is a former
public educator of thirty
years. She started her career
in Greenfield near Indianapolis,
then taught at the South
Dearborn School District
where she was an English
teacher. Mrs. Sutherlin then
became a library staff member
at the high school and then
progressed to all of the district
libraries and enjoyed working
with all of the kids. She says,
“I was really the only staff
member at South Dearborn
that saw kids in the classroom
from kindergarten until senior
year. I would watch them go
all the way up, and it was really
fun to see them grow, and
it was just a unique perspective
and I loved that element.”
Mrs. Sutherlin did not plan for
her current career change, but
the director position provided
her with the flexibility needed
to care for her disabled son.
As you walk up the steps to
the library, beautiful bronze
sculptures greet you. Mrs.
Sutherlin shares that it came
from a company called Randolph
Rose. One of the statues
was purchased in commemoration
of Mary Alice Horton,
who was a long-time former
library director. Inside the
library is beautiful and historical
with its arched windows
and ornate woodwork.
The Aurora Public Library
was renovated in 1997. The
renovations included two
wings and an elevator being
added to the building. Prior
to the renovation, only the
top floor of the library was
used, and the basement was
not utilized. But that has
all changed. To tie into the
original structure, openings
made throughout the building
An Aurora brick marks a
nod to Georgiana Sutton
whose foresight and
bequest made the library
possible.
NEW YEAR.
The bronze statue spurs thoughts of childsplay and imagination
with a reference to Fido Dido.
The Aurora Public Library exudes charm and knowledge in every corner.
that exposed the stone were
thoughtfully preserved under
acrylic glass and framed as
architectural elements.
The Aurora Library purchased
the old train depot
up the street some years ago
which, at the time, had a roof
that was in severe disrepair.
The original train depot that
stood on this spot had burned
down, after which the town
raised the funds to rebuild
it as a brick depot. In those
days, most of the Baltimore
Ohio depots were made of
clapboard, brick being the
more costly choice. The train
at the Aurora depot ran from
Cincinnati to St. Louis. Passenger
rail at those depots
ended in the 1970s. Thus,
many of these depots are no
longer around. Fortunately,
the library had the funds
available to purchase the brick
depot in Aurora and fix it up.
The library was lacking sufficient
meeting space and a
kitchen that could be utilized
for larger events. Purchasing
the depot was beneficial for
the library which now serves
as a library of local history.
When Mrs. Sutherlin took
over, the plan for the depot
included interior painting and
reorganization. The depot had
always been a place for the
library staff historians to be
able to find things, but now
the space is reorganized so
that patrons can find what
they are looking for. Custom
furniture was built to accommodate
different table
configurations and expand potential
usage. Mrs. Sutherlin
elaborates, “That was another
challenge they had. They had
purchased some tables previously,
but it’s such a small
space that that’s all you could
do. We had mobile furniture
so you could have classrooms,
we can have lectures, we can
have large meetings with
groups so it is multi-purpose
at this point.”
Mrs. Sutherlin continues,
“One problem with the Depot
was there was rotting wood
in the eaves. So, they are on a
project right now where they
are repairing the eaves and
they have the tiles removed
The room previously dedicated to all things concerning
the community’s rich history, was furnished by the Aurora
Lions Club. Its contents will find a new home in the Aurora
Depot.
Library ladies Irma Conaway and Jess Hoppmire.
right now to replace all of the
wood. Part of the problem
is too they did try repairing
some of it in the past but they
would put steel plates up
where the wood was rotting to
block insects, birds, and critters.
It is in the historic district
so it is really important to me
that we could get it repaired
so that it has some historical
significance. We have a
contractor down there working
on getting all the wood
replaced, putting new flashing
on, and putting all of the tiles
back on.” Fortunately, the
leaking issues never damaged
the interior of the space as
the Depot has the original tile
floor from the time period.
Mrs. Sutherlin says, “It has
beautiful acoustics in that
room and so we re-painted
the interior to go along with
the Baltimore and Ohio brand
which was orange and brown
at the time. The exterior is going
to complement that. All of
the exterior windows and the
exposed wood will be painted.
That is part of this process.
They are also asphalting the
entire space and defining the
handicapped space. We put in
a handicap-accessible ramp
and an automatic door.”
The next phase of the
renovation will be to move a
caboose that was purchased
from Pat Meyer. It has been
an icon in Aurora for many,
many years, being used as
Continued on Page 5A
NEW GOALS.
Take control of your
finances and enjoy
peace of mind this year.
BRATER - WINTER
FUNERAL HOMES
fcnbank.com
The BEACON - Great News for Great People.
February 2025 THE BEACON Page 5A
Continued from Page 4A
an office by Pat’s father. The
caboose will require some
modifications to make it more
accessible for all. An engineer
is currently looking into how
to make the space more accommodating,
including the
possibility of making it handicap
accessible. Mrs. Sutherlin
shares on the project, “The
interior will be reworked to
have bench seating for a small
group, for school kids like
for story time or we could
have someone in costume,
Books, Trains, So Much More
The arch over the entryway features a plaque noting Georgiana Sutton’s gift to Aurora.
The Aurora Depot that is currently being renovated is a
short walk from the library.
The card catalog that has
been replaced by digital
records as technology
progressed.
The Library was listed on
the National Register of
Historic Places in 1982.
for instance, an Abe Lincoln
impersonator. The caboose is
from the 1960s, so it’s not of
the period of the building. So,
we are not going to be trying
to restore it. Our vision is to
be able to use it as a display
space, for example, we have
frequent requests to display
items at the Depot or here. I
envision that space being a
small presentation space or
a school story time space as
well. We can use it with our
field trips that we have for the
school kids and other programs
that we want to have. It
is just a really fun addition to
our Depot!” Plans are being
made to possibly get another
Randolph Rose sculpture of a
conductor to put at the Depot.
This project is slated to be
completed in 2025.
The library hopes to purchase
a bookmobile to expand
outreach to local communities
in the very near future. Mrs.
Sutherlin is very grateful that
funding is available so that
she can make her vision for
the Aurora Library and its
programs a reality. She shares,
“I can do it, I can plan those
fun events. The opportunities
that make learning so much
fun is hard to do in education
these days. It is hard for
teachers to do these days as
there are so many stringent
standards and so many things
that they have to get covered.
These are things that I am
hoping that I can supplement
for the school and still work
with the school. It is important
to me to provide those
opportunities not just for one
school but for many. Those
kinds of partnerships have
been great with this job. We
have started to do more outreach
with our middle school
and high school to bring an
after-school library club for
kids. We also are trying to
visit and do a little activity at
South Dearborn High School
during lunch once a quarter.
We have a long-term plan
on getting outreach into our
school systems.”
Mrs. Sutherlin continues,
“Part of our building project
at the Dillsboro library is
buying a bookmobile. Moores
Hill and Manchester are two
fairly populous communities,
and we don’t have a branch
there. So, expanding and
reaching all of our services is
very important. So, parking a
bookmobile over there is very
important. There are different
things that we would like to
do to reduce barriers to access
for all of our townships that is
really what our focus is.”
Historic preservation is a
significant part of the library’s
future plans. Mrs. Sutherlin
received a grant from the
Cornelius O’Brien Foundation
to bring in Joe Himali from
bestaddress on Instagram.
His specialty is short videos
on historic preservation.
The O’Brien family bought
Veraestau in 1933, another
historic site located in Aurora.
Mr. Himali is from the Washington
D.C. area and will give
a presentation at Veraestau
in the near future. While in
Aurora, Mr. Himali will be
making some videos of Veraestau
and Hillforest to post
on social media. Mrs. Sutherlin
says, “This is another
important part this community
specifically emphasizes is historic
preservation and it has
become a priority for me to
learn more about this. I have
two buildings I have to take
care of that are in the historic
district.”
In our fast-paced, instant
This month’s items
gratification, whatever-information-you-want-at-your-disposal
world in which we live,
libraries are still relevant. As
Mrs. Sutherlin reminds us, “I
would equate it to an iceberg.
The stuff on Google that you
can find is what you can see
above the water, but once you
go to databases and you go to
things that are behind paywalls,
oh wait a minute, there
is a bunch more below the
surface.” If you are in Aurora,
stop by the beautiful historic
library to open your mind to
a wealth of knowledge and
resources on all things local
and beyond. Great changes
and new experiences are in
the works for all to enjoy!
A huge thank you to Mrs.
Sutherlin for her time and to
Abby Sutton for her diligent
research.
What Is It?
“Last month’s item is an eraser used
for erasing typing mistakes. It was slim
so you could easily erase one letter and
rotated so it would last longer. The brush
was used to sweep away the eraser debris
so it wouldn’t fall into the typewriter
mechanism, “ explained Beverly Hahn,
Lawrenceburg. Larry Eaton, Versailles,
submitted the same description.
“Press too hard and rub a hole in
the paper, predecessor to whiteout and
correction ribbons,” added Jack Badders,
Lawrenceburg.
Answers were received by Nancy
J. Plotner, Milan; Sandy Eppert, New
Alsace; John Kruse, Sunman; Rick
Nobbe, Greensburg; Marilynn Hornsby,
Bright; Jessica Kennedy, Aurora; Carol
Morton in Brookville; Cindy Foote, Sunman; Doris
Last month’s
item: an
eraser for a
typewriter.
Stouder, Dillsboro; Julie Wanamaker , Guilford; Barbara
Salzman, Guilford; Mark Lunsford, Osgood; Debbie
Griffin, Lawrenceburg ;Barry Hansel, Hidden Valley Lake;
Veronica Jaeger, Greendale; Alice Riehle, Harrison, OH;
Gayle Rolfes, Harrison, OH; Lisa Leap, Sunman; Barb
Ward, Dillsboro; Jerry Cleeter, Aurora; Bill Gabbard,
Sunman; Beth Williams, Batesville; Robert Hill, Dillsboro;
Doug Smith, Batesville; Trish Rothgeb, Sunman.
“It was part of the school supplies we always bought
each year. The brush was to brush away the results of
erasing. I personally wasn’t as fond of this eraser as the
white rectangular one; it was my favorite,” said Karen
Meister, Aurora.
Lisa Leap, Sunman, wrote in, “My mom used one when
she was in high school in the 1950s.”
This month’s items was submitted by Marilyn Wendel,
Cedar Grove. Share your guess and any stories about it
with us by emailing your answer and where you live to
editor@goBEACONnews.com by Wednesday, Jan. 22,
2024.
sponsored by Cornerstone Realty and Lutz Auctions
Get it All at www.goBEACONnews.com
Page 6A THE BEACON February 2025
By Mary Alice Helms
“Mother”, I screeched in my
four-year-old voice as I raced
back into the house from my
perch on the front porch “ Mr.
Tinker is here!”
I knew that the man driving
the battered old truck really
wasn’t named “Mr. Tinker”.
Mother had explained that his
trade was as
a tinker, but
it was not
his name.
No matter.
To me, he
was Mr.
Tinker.
“Can I
Mary Alice watch him,
Helms Mother?” I
begged.
“It’s ‘may I’, not ‘can I’”
she sighed. “Yes, you may,
if you promise to stay put on
the back porch and not move
while he is working.”
Delighted, I ran off to my
spot on the back porch. Mr.
Tinker nodded to me as he
set up his workspace in the
yard. Mother brought out the
huge copper boiler which was
placed on the woodburning
stove in the basement and
was used to heat water for
doing the laundry. The boiler
had developed a leak, as had
the copper teakettle, which
she placed beside the tub on
Mr. Tinker’s work spot. I was
going to get to watch them
WHERE HAVE THEY GONE?
being repaired.
I was too young to remember
the exact procedure, but I
do remember the flash of blue
flame that emerged with a
“whoosh” from the small gunlike
instrument Mr. Tinker
held in his hand. I don’t know
what was used for fuel, but it
produced a very bright flame,
concentrated into a single
narrow shaft when lit with a
kitchen match. I was fascinated
by the way Mr. Tinker
melted a thin strip of material
over the flame, and deftly
directed the resulting liquid
over the hole he was repairing.
He carefully smoothed
the patch while it was still
hot, using some kind of metal
tool that I remember looking
like a thick, heavy scraper.
When it cooled the finished
patch was smooth and shiny,
revealing only that it wasn’t
a part of the original finish by
the blue color which sometimes
remained.
Several of the ladies in
the neighborhood came over
to our yard that morning,
bringing leaking pots, pans,
and teakettles for Mr. Tinker
to repair. The ladies chatted
with each other, and I enjoyed
watching the talented
craftsman work. Are there
still tinkers in business? I
don’t remember them in later
years.
Recently I started thinking
about other businesses and
repair people that no longer
thrive in our community.
Just down the street from our
house was a busy dry cleaning
business, Hanna’s Cleaners.
It seemed that customers
were coming and going
pretty steadily for several
years, but then Mr. Hanna
suffered a terrible accident
and passed away. The business
changed hands several
times before finally closing
down. I remember other dry
cleaning establishments in
town but they also closed
down over the years. I always
thought that must be a hot,
difficult occupation. I remember
one such business that
operated in the basement of
the old Farmers Bank building
on Main Street. When
one walked by and looked
down into a large basement
window it wasn’t unusual to
see one of the workers using
a huge ironing machine, or
sweating away in a cloud of
steam from the cleaning machines.
Being a born penny
pincher, our mother didn’t
send much to the cleaners.
She cleaned non-washables
herself. Wrapping a silk scarf
over her mouth and nose to
avoid breathing toxic fumes,
she would kneel just inside
the garage door over a pan of
cleaning fluid. I believe she
said that the stuff was naphtha,
although I might be mistaken.
We were warned not
to come near as she worked a
garment gently in the foulsmelling
liquid. Occasionally
she was less than enthusiastic
about the results of her
“dry cleaning”, but it usually
turned out very well. Now it
is sometimes difficult to find
a dry cleaning establishment
in a small town.
Have we become such a
throwaway society that no
one gets small electronics
fixed anymore? I remember
a number of little shops and
work areas in hardware stores
where repairing radios, electric
mixers, vacuum cleaners,
and other small appliances
was a job for skilled workers.
Did your best reading
lamp quit working or Mom’s
kitchen radio no longer play
the soap operas? Not to worry.
Dad would just drop off the
broken appliance at Stegner’s
Electric or one of the other
shops and get it repaired.
Among the other such
businesses that have disappeared
from Main Street
were the cream stations,
where farmers could take
or send the milk and cream
from their dairies to be
trucked into large businesses
such as French Bauer or
Wayne Dairy to be bottled
or processed into other dairy
products.
Where are the lawn mower
and bicycle repair shops?
Obviously no longer needed.
There were used furniture and
instrument repair shops as
well as tire shops which are
no longer in existence.
And what about the disappearance
of full-service
gas stations? Does anyone
remember driving across the
hose and hearing the “ding”
of the bell which alerted the
attendant to a customer’s
presence? Said attendant
would greet the driver cheerfully,
fill the car’s gas tank,
check the oil, and clean the
windshield. Now, that was
service! I guess all good
things have their drawbacks,
though. If I remember the
“restrooms” provided by
those full-service stations,
they usually did not live up to
their name. Rarely were they
more than telephone-boothsized
rooms on the outside of
the building, accessed only
by a key provided by the attendant.
While the innovations and
inventions of today’s society
have made life easier,
they have erased some of the
most interesting and creative
areas of our existence. In our
nostalgic moments, we would
like to hear the ringing of the
service station bell or feel the
excitement of waiting for the
arrival of the tinker.
South Ripley Junior High Teacher
Receives National Honor
Continued from Page 1A
engagement with families
and the community, and their
potential for even greater
contributions to the healthy
development of children.
Thus, the Milken Educator
Award provides a lifetime
incentive for recipients to
stay in the profession.
Educators cannot apply
for the award and are unaware
of their candidacy.
Candidates for the Milken
Educator Award are selected
through a confidential process
held across the country.
The teachers’ career paths
are reviewed by blue ribbon
panels appointed by state
Departments of Education.
The Milken Educator Award
is not a retirement or lifetime
achievement award.
Recipients such as Mrs.
Lanter, are selected early
to midway in their careers
because of what they have
achieved and for the promise
of what they will accomplish
to strengthen the K-12 profession
long-term. Besides
the award and prize money,
they are also introduced to
opportunities for professional
development and career
enhancement.
The Milken Educator
Award is always presented in
a surprise school assembly
setting, such as the one held
in the gym at South Ripley
Junior High School. With the
band playing and a bevy of
photographers snapping pictures,
the students, staff, and
Milken Educator Award
recipient Katie Lanter
faculty shared the excitement
and felt the motivation
inspired by their teacher and
colleague. Judging from the
look on her face as she sat
with her class in the bleachers
and heard her name announced
by Dr. Jane Foley,
VP of the Milken Foundation
and former Educator
Award recipient, and Katie
Jenner, Indiana Secretary of
Education, I think that being
surrounded by her cheering
students was the most meaningful
part of the ceremony
for this exceptional teacher.
Congratulations to Mrs.
Lanter on receiving this
well-deserved award.
Credibility • Advocacy • Education • Visibility
What Can The Chamber
Do For You? Just Ask!
812-537-0814
www.dearborncountychamber.org
403 Walnut St • Lawrenceburg, IN 47025
(812) 537-2020 • lawrenceburgeyecenter.com
The BEACON - Great News for Great People.
February 2025 THE BEACON Page 7A
Finding Peace in a Crazy World
By Merrill Hutchinson
• Poor sleep quality: Difficulty
falling asleep or staying
The holidays were here and
the craziness is Our in full People swing. asleep can disrupt our rest and
MParties, end-of-the-year in deadlines,
kids are home for break, • Irritability and anger: A
recovery.
shopping, oh yeah,
ILITARY
and all the lack of peace can lead to short
other regular responsibilities tempers and strained relationships.
and Wcommitments of life.
hat's
One thing that we are • Decreased productivity:
reminded of
Happening
is the importance
In
When our minds are cluttered,
of maintaining ST. peace LEON in our it becomes challenging to
lives. We don’t realize its focus and be productive.
importance until we By don’t To cultivate a peaceful and
Donna
have it. I thought it would Davidson be content life, consider these
helpful to be reminded of the practical tips:
importance of having Community peace 1. Intentional Living: Get
so that we can stay ahead Correspondentinto the practice of living and
of the game and implement
a few donnadavidson.thebeacon@yahoo.com
things to head off crazies. We need to recognize
Wwhat chaos does to our minds
and bodies. hat's Often we minimize
the Happening impact until In we find
ourselves BRIGHT dealing with the
repercussions. It’s not unusual
to hear about people By in their
40s or 50s who Debby suffer major
heart attacks. Stutz If they are
lucky enough Community to survive, they
often find themselves Correspondent eating
handfuls of medications and
receiving strict warnings from
debbystutz.thebeacon@yahoo.com
their doctor: “Cut out the
STRESS!”. When we live a
lifestyle of high chaos we can
begin to see one or more of
S
the following: BEACON
• Stress and anxiety:
Constant worry and tension
that take a toll on SCENE our mental
health and drain the energy
necessary to live our best life.
• Physical ailments: By Stress
can manifest in physical Jack
symptoms like headaches, Zoller
fatigue, and digestive issues.
PORTS
beaconsports
@live.com
planning your days with intention.
We should think more
about what we want our days
to look like and then build our
schedules to help us live those
days. I can’t tell you the number
of times I’ve said yes to
something because it sounded
like a worthy commitment to
have, only to regret it when
the day arrives. Set boundaries
by saying no more often to
the overbooked schedule and
not committing to activities
and events that drag us down.
2. Digital Detox: It’s time
to limit our screen time.
Research shows that too
much screen time only adds
to our moodiness and lack of
productivity. Our lives already
too busy for us to fall farther
behind due to wasted time on
the screens. Create designated
tech-free zones such as the
dinner table. Set limits on
screen time.
3. Take Care of Yourself:
Before you know it, your
three primary ways of staying
healthy- diet, exercise, and
sleep- are pushed aside and
we wonder why we are feeling
the way we are. Allow time
to step away and take a walk,
go to the gym, or have a date
night with your spouse. Make
time for activities that energize
you rather than drain you.
4. Choose Your Friends and
Family Wisely: Gatherings
can often place us in positions
of being around people
who stress us out. Be sure to
surround yourself with the
kind of supportive, positive
people who uplift and inspire
you. I realize we can’t really
choose family, but we can
choose how we spend time
with them.
5. Practice Gratitude: Focus
on the positive aspects of your
life and express gratitude for
the blessings you have. Take
a little time to stop thinking
about all the things that you
are chasing and think about
the things you already have.
Rather than incorporating
these practices as resolutions,
let’s build them into our lifestyle.
I have said many times
that I need our house to be a
“house of peace” in order to
live in this crazy world. Tis
the season to be PEACEFUL!
Merrill Hutchinson is
the President of Rock Solid
Families, a faith-based marriage
and family coaching
organization in St. Leon, IN.
For more information, contact
812-576-ROCK.
Allan Weiss, Executive Director and staff of CASA receive a
check from Siemer Milling Company representative Dawn
Schuman. (Photo courtesy of Siemer Milling Co.)
Dearborn County CASA
Receives Siemer Milling Grant
Dearborn County CASA (Community Advocating
for Substance Abuse Awareness) has been awarded
$5,000 Siemer Milling Endowment for Youth
Leadership Development Grant. Funds will facilitate
the 2025 Youth Summit, their largest outreach event.
The Youth Summit brings over six hundred
eighth-grade students from all junior high schools in
Dearborn County to a local event center for a day of
substance abuse prevention activities. High school
student leaders in the DCYA program will design
and facilitate games, videos, and other activities to
educate the students on making healthy choices.
The funding will ensure a rejuvenated experience
with a keynote speaker and a band to highlight the
importance of avoiding drug, alcohol, and tobacco
addiction.
PRIME CUTS
NOW AVAILABLE
By
Marcia
Parcell
mparcell@purdue.edu
By
Editor’s Note- Maxine After twentyfive
years of sharing Klump wonderful
stories and recipes with us,
Melanie Alexander Community has turned
Correspondent
over the joy to Marcia Parcell.
We welcome Marcia and
maxineklump.thebeacon@yahoo.com
look forward to new and
exciting stories she shares.
What’s better than homemade
soup on a cold winter’s
day? Heart-healthy soup
has benefits, especially in
February. The liquid content
in soup with the other ingredients
keeps our stomach
full longer. And soup plays
a role in fighting a cold. Hot
broth can clear congestion
and ease a sore throat. Soup
also provides the fluids that
our bodies need. Chicken
provides protein to boost
our immune system. Finally,
consumers can eat healthily,
and helps to stick to a budget
because soup ingredients can
be inexpensive.
I learned to build stock for
vegetable soup inexpensively.
My mother’s method was to
put leftover vegetables into a
bowl in the freezer. When the
bowl was full, it signaled that
it was time to make vegetable
soup. This saved money as the
leftover vegetables did not go
to waste. I am not sharing a
vegetable soup recipe, but an
easy soup recipe from the Eat,
Gather, Go website. It may become
your new favorite soup
recipe. Send me your or your
family’s review of the recipe.
Enjoy it for lunch or dinner!
Easy Tortellini Soup
Ingredients:
1/2 pound ground turkey or
ground chicken
1 cup chopped carrots
1/2 cup chopped onion
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 carton (4 cups) reducedsodium
chicken broth
14.5 oz. diced tomatoes with
basil, garlic and oregano
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 1/2 cups (or 1/2 of 20 oz.
pkg.) refrigerated cheesefilled
tortellini
2 cups baby spinach leaves or
chopped zucchini
Directions:
Cook ground turkey or
chicken, carrots, and onion in
a large saucepan over medium
heat until the meat is no
longer pink. Stir frequently
to break meat into bite-sized
pieces. Drain off any fat,
carefully keeping meat and
vegetables in a saucepan and
pouring off any liquid.
Stir tomato paste into the
meat mixture. Cook and stir
for 1 minute.
Stir broth, undrained tomatoes,
and pepper into the
mixture in a saucepan. Bring
to boiling over high heat.
Stir in tortellini. Return to
boiling. Reduce heat slightly.
Gently boil, uncovered, for
7 to 9 minutes or until tortellini
is nearly tender.
Stir in spinach leaves or
zucchini. Ladle into six serving
bowls.
Please send me your family’s
review of the recipe. Enjoy
the wintery days to come.
Steer-Rite Farm
Grain Fed Home Raised Beef
*All Steaks, Briskets, & Roasts are weighed & priced
Filet Mignon
Ribeye (Boneless)
New York Strip
T-Bone Steak
Top Sirloin Steak
Sirloin Steak
Flank steak
Sirloin Tip Roast
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
Equal
Opportunity
Lender
NMLS #454283
Equal
Opportunity
Lender
NMLS#454283
THE NEW YEAR IS LOOKING
BRIGHT
OPENING JANUARY 2025
At the intersection of Stateline and Sneakville
We're putting the final touches on our new
branch, and our team is eagerly preparing to
welcome you. Stay tuned for our opening
date—follow us on Facebook or visit our website
for the official opening announcement.
FriendshipStateBank.com | 812-667-5101
Get it All at www.goBEACONnews.com
Page 8A THE BEACON February 2025
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
The BEACON - Great News for Great People.
February 2025 THE BEACON Page 9A
Mr. French’s historic brick office (AKA the Oldest House in Versailles)
By Cheryl Damon-Greiner
A small two room house, a
‘brick cottage’, is located on
the corner of the Versailles’
courthouse square. A simple,
practical structure, with a
modern vinyl-clad addition on
the back for storage, it now
houses the office of French
and Associates Land Surveyors.
The historic building is
book-ended by the renovated
historic Eli Hunter house on
one side and a vacant church
and parsonage that is being
renovated on the other. This
small building is special in
that it is considered to be
the oldest house in this area.
It was built by Dr. W.T.S.
Cornett for his new wife when
they moved to Versailles in
1823, just seven years after
Indiana became the nineteenth
state in the Union. Dr. Cornett
started a medical school on the
other side of the square. He
didn’t stay long in the small
brick home before moving to
a grander home and then moving
his practice to Madison,
Indiana. But the house he left
behind stands as a first-hand
witness to two hundred years’
worth of Versailles history.
For example, in 1846, the
infamous Gordon’s Leap incident
occurred when 2 medical
students were persuaded to
try to steal a recently buried
corpse so Dr. Jonathon Gordan
could autopsy it. They likely
passed the ‘brick cottage’ on
the way to Cliff Hill Cemetery
The Cornett House.
where they were surprised by
the deceased’s family. One of
the students named John Glass
made his escape by running
over and down the steep ravine
that borders the cemetery.
He was only slightly injured
and kept on running. The story
has always been referred to as
Gordon’s Leap since he was
the instigator. And the little
house heard all about it from
the citizens who stopped on
the front sidewalk to gawk
and gossip.
In 1856, James Henry Tyson
was born to William and Eliza
in a two-story brick home
located just a few houses away
from the small Cornett home.
This was Uncle Jim, who grew
up to be the generous benefactor
to the town of Versailles,
funding the school, the library
and much more. His first job
was as a newspaper boy and
its not unlikely that he once
threw a rolled up issue of the
Ripley Index onto the stoop of
the doctor and his wife.
In 1863, as the courthouse
was nearing completion, the
most violent incident affecting
the people of Versailles
occurred. The Civil War was
raging and it came to town
during a raid led by Confederate
General John Hunt
Morgan. The stately home
to the left of the tiny brick
house, is said to have been the
site where a group of women
gathered to cook in the summer
kitchen. They thought
that if they fed the rebel
soldiers, they might leave
A view of the interior of the Cornett House.
without doing too much damage.
It’s been said that General
Morgan himself strutted
across the yard of the former
Cornett home and had a meal
in the neighbor’s dining room.
In 1899, the annual event
that still sends the sound of
laughter and music and sizzling
food across Main Street
to seep through the windows
of the little two-room house,
was inaugurated. That year
the very first Pumpkin Show
was produced by local entrepreneur
and businessman, Alfred
Beer. And it has recurred
120 times since, with generation
after generation taking a
break from the activities by
sitting on the same curb where
Dr. Cornett once parked his
horse drawn wagon!
In the two centuries since the
Cornett’s began their married
life in the little brick house on
Main Street, some of the taller,
more elaborate buildings on the
square have been gutted and rebuilt,
or torn down completely.
But small and steady has won
the race with time, watching
new inventions appear, feeling
the effects of multiple wars,
and seeing the impact of changes
in lifestyles, the economy
and political decisions. For the
past 20 years, 226 Main Street
has been in the good hands
of Jeff and Sue French who
have reinforced the floor and
patched the walls and kept it
as a vibrant part of today’s everyday
life. It is ready to keep a
watchful eye on our small town
for another two hundred years.
By
Jeff
Hermesch
Purdue
Extension
jhermesch@purdue.edu
Winter Care of
Indoor Plants
The gray skies of Southeastern
Indiana during the winter
can be somewhat depressing,
but indoor plants can
provide some greenery to our
homes during these cold, dark
months.
Most of our indoor plants
are tropical in origin, and
during the winter they take
a break to rest much like our
outdoor plants. This dormancy
is caused by our short days
and lack of sunlight intensity.
The care of resting indoor
plants should be adjusted
during the winter months and
below are some helpful tips.
Watering should be carefully
monitored because the
plants are not using the same
amount of water for growth as
they would during our warmer
months. Be very careful not
to over-water. Keeping the
soil moist is key for this time
of year. Root rots are a major
concern with over-watering
plants so avoid heavy soaking
or letting plants sit in waterfilled
overflow containers as
these practices could be fatal.
For succulents and cacti, let
the soil dry before watering.
If possible, the best choice for
water is to use collected rainwater
or even melted snow at
room temperature to slow the
buildup of soluble salts in our
tap water.
The placement of plants
is also something to keep in
mind. Plants that are placed
high in a room or close to a
vent may dry out faster than
normal due to the dry heat.
On the other hand, plants
placed close to a door can be
damaged by receiving a blast
of cold air when the door is
opened. Typically, if a plant
isn’t receiving enough light,
the leaves will turn yellow
and fall off. If you see yellowing
leaves, move the plant to
an area with better lighting.
Fertilization is unnecessary
during the winter months as
the plants are not growing and
will not utilize the applications.
It is best to wait for the plant
to initiate new growth in the
spring before fertilizing and
even then, the rate of fertilizer
should be on the low end.
Monitoring for pests should
continue through the winter
months even though the plants
are not growing. Look carefully
at leaves, stems, and the
top half inch or so of the soil
for any pests. Mealybugs are
common houseplant pests that
look like fuzzy cotton on the
leaves. They can be removed
by using a cotton tip soaked
in rubbing alcohol. Soil gnats
are another common pest
most likely caused by overwatering.
To remove the soil
gnats, reduce the amount of
water and consider repotting
the plants in new soil.
If your plants have received
the proper care during the
winter months, when spring
arrives and days lengthen, you
will be rewarded with new
growth.
For more information,
please email jhermesch@
purdue.edu or call 812-926-
1189. The Dearborn County
Extension Office is located at
229 Main Street, Aurora, IN
47001.
Look for my next article
in the upcoming issue of The
Beacon!
CALL
812-932-3800
394 Northside Drive
Batesville, IN
8mm Film &
VHS to DVD
We also convert
everything to
Digital Files
Visit www.
goBEACONnews
.com
for news
and updates.
Get it All at www.goBEACONnews.com
Page 10A THE BEACON February 2025
Winners of the prestigious
Lilly Endowment Community
Scholarship (LECS)
were recently announced for
Dearborn, Franklin, Ohio,
and Ripley Counties. Recipients
receive a four-year,
full-tuition scholarship to the
Indiana college of their choice
along with a $900 yearly
stipend for required books and
equipment.
The scholarships are the
result of a statewide Lilly
Endowment initiative to help
Hoosier students reach higher
levels of education. One hundred
forty-three scholarships
were awarded statewide.
Dearborn County
Two Dearborn County high
school seniors are the 2025
recipients of a prestigious
Lilly Endowment Community
Scholarship. The Dearborn
Community Foundation
(DCF) staff made surprise
visits to award the full-tuition
scholarships to East Central
High School’s Annabelle
Black and Lawrenceburg
High School’s Nathan
Parker.
“Annabelle and Nathan
epitomize what the Lilly
Endowment Community
Scholarship is all about: community
involvement, academic
achievement, character
and leadership,” said Fred
McCarter, Executive Director
of DCF. “They were selected
from among a competitive
group of applicants for this
high honor and our community
should be very proud of
Annabelle, Nathan, and the
other four finalists.”
Ms. Black of Miller Township
is the daughter of Kelly
and B.J.
Black. She
plans to
study
Optometry
at Hanover
College. She
certainly
Annabelle Black was shocked
and excited
Lilly Endowment Scholarship Recipients
to learn she is a Lilly Scholar.
“I’m appreciative and grateful,”
she said. “… I’m excited
for the future.”
Ms. Black has been active
in many clubs and groups:
National Honor Society
(Indiana Rising Star Award);
Trojan Exchange; Eco Club;
and AOK Club. She also participated
in soccer, basketball
and softball. She also completed
a significant number of
volunteer service hours.
Mr. Parker of Lawrenceburg
is the son of Amanda
Nathan Parker
and Brandon
Parker.
He plans to
study
Computer
Science/
Computer
Software
Engineering.
He’s undecided,
but leaning toward
attending Indiana University.
“I don’t have any words,”
Mr. Parker said upon learning
he was a 2025 Lilly
Scholar. “It’s life changing.
It’s a blessing and something
I’ve been striving toward a
lot.”
At Lawrenceburg High
School (LHS), Mr. Parker
participated in the Hope
Squad throughout high school
and completed a significant
number of community service
hours: providing Chromebook
onboarding and repair, IT help
desk support for both students
and staff; and working as a
teacher’s assistant, helping
both students and staff with
technological issues/assignments.
He also found the time
to hold down a job during the
school year.
Ripley County
The recipient of the 2025
Lilly Endowment Community
Scholarship for Ripley County
is Roman Hite, Versailles.
“This year’s applicant
pool was incredibly impressive,
showcasing exceptional
achievement, community
involvement and unique
perspectives,” stated Amy
Streator, Executive Director
of the Ripley County Community
Foundation.
“It was an honor to be
named a finalist alongside
Roman Hite
four other
remarkable
students,
furthermore
I am beyond
grateful to
be named
Ripley
County’s
2025 Lilly
Endowment Community
Scholarship recipient. Achieving
this opens the door to
many opportunities that would
not have been possible
beforehand. I would personally
like to thank the Selection
Committee for their generous
consideration, as well as my
family and teachers for being
right beside me every step of
the way.” said Mr. Hite
Franklin County
The recipient of the 2024
Lilly Endowment Community
Cole Kelley
In the New Year & All Year Long
Put Your Money where
your is and
#SHOPSMALLBEFOREYOUSHOPBIG
Support the Specialty Retail,
Personal Services, Professional Services
and Restaurants of downtown Aurora.
Scholarship
for Franklin
County is
Thatcher
“Cole”
Kelley of
Franklin
County High
School. He
is the son of
William and Elizabeth
Kelley.
“Our pool of Franklin
County Lilly Endowment
Community Scholarship applicants
was impressive. We
are proud to have such a great
group of students representing
our community”, said Shelly
Lunsford, Executive Director
of the Franklin County Community
Foundation.
Working to make a difference!
Ohio County
Hannah Kremer is the
recipient of the Lilly Scholarship
this year. She is the
daughter of Sean and Gina
Kremer. The selection was
made by the Ohio County
Hannah Kremer
Community
Foundation.
“Receiving
this
scholarship
will help
my parents
with the cost
of college,
especially
since my sister also currently
attends college. I am planning
to study the field of Dermatology
so that I can one day
help others as I was helped
as a child.,” said Ms. Kremer
during her interview with the
OCCF Scholarship Selection
Committee.
“Hannah’s application for
the Lilly Endowment Scholarship
was definitely impressive.
Her interview, GPA,
community service, leadership
roles, extra-curricular
activities and work experience
were key factors in the
Scholarship Committee’s
decision,” said Jane Angst,
Executive Director of the
Ohio County Community
Foundation.
“This year we had a great
pool of applicants from which
to select our Lilly Scholar.
Congratulations to our four
semi-finalists Natalie Fisk,
Kaitlyn Henry, Kassidy Lewis
and Paige Werner. The committee
had five outstanding
students to choose from. Best
of luck to each of you!” added
Ms. Angst.
Each Lilly Endowment
Community Scholarship provides
for full tuition, required
fees and a special allocation
of up to $900 per year for
By Richard Stoll
When we purchased our
home with five acres in Dillsboro
in 2023, the first thing
we noticed was the Burning
Bush and Rose of Sharon
bushes that had been planted
in the yard years ago. Both of
these plant species are nonnative
and of little value to
wildlife, butterflies, moths,
and other beneficial insects
so they had to go! A quick cut
with the chain saw and dab on
glyphosate on the cut stumps,
problem solved!
A year later we decided
spending hours mowing the
lawn was simply a waste of
precious time with so many
other projects pending. While
we do find it relaxing doing
some mowing with the
tractor and the wife mowing
with her zero-turn, mowing
several acres every week or
so was just becoming a chore.
We had to make a change.
So what was our plan to cut
down on all this lawn mowing
yard maintenance? “Rewilding”
of course!
So what is Rewilding? A
number of interpretations
of Rewilding exist. To us,
Rewilding is a conservation
strategy, aimed at restoring
and protecting the land to
benefit both nature and the
well-being of us humans. This
contrasts with traditional urban
landscaping, which often
involves high maintenance
and the use of non-native
plant species. The process
involves supporting nature
to re-establish the conditions
that would exist had human
impact not occurred. It could
mean simply letting the yard
go and see what happens.
However, we prefer a more
hands-on approach by reintroducing
native plant species
and allowing them to grow
and spread naturally. The
ultimate goal is to re-establish
a self-sustaining yard with no
need for lawn fertilizers, and
The BEACON - Great News for Great People.
required books and required
equipment for four years of
undergraduate study on a fulltime
basis leading to a baccalaureate
degree at any eligible
Indiana public or private
nonprofit college or university.
Lilly Endowment Community
Scholars may also participate
in the Lilly Scholars Network
(LSN), which connects scholars
with resources and opportunities
to be active leaders
on their campuses and in their
communities. Both the scholarship
program and the LSN are
supported by grants from Lilly
Endowment to Independent
Colleges of Indiana (ICI), and
Indiana Humanities.
Lilly Endowment Inc. created
the Lilly Endowment
Community Scholarship
Program for the 1997-1998
school year and has supported
the program every
year since. More than 5,300
Indiana students have received
the Lilly Endowment
Community Scholarship
since the program’s inception.
The primary purposes of
the Lilly Endowment Community
Scholarship Program
are: 1) to help raise the level
of educational attainment in
Indiana; 2) to increase awareness
of the beneficial roles
Indiana community foundations
can play in their communities;
and 3) to encourage
and support the efforts of
current and past Lilly Endowment
Community Scholars
to engage with each other
and with Indiana business,
governmental, educational,
nonprofit and civic leaders to
improve the quality of life in
Indiana generally and in local
communities throughout the
state.
Rewilding the Lawn!
Photo by Richard Stoll
fewer mowings, where plants,
pollinators and animals can
thrive without much human
intervention.
As our Rewilding project
consisted of several acres of
front, back, and side yards, we
consulted the Department of
Natural Resources (DNR) and
the Natural Resources Conservation
Service (NRCS) for
Ripley County. Both agencies
were eager to help and supported
our vision of planting
native shrubs to provide
privacy from the road, act
as a sound/wind barrier, and
provide nesting, food, and escape
cover for birds and other
wildlife. Most of the acreage
will be planted with native
prairie grasses and wildflowers
to create a beautiful
meadow. The DNR assisted
by first killing the lawn of its
fescue and crabgrass followed
by disk and rototilling to
create a good weed-free soil
surface. The NRCS provided
sources for native shrubs and
wildflower seeds and recommended
a mixture of shrub
and prairie grass/wildflower
seed species. I’m currently
placing orders for shrubs to
be planted in the spring of
2025 and prairie grass/wildflower
seeds which will be
frost-seeded this winter. Once
established, we hope our
neighbors will be pleased with
the brilliant wildflower colors
and enjoy seeing beautiful
butterflies foraging for nectar
in our yard-turned-meadow.
Stay tuned for future articles
reporting the progress of our
Rewilding project!
Richard Stoll is a Board
member of Oak Heritage Conservancy.
Visit OakHeritage
Conservancy.org
February 2025 THE BEACON Page 11A
For the Love of Land Preservation
Proud mom, Toni Knigga is with daughter Jada Kuhn and
step-dad Casey Knigga in front of the Tower Bridge on New
Year’s Day. (Photo courtesy of Toni Knigga)
Jada Kuhn Earns Cheer Honor in
London Parade New Year’s Day
While London may seem a million miles away,
Brits celebrate the new year just like us. One
Dearborn County resident kicked off the new year and
all that it had to offer by cheering in the London New
Year’s Day Parade.
Jada Kuhn is the only cheerleader in the tristate to
participate in the London New Year’s Day Parade.
Ms. Kuhn tried out for the Varsity team while
attending a summer camp. She was awarded the title
of All-American Cheerleader, which provided her the
opportunity to cheer in the London New Year’s Day
Parade. Ms. Kuhn was one of one hundred fifty young
ladies from across the United States who comprised
the Varsity team, an auspicious national cheer team.
Congratulations, Jada!
Vietnam Veterans Chapter 71 Commander, Nick Ullrich;
secretary, Marty Sizemore; Mike’s son, Matthew; Treasurer,
Ed Shannon; Prosecutor, Lynn Deddens; Mike’s widow,
Debbie LaFollette and Southeastern Indiana Honor Guard
Commander, Pat McClanahan.
Prosecutor Deddens Honors Veteran
By PG Gentrup
Dearborn /Ohio County
Prosecutor Lynn Deddens
worked with art students from
East Central High School
on a project featuring one of
Veterans’ memorials in southeast
Indiana. The project used
photography to depict a venue
of their choice. One student,
Joclyn Vierling, created a collage
using a photograph of the
Huey Helicopter prominently
displayed along the riverbank
in Aurora’s Lesko Park. Ms.
Vierling then superimposed
an image of the American flag
in the background and applied
color to stress the focus of the
piece.
Prosecutor Deddens presented
a framed print of the
artwork to the Southeastern
Indiana Honor Guard and the
Southeastern Indiana Vietnam
Veterans of America, Lary
D. Fogle Chapter 71. The
presentation honored Mike
LaFollette, a Armored Reconnaissance
Specialist for
the Army. He was a highly
decorated warrior who also
received three Purple Heart
medals for injuries sustained
from enemy fire.
The print will be displayed
at the at the Southeastern
Indiana Veterans Museum in
Rising Sun. A second print
was given to Debbie LaFollette,
the widow of Mike
LaFollette.
By Crystal Richardson
Sporting a playful grin, the
farmer pressed his foot to the
accelerator and yelled, “Hang
on girls!”
The farm truck nearly went
airborne after the tires rebounded
off a small ditch. My two
classmates giggled nervously
as they clung to the door and
the dash of the truck as it
bounced down the grassy farm
lane. During our Environmental
Assessment course, we were
assigned to learn how to write
an environmental impact statement
regarding the potential
impact on wildlife and natural
areas as trails and shelters were
potentially added to the proposed
Three Creeks Park.
The octogenarian farmer
owned approximately 900
acres of land that was being
considered for preservation
through a partnership with the
park system. His eyes sparkled
with enthusiasm as he explained
how he wanted his land
to be secured as a “green space
forever.”
While the farmer originally
wanted to preserve the land
as a farm after his passing,
it wasn’t quite that simple.
Having no one to pass the land
down to, he knew the location
of his property made it prime
for business or residential
development since it parallels
Interstate 270 in Columbus,
Ohio. After we gleaned
information about his moderately
timbered farm so that
we could write an introduction
for our paper, we left feeling
hopeful that people with land
conservancy in mind exist in
this world. Three Creeks Park
became official in 1998 and
remains a beloved green space
today, providing a gift of nature
to the community.
Locally, Gladys Russell
Wildlife Refuge and Rullman
Farm Park are examples of
former farms preserved as
wild, open spaces for the public
to enjoy. Nearby County Farm
Park has a portion of its land
leased for farming, a common
trend that preserves the history
of some parks.
“They had better stop building
on farmland before we run
out of it,” my Grandma Eibest
would always say as she’d witness
another home or business
being constructed on fertile
soils perfectly suited for crops
or livestock. She was right.
Rural land is a finite resource.
According to data published
by the Indiana State Department
of Agriculture, 831,000
acres of farmland in the United
States were lost between 1982
and 2012.
John Piotti is the President
and CEO of American Farmland
Trust, a conservation agricultural
organization. In a video
titled, How American Farmland
Trust is Protecting U.S.
Agricultural Land, Mr. Piotti
stated, “Over ten percent of all
of the farmland is right here in
the United States. It’s undeniably
our most important natural
resource. We’re losing 2,000
acres of farmland per day.”
Many people in rural areas
have similar views about
protecting farms from development.
David Hardin is a
seventh-generation farmer in
Danville, Indiana. Mr. Hardin
discussed farm preservation for
food security in a video titled,
Land Use- Featuring David
Hardin, Hendricks County
INFB Member. He said, “It’s
very vital that we keep the
more productive ground that
we have in the practice of
producing food as opposed to
some other uses. It means that
we need to be smarter about
how we develop, where we develop,
and when we develop.”
As residents traverse the
roads in and around Manchester,
Indiana, they can view
many historic farms. Some
citizens realize how fortunate
we are to have a remarkable
amount of undeveloped land
relatively close to a metropolitan
area and a major airport.
Most residents know that no
one can put a price on the
aesthetics of wide, open spaces,
unmarred by excessive development.
Development could have
increased in the area over
the years, but the people of
Manchester and the surrounding
communities joined forces
to help keep the area zoned
for agriculture. In Dearborn
County, land use decisions are
often made at the county level.
Concerned citizens have been
proactive in decision-making
by distributing vital information
about planning and zoning
meetings via social media
and oral communication. At
the meetings, they used their
voices to share information
about why they oppose certain
zoning changes. Once rural
land has been developed, it
rarely returns to farmland or
green spaces.
While selling land to a business
can be tempting during
financial hardships, or for other
reasons such as a life-changing
illness or injury, help is out
there. Landowners in Indiana
facing difficult financial or
health-related situations can
seek support through many
organizations such as American
Farmland Trust, Farm Aid, and
the Indiana Farm Bureau.
On a local level, landowners
can obtain educational
information about successful
farming practices from organizations
such as the Dearborn
County Soil & Water Conservation
District and Purdue
Extension Dearborn County.
Area residents can also help
promote farmland preservation
by purchasing produce, herbs,
honey, baked goods, flowers,
and more from local farms or
farmer’s markets.
Don’t forget to bring the
kids! Educating the younger
generation is a key component
to continued success in reducing
farmland loss to development.
In addition, local county
fairs teach children about farm
life whether they are involved
in 4-H programs or they are
visitors at the fair.
“There are two spiritual
dangers in not owning a farm.
One is the danger of supposing
that breakfast comes from
the grocery, and the other that
heat comes from the furnace.”
-Aldo Leopold (1887-1948),
author, educator, and conservationist
Celebrating lives
(812) 576-4301 • 25615 STATE RT 1 • DOVER, IN
Want to
Keep Getting
The BEACON?
The BEACON is free upon
The BEACON is
request to residents of
Dearborn,
offered for
Franklin,
free upon
Ohio,
and
request
Ripley
to
Counties
residents
and
of Dearborn,
Harrison Ohio.
Franklin,
Ohio, and Ripley Counties
To request and Harrison or continue Ohio.
your The subscription publication to is The
FREE, BEACON, but you must
call request 812-637-0660 it.
or email editor@
To goBEACONnews.com
request or continue
your subscription to
The BEACON,
call 812-637-0660
or email
editor@
of the ones goBEACONnews.com you love.
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
NICOLE WUESTEFELD
WWW.ANDRES-WUESTEFELD.COM
Get it All at www.goBEACONnews.com
pros.
Page 12A THE BEACON February 2025
Whether you’re buying a new home, refinancing
or remodeling, we’re here to help you get the
“home grown” loan you need. You’ll work directly
with one of our experienced loan specialists. And
you’ll get a low rate from a bank that’s personally
invested in your community.
• Conventional Fixed and Adjustable Rate Mortgages
• FHA, VA and USDA Loans
• Down Payment Assistance Programs
HOURS: FRIDAY 5PM - 9PM
SATURDAY 10AM - 8PM •• Construction-to-Permanent SUNDAY 12PM - 5PM Financing
• Condominiums and Lot Loans
HOSTED BY:
PRESENTED BY:
DearbornHomeShow.com
Jan. 31-Feb. 1&2 2025
Contact a Civista mortgag
or visit us online at Civista
Brett Bischoff
NMLS #1094107
7600 Frey Rd.
West Harrison
LAWRENCEBURG
EVENT CENTER
812.576.5069
91 WALNUT STREET
LAWRENCEBURG, IN 47025
Ric Harves
NMLS #270139
SUPPORTING THE:
500 Green Blvd.
Aurora
812.496.0423
19CZN12 HomegrownLoansAd_8.25x11.25.indd 1
The BEACON - Great News for Great People.
debbystutz.thebeacon@yahoo.com
February 2025 THE BEACON Page 1B
S
BEACON
PORTS
SCENE
By
Chris Jack
Nobbe
Zoller
beaconsports
@live.com
sports@goBEACONnews.com
Girls’ Wrestling’s First
Official Season in Indiana
Last year, the IHSAA officially
announced the addition
of two sports to its sanctioned
list for high school athletes.
The sports would be girls’
wrestling in the winter season,
and boys’ volleyball in the
spring season.
Several
By
Maxine
girls in the area have
already been Klump involved with
wrestling through the past
several seasons Community and girls have
competed Correspondent with the boys in this
area for over twenty years.
maxineklump.thebeacon@yahoo.com
Each female competitor
joined the team knowing they
would wrestle the boys during
the season. In 2017, the Indiana
High School Girls Wrestling
Coaches Association (IHSGW-
CA) sponsored and began their
individual tournament for girls
in the state since it had yet to
be sanctioned by the IHSAA.
In the most recent Paris
Olympic Games, two of the six
women’s freestyle wrestlers for
the United States were from
Indiana. Gold medalist Sarah
Hildebrandt and Olympian
Kayla Miracle both hail from
the Hoosier state and cut their
teeth in the sport at a time
when they almost exclusively
wrestled boys.
Currently, Indiana has
several nationally-ranked girls,
particularly Julianna Ocampo
of New Haven HS, and
Heather Crull of Northeastern
HS. Ocampo and Crull actually
petitioned the IHSAA to
remain in the boys’ tournament
as each has been state qualifiers
with Ocampo placing last year
in the boys state finals.
Jaimie (Cade) Dubuque
competed on the varsity roster
during her senior year at South
Dearborn in 2005. She would
later meet her future husband
through the sport while at Indiana
University. Joe Dubuque, a
two-time NCAA champion, is
now the head wrestling coach
for Princeton University.
More recently, Knights Katie
(Fischer) Smallwood competed
for them and earned a seventhplace
state finish in the IHSGW
state tournament in 2022. Katie
began her career in middle
school wrestling at South
Dearborn, moved to New Richmond,
OH, and competed there
for a time before returning to
South Dearborn for her senior
season.
East Central has had girls in
its program for several years.
Elena Thatcher competed for
the Lawrenceburg Tigers just a
few years ago and placed second
in the IHSGW state tournament
in 2019 in the 132-pound
weight class. She competed for
the Tigers program as a youth
and into high school.
Harrison High School
wrestling has competed well
in Ohio over the first few years
of wrestling being sanctioned
by the OHSAA. The Harrison
girls’ team won two consecutive
state titles including the
first sanctioned by the OHSAA
in 2023. They also won in 2022
when it was sponsored and run
by the Ohio Wrestling Coaches’
Association and were Division
I team runner-up in 2024.
Chloe Dearwester won four
state titles for the Wildcats and
now competes at nationallyranked
Presbyterian College in
South Carolina. She is off to an
impressive start as a freshman
in the collegiate ranks going
9-0 to begin the season. Teammate
Raegan Briggs won two
East Central senior
Leighna Prater pins her
opponent in action. (Photo
courtesy of Bill Prater)
Lawrenceburg’s Lacie
Lowe finished in fourth
place in her weight class
at the Lady Cub Classic.
(Photo courtesy of David
Sheeley)
consecutive girls’ state titles
as a sophomore and junior in
Ohio. She now competes for
Otterbein University.
Milan junior Kayla Roell had
been in the varsity boys’ lineup
at times for the Indians over the
past couple of years. With the
new sanctioning, she is now
competing alone. She misses
competing with the team but is
excited about the opportunity
to promote the sport for girls.
Last year, Kayla placed fourth
in the IHSGW tournament at
115 pounds. She was a regional
qualifier in the boys’ tournament
as a freshman at 113
pounds in 2023. Kayla won her
weight class at the inaugural
Madison Lady Cub Classic and
stands at 29-1 with her only
loss to the #1 ranked Mikayla
Perkins of Whiteland. Roell is
currently ranked #4 in the state
in her weight class.
Currently, East Central senior
Leighna Prater stands at 17-4
this season with runner-up finishes
at the inaugural Madison
Milan junior Kayla Roell has enjoyed great success in
the first official season of IHSAA-sanctioned wrestling for
girls. (Photo by Chris Nobbe)
East Central’s Prater displays some disappointment after
coming up just short of the weight class title at the inaugural
Madison Girls Cub Classic. (Photo by Chris Nobbe)
Lawrenceburg’s Grace Lazano claimed the runner-up
spot at the inaugural Lady Cub Classic in Madison.
(Photo: Courtesy of David Sheeley)
Lady Cub Classic and Western
Brown (OH) tournaments. Her
fellow senior teammate Teagan
Caddell is 11-6 this season with
a runner-up finish at Madison
and a fifth-place finish at Western
Brown. Shelby Dawson
also competed at the Cub Classic
and finished fifth.
Lawrenceburg has had four
girls competing. Recently,
Grace Lazano went 3-1 at the
Madison Lady Cub Classic to
claim the runner-up spot on the
podium and is currently 13-6
on the year. Teammate Lacie
Lowe finished fourth in the
Lady Cub Classic and is 8-8
after that tournament.
Franklin County has had the
most girls with as many as six
girls competing this season.
Next season, similar to
what the Indiana High School
Wrestling Coaches Association
has done over the past since
the IHSAA went away from a
team dual championship, the
IHSGWCA will also host a
dual team tournament beginning
next season.
Area boys’ teams of South
Dearborn, East Central, Franklin
County, and Milan have
placed in this tournament over
the years. While no area girls’
team appears strong enough in
numbers to compete, the hope
is that the sport will be represented
as well on the girls’ side
in coming years as it has the
boys in southeastern Indiana.
YOU CAN START
IN MARCH!
Boost your education and your
career at Ivy Tech Community
College. With the next start date
for academic courses in March,
you don’t have to wait! Begin
planning your future today for a
better tomorrow.
IVY TECH LAWRENCEBURG ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
¥ Accounting
¥ Advanced Automation &
Robotics Technology
¥ Biology
¥ Business Administration
¥ Business Operations,
Applications & Technology
¥ Computer Science
¥ Cloud Technologies
¥ Criminal Justice
¥ Cyber Security/Information
Assurance
¥ Data Analytics
¥ Early Childhood Education
¥ Education
¥ General Studies
¥ Healthcare Specialist
¥ Human Services
¥ Indiana College Core
¥ Industrial Technology
¥ Informatics
¥ Information Technology
Support
¥ Legal Studies
¥ Liberal Arts
¥ Machine Tool Technology
¥ Medical Assisting
¥ Medical Imaging
¥ Nursing
¥ Patient Care Technician
¥ Professional
Communication
¥ Psychology
¥ Secondary Education
¥ Smart Manufacturing
¥ Software Development
¥ Supply Chain Management/
Logistics
¥ Welding
Scan to schedule a tour of the Lawrenceburg
or Batesville campuses. For more information,
contact r11express@ivytech.edu.
SHOP LOCAL and tell our advertisers you saw them in The BEACON!
Page 2B THE BEACON February 2025
BRIGHT/
SUGAR RIDGE
By
Bob
Waples
Community
Correspondent
O
ur
Communities
HIDDEN
VALLEY LAKE
By
Bonnie Starks
Community
Correspondent
bright@goBEACONnews.com
I hope everyone had a very
awesome Christmas and a
Happy New Year. I wanted to
share this picture of Santa as
he visited our North Dearborn
Library Branch just before
sleighing home to load all of
the gifts that you received.
If you look real close, you
can see Comet (with his huge
antlers) resting on the ground
between Santa and Lorrie.
He kept looking at me, saying,
“Santa, we need to get
going.”
I want to say THANKS to
the churches and businesses
that participated in our North
Dearborn Pantry Christmas
Giving Tree Program… we
could not have done it without
you.
Even though I cover Bright,
I want to say a few words on
the involvement of my greatnephew,
for a school project
in Harrison. Cayden Wesley
Peggy, Santa, Lorrie, Sophie, and Olivia at the North
Dearborn Library.
is an eighth-grader at Harrison
Jr. School. He belongs to a
school group called the Harrison
Jr. School Student Leadership.
During the holidays,
the group had fundraisers
and raised money to provide
boxes of food and $200 food
gift cards for three families in
Harrison. Additionally, they
gave $100 food gift cards to
other families in Harrison.
The group consists of thirtyfive
to forty students. What an
awesome gesture on the part
of these students… THANK
YOU to each one of them.
With Valentine’s Day right
around the corner… Wishing
you all a happy Valentine’s
Day. Remember “Love is not
Love until you give it away.”
Stellar Pathways
(Editor’s Note)
Dearborn County’s Stellar
Pathways designation
includes plans in the community
of Bright. At Bright
Meadows Park, plans include
widening the walking trail and
extending it into the southern
portion of the park, installing
new playground facilities,
constructing pickleball courts,
and building an amphitheater
for community events.
The expansion of North
Dearborn Village Apartments
is also planned. The complex
currently has eighty units for
residents ages 55 and older.
Over eighty applicants are on
a waiting list. Stellar Pathways
funds will be used for
sixteen new senior independent
living units. The project
is also made possible by a
generous donation of an adjacent
1.34 acres of land.
Congratulations to Bright
for its part in being a Stellar
Community. (See page 2A for
details on the complete Stellar
Pathways plan.)
hvl@goBEACONnews.com
I recently visited the St.
Teresa Ladies Fair at the Bright
Lions building. The wonderful
event featured a large variety
of goods for sale, most of
which were unique and wellmade.
I had my Lions shirt on
that day as my husband and I
are both members. As I strolled
around looking at all the goodies
for sale, every vendor asked
me about our club. The Lions
are nationwide and dedicated
to helping their communities.
Our Bright Lions Club building
is located at 2160 Lamplight
Dr., just past the Bright Fire
Department. We have collected
a variety of medical equipment
like hospital beds, wheelchairs,
walkers, and more. We loan
these items to community
members when they need such
items. We extend this offer to
anyone regardless of where
they live. We also graciously
accept donations of medical
equipment that is no longer
needed but can still serve a
fellow neighbor. Arrangements
can be made to borrow
or donate equipment by calling
Jody Blasdel at 513-928-1258.
The Bright Lions Club also
has fundraisers such as our
Pancake Breakfast, Raffles,
and more during the year. The
profits from these functions are
distributed among needy organizations
such as The Scouts,
North Dearborn Pantry, Bright
Fire Department, college scholarships,
Camp Woodsmoke,
etc. We also collect eyeglasses
to be recycled and take them
on mission trips to foreign
countries. We sponsor holiday
events to bring the community
together like breakfast with
the Easter Bunny and pictures
with Santa. If you want more
information, please call our
president, Diane Bender at
mdbender@fuse.net. I guess it
is evident that I am proud to be
The Grinch and Santa at
the Christmas tree lighting.
Bonnie Starks & Bonnie
Mack at the St. Teresa
Ladies Fair.
a member of such a worthwhile
group.
Our HVL Garden Club continued
celebrating its fiftieth
anniversary by beautifying our
valley. One project is lighting
for our beautiful gazebo. After
trying different solar light options,
the club bought electric
lights, and the HVL maintenance
department installed
them. Now our beautiful gazebo
is cozy and well-lit in the
evenings and can be enjoyed
both day and night.
The Valley’s Civic Club,
chaired by Kevin Grosse, had
a successful Christmas Tree
Lighting. The event included
craft vendors, free hot chocolate,
a warming fire, and most
importantly, Santa and Mrs.
Claus. The children were
enthralled, and even the Grinch
couldn’t steal the Christmas
spirit.
At the Civic Club’s last
meeting, quite a bit of discussion
concerning new projects
transpired. The Club has an impressive
agenda for the coming
year. If you have any recommendations,
contact Kevin as
soon as possible.
To share news about Hidden
Valley Lake and all that makes
it special, contact me at hvl@
goBEACONnews.com.
Get it All at www.goBEACONnews.com
February 2025 THE BEACON Page 3B
ST. LEON
By
Debbie A.
Zimmer
Community
Correspondent
O
ur
Scouts, not in order, Adi Swinney, Kinsleigh Marshall, Aubree
Swegmann, Elsie Herth, Elliana Marshall, Charleigh
Kuhn, Aspen Wilhelm and Luella Meyer.
Carter William Barrett
recently celebrated his
birthday with his family.
stleon@goBEACONnews.com
Carter William Barrett recently
celebrated his eleventh
birthday on December 4th.
His family celebrated with
birthday cake and ice cream.
Now is the time for high
school seniors to begin applying
for college scholarships.
Check with your school’s
guidance office for assistance.
If you are studying in the
medical field or law enforcement,
check out the Greg Andres/North
Dearborn Conservation
Club scholarship from
the Dearborn Community
Foundation.
Girl Scout Troops 4350 and
4808 put on their traditional
Gingerbread Days for seventy-five
children. Proceeds
were used to purchase gifts
for the children at the YES
Home. Scouts participating
were Adi Swinney, Kinsleigh
Marshall, Aubree Swegmann,
Elsie Herth, Elliana
Marshall, Charleigh Kuhn,
Aspen Wilhelm, and Luella
Meyer.
Ron Zimmer recently
received his fifty-year mem-
Ron Zimmer
bership pin
from Carpenter’s
Local 2.
Also getting
fifty-year
awards were
Steve Hoog
and Joe
Viel.
Get in
touch with me with any
news items for the column at
stleon@goBEACONnews.
com
Communities
OLDENBURG
By
Sue
Siefert
Community
Correspondent
oldenburg@goBEACONnews.com
Welcome Fr. E.J. Stein!
Oldenburgers are welcoming
Fr. E.J. Stein, OFM who
came to serve as Associate
Pastor of Holy Family Parish
joining Pastor Fr. John
Barker, OFM, and Guardian
of the Friary, Fr. Michael
Chowning, OFM.
In an interview, Father
noted that he was born to
the late Eugene F. Stein and
John Mary Burke and grew
up in Fort Wayne, participating
in St. Henry Parish and
grade school, He shared, “The
Franciscan Friars taught at
Bishop Luers High School.
My early years of Franciscan
Candidacy, Postulancy, and
Novitiate were at Duns Scotus
College Seminary in Southfield,
MI. My second year of
Novitiate was at St. Anthony
Shrine in Cincinnati professing
temporary vows. Then
followed Graduate Theology
at St. Leonard Seminary in
Centerville; at Mt. St. Mary
Seminary in Cincinnati; and
at Catholic Theological Union
in Chicago, finishing with a
Master of Divinity degree.
I professed Solemn Vows in
1983 at Avila College, Kansas
City, and was ordained
Deacon in 1984 at St. Mary
Magdalene Parish in Chicago.
My Deacon year was in Fort
Wayne, teaching at Bishop
Luers High School.”
When asked how he became
interested in religious
life, Father explained, “I was
inspired by the Franciscans
who helped with masses at my
parish and who I was taught
by in high school. Family and
friends were also supportive.”
During his forty years as
a priest, Fr. E.J. ministered
at many schools, universities,
and parishes including
St. George Parish/University
of Cincinnati Campus Ministry;
St. Francis Center in
Mt. Healthy; at St. Francis
Seraph Parish in Cincinnati;
at St. Clement Parish in St.
Bernard; at St. Joseph Friary/
Catholic Theological Union
in Chicago; at St. John the
Baptist Franciscan Province;
at then San Damiano Friary/
Interprovincial Novitiate Formation
Team in Cedar Lake,
IN; at Holy Family Parish in
Galveston, TX; at St. Mary
of the Angels Parish in New
Orleans; again at St. Clement
Parish in St. Bernard as Pastor;
and now at Holy Family
in Oldenburg.
I asked Father about his
favorite memories, and he revealed,
“There are two: serving
as President of the Amos
Project in Cincinnati while
I was at St. Francis Seraph.
The project was a coming
together of interfaith congregations
working together
in faith-based organizing for
congregational growth and
advancement of social justice
in Cincinnati’s inner-city and
under served neighborhoods.
It took a tremendous amount
of organization. However,
great relationships of faith
Fr. Eugene J. “E.J.” Stein, OFM
were formed, and good movement
toward items of justice.
In my eight years in Galveston
after a destructive hurricane,
I served as one of the
priest-leaders in helping one
parish to be formed out of
six former parishes and two
outer missions. Being part of
everyone bringing together
different faith communities,
at least three cultures and two
languages was a real work of
God. I learned so much from
that experience. It really has
a profound effect on how my
personality, thinking, and faith
growth has become.”
Since arriving in Oldenburg,
Father commented,
“I’ve visited here several
times so I knew the friars
and had a good sense of the
village, parish, and surroundings.
I’ve found the people to
be friendly and welcoming.
They have a deep faith and
everyone seems to know most
people and look out for each
other. There is a good sense of
volunteerism. I’ve been a city
boy so I am happy to be learning
about farming in a very
introductory way.”
Please join me in welcoming
Fr. E.J. to southeast
Indiana!
Das ist alles von der ’Burg!
#theplace2play
Visit Southeast Indiana
January - February 2025
Home & Garden Show
Oxbow Inc. - Winter Birding
Whiskey City’s Liberty Theater
January 25 – The Dos & Don’ts Of Winter Bird
Feeding – Casey’s Outdoor Solutions, 21481 State
Line Road, Lawrenceburg. 11am. Free. Join Casey’s for
this free and informative seminar on tips and tricks to
keep birds safe during the harsh winter months. Info/
registration: 812-537-3800 or www.caseysoutdoor.com.
January 26 - St. John Lutheran School Chili Cookoff
& Luncheon – 11am-1pm – Prizes for the best chili.
Free-will donation. 222 Mechanic Street, Aurora, IN.
Info: 812-926-2656.
January 27 – Lawrenceburg Public Library – Learn
to Quilt - 6:00pm-7:00pm – Learn some basics with an
experienced quilter. Lawrenceburg Main Library: 150
Mary Street, Lawrenceburg, IN. Must register. Adults,
teens. Info: www.lawrenceburg.librarycalendar.com
January 28 & February 4, 11, 18 & 25 – Tuesdays at
Arts – Dillsboro Arts in the Creator Space – 6:00pm-
8:00pm – Sharing ideas and questions in a nurturing
and challenging space. Dillsboro Arts Friendship
Gallery: 12926 Bank Street, Dillsboro, IN. Info: www.
dillsboroarts.org or .
January 31 - February 2 – Dearborn County
Home Builders Association – Home & Garden
Show - Lawrenceburg Event Center, 91 Walnut Street,
Lawrenceburg. Fri, 5-9pm; Sat, 10am-8pm; and Sun,
Noon-5pm. Admission charged. Info: 812-221-0454 or
www.facebook.com/dearborncountyhomebuilders.
February 1 – Whiskey City’s Liberty Theater –
J.D. Shelburne - 229 Walnut Street, Lawrenceburg,
IN. Doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 8pm.
Admission is $15 advance. $18 day of the show. Ages
18+. Info: whiskeycityslibertytheater.com/shows/ or call
859-250-2730.
February 7 – State of the City Address - 1:00pm –
YOU’RE INVITED! Mayor Kelly Mollaun will deliver his
2025 State of the City Address featuring highlights
from 2024 and the vision for 2025. Whiskey City Liberty
Theater: 229 Walnut Street, Lawrenceburg, IN. Info:
www.thinklawrenceburg.com/.
February 8 – Archaeological Research Institute -
Rock, Fossil & Artifact Identification Day – 10:00am-
2:00pm – Bring in your artifacts, rocks, and fossils and
have them identified and recorded by a professional!
Learn how to get involved with local archaeology,
upcoming research, and meet our team! Location: ARI
New Building: 126 West High Street, Lawrenceburg, IN.
Info: www.exploreari.org/.
February 11 – Archaeological Research Institute –
Happy Hour Speaker Series - 6:30pm-8:30pm – More
information to come! ARI New Building: 126 West High
Street, Lawrenceburg, IN. Info: www.exploreari.org/.
February 11 – Oxbow Inc. - Winter Birding - 7:30-
9:00pm – Sister Marty Dermody, the current Director
of the Spirituality Center for the Sisters of Charity, loves
sharing her work of photography and watching birds.
She is an avid birder (birdwatcher) and enjoys sharing
her knowledge with those willing to learn. Oxbow Inc.
Office: 301 Walnut Street, Lawrenceburg, IN. Info: 812-
290-2941.
February 14 – Dillsboro Arts Open House Artists
Reception - 6:00pm-8:00pm – Open House Reception
for the current exhibition in the Friendship Gallery.
Meet the artists. Enjoy food and drink. Dillsboro Arts
Friendship Gallery: 12926 Bank Street, Dillsboro, IN;
Info: www.dillsboroarts.org or .
February 27 – Whiskey City’s Liberty Theater –
Joe Stamm Band w/Clint Park - 229 Walnut Street,
Lawrenceburg, IN. Doors open at 7pm and the show
starts at 8pm. Admission is $20 advance. $22 day of the
show. Ages 18+. Info: www.whiskeycityslibertytheater.
com/shows/ or call 859-250-2730.
Dearborn County
Convention, Visitor and Tourism
320 Walnut St. • Lawrenceburg, IN 47025 • 800-322-8198
www.VisitSoutheastIndiana.com
SHOP LOCAL and tell our advertisers you saw them in The BEACON!
Page 4B THE BEACON February 2025
BATESVILLE
By
Sue
Siefert
Community
Correspondent
batesville@goBEACONnews.com
Capturing Memories
Rich Fowler is a familiar
face at school sporting events.
He captures youth in action and
later posts award-worthy pics
on social media so friends, family,
and students have memories
to share. He does so with
a servant’s heart knowing the
satisfaction these memories will
provide as years go by. I chose
to interview Rich to share with
readers a little about the man behind
the lens... and his gracious
wife Barb.
Rich was born on Christmas
day, sharing a birthday with his
grandfather. He and Barb are
married forty years this month,
and he added, “We met in Cincinnati
where we played on the
same YMCA co-ed volleyball
team. This is the second marriage
for both of us and between
us, we have three children and
three grandchildren.”
The couple moved here in
1996 when they opened the
frame shop that they operate
today. The native Cincinnatian
explained, “After living on
the Navajo Reservation for a
few years, and in both Cincinnati
and Columbus, Ohio, we
wanted to go back to a small
town and spent a year or so
exploring southeast Indiana and
southwestern Ohio. We visited
Batesville a few times and we
were both impressed with the
downtown area which led to our
decision to start our business
here.”
In addition to his photographic
skills, Rich is an accomplished
artist and grinned
while sharing, “I took an art
class in high school which I
managed to pass with a ‘D’.
To be honest I think being the
leading scorer on the basketball
team may have enhanced my
chances of getting that grade. In
1990 I came across Bill Alexander
on PBS and called Barb
out of the kitchen to see what
he was doing. She didn’t seem
too impressed, but she did get
me some paint and a canvas for
Christmas that year. I started
piddling with the paint and
canvas in the basement and I’ve
been piddling with it ever since.
I tend to paint a place I’d like to
O
ur
Rich and Barb Fowler
be and that is why I’m drawn to
landscapes with rivers and little
streams in mountains.”
Rich’s interest in photography
also started at an early age, “In
1959 we took a family vacation
and our parents got my little
brother and me a camera to
document our month-long trip
to the West Coast. I guess that
started my interest in landscape
photography which eventually
evolved into wildlife and sports
photography. My parents owned
a barber shop when I was in
high school, my art teacher
would take pictures of me
during basketball games, and
then trade them to my mom for
haircuts. At the time I thought
it was kind of silly but when I
got older, I was glad to have a
scrapbook full of newspaper articles
and images from my high
school athletic career. Since
very few high school athletes
get their pictures in the newspaper
and parents can’t really get
decent action shots of their kids
during sporting events. I started
shooting high school events.
When the high school students I
photograph today are forty years
old I hope they will be glad to
have those images of themselves
shooting a basketball,
scoring a touchdown, or spiking
a volleyball. Additionally, my
background in athletics includes
having served as an Athletic
Director and coaching both basketball
and volleyball teams, so
shooting sporting events helps
keep me involved in something
I enjoy. Beyond that, Barb says
the house stays cleaner during
the school year when I’m out
shooting sports!”
So, there you have it folks …
a happy wife equals a happy
life, and our community continues
to be blessed by Rich’s talents
and generosity while Barb
graciously shares her husband
with us.
Thank you, Rich and Barb
Fowler, for the difference you
make in our community!
That’s my story!
3 4 7 2 1
7 6 5 2
5 8 9 3 4
8 4
3 4 5 9 1 8 6
2 4
7 5 9 2 3 6 1
9 7
1 5
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!
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
Communities
DILLSBORO
By
Kami
Hamilton
Community
Correspondent
dillsboro@goBEACONnews.com
Happy New Year!
Exciting things are happening
in Dillsboro! Recently,
Dillsboro partnered with the
City of Greendale and Dearborn
County to create the
“One Dearborn” initiative.
Together, these communities
were selected as Stellar
Designates, a prestigious
honor recognizing outstanding
potential for growth and
development. As part of
this designation, Dillsboro,
along with its neighbors, will
receive funding through the
Stellar Pathways program, a
government-backed initiative
designed to improve local
infrastructure. Dillsboro will
utilize these funds for important
upgrades including
enhanced streetscapes, curb
appeal, and expanded sidewalks.
In other exciting news,
the Town of Dillsboro has
proudly unveiled a new upgraded
road sign to honor two
local athletes, Eva “Grace”
Quinlan and Katie Robinson,
for their outstanding
athletic achievements. This
sign serves as a lasting tribute
to their hard work, dedication,
and success. Congratulations,
Grace and Katie!
Grace Quinlan is shown
with her new road sign, a
well-deserved tribute to her
incredible athletic journey.
SUNMAN
By
Carolyn
Egbert
Community
Correspondent
sunman@goBEACONnews.com
Coating a Community
with Warmth and Cheer
The other weekend, I
attended the Sunman Holiday
Parade. It started at the
elementary school and concluded
at the Legion where
kids could get their pictures
with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
The parade was a trail of first
responders, local schools,
and community businesses
handing out candy and literature.
One local business
had candy for the kids and
mini bottles for the adults –
Thanks for the Fireball.
Leading the parade were
the Sunman American
Legion Honor Guard and
Sunman Elementary Color
WARC 2024 Beacon Ad.ai 1 10/28/2024 2:26:01 PM
Grace has shattered numerous
track records both at the high
school and college levels. Her
dedication and achievements
continue to inspire and make
Dillsboro proud! Grace is the
daughter of Mike and Andria
Quinlan, of Dillsboro.
Keep an eye out for upcoming
events at the Dillsboro
Public Library and the
Dillsboro Arts & Friendship
Gallery! There’s always
something new happening at
these local gems!
2025 is shaping up to be an
amazing year in Dillsboro!
Guard, bearing the American
and Indiana State flags.
Other highlights from the parade
include Santa’s Sleigh
pulled by a “reindeer.” A
wagon full of students at St.
Nicholas – Shout Out to my
“nieces” Irah and Sylvie
Schneider who were waving
from the wagon! I absolutely
Get it All at www.goBEACONnews.com
Eva “Grace” Quinlan
checks out the new sign
honoring the accomplishments
made by both Katie
Robinson and herself.
Stellar Pathways
(Editor’s Note)
As a part of Dearborn
County’s Stellar Pathways
project, the Town of Dillsboro
proposed a North Street
Streetscape and Public Park/
Plaza.
The area along North Street
will be reconstructed to
include pedestrian-friendly
enhancements, crosswalks,
and streetscaping to revitalize
Dillsboro’s Historic District.
This initiative, aligning with
Dillsboro’s Downtown Revitalization
Plan and Bicycle
and Pedestrian Plan, will
result in a more walkable,
vibrant downtown. Local
businesses and outdoor retail
venues will also be more accessible
while enhancing the
aesthetics. Residents and visitors
alike will benefit from an
improved overall experience .
Key elements of Dillsboro’s
plan include expanded curbs
and sidewalks, new street
trees with decorative grates,
decorative street lights, and
district markers highlighting
the area’s historic significance.
Accompanying the North
Street Streetscape project is
the Community-Wide Sidewalk
Project and Bike-Pedestrian
Plan. This project will
enhance pedestrian safety and
connectivity in Dillsboro by
implementing key recommendations
from the town’s 2023
Bicycle and Pedestrian Master
Plan. Construction specifications
include site preparation,
new sidewalks, and intersection
improvements with
upgraded crosswalks and
ADA-compliant ramps. The
upgrades will provide safer
routes for residents and visitors,
promoting greater mobility
and fostering community
involvement.
Congratulations to Dillsboro
for its part in being a
Stellar Community. (See page
2A for details on the complete
Stellar Pathways plan.)
Sunman Elementary Color Guard at the Sunman Holiday
Parade.
loved getting to see the
Clydesdale-drawn carriage
and the opportunity to pet
them after the parade. The
Grinch was walking around
greeting attendees. A gingerbread
house on wheels rolled
by, and a couple of Gingerbread
people interacted with
the crowd.
Many thanks to Sunman
American Legion Ladies
Auxiliary for coordinating
the event and providing gifts
for all of the kids who got
their pictures with Santa.
This event truly could not
have happened without their
commitment to our community.
A heartfelt thank
you to Elisha Hunley, for
coordinating the coat drive.
The fruits of her efforts were
shared with community
members. Honorable mention
for St. Nicholas who
hosted the baked goods sale
during this event.
Seeing so many families
come out to attend the
parade and take photos with
Santa was great. It was also
a wonderful opportunity to
catch up with old friends
who I only bump into once
or twice a year. Between the
kids and the dogs who were
in attendance, I’m not sure
which enjoyed themselves
more!
February 2025 THE BEACON Page 5B
GREENDALE
By
Linda
Cromer
Community
Correspondent
greendale@goBEACONnews.com
Things have gotten kind
of hinky. Agreed? Feeling a
little bit on edge. Right? You
gotta call it the way you see it.
And I elect not to opine about
the delights of the just-past
holidays (although they were
myriad). Nor do I opt to moan
about what has already gone
awry with our New Year’s
resolutions. Instead, I ask you
to join me in analyzing the
single and singular photo I’m
submitting with this article.
My sincere desire is that our
editor places it prominently
and of noticeable dimensions.
Look at the face of one
Ariya Dawn Holley, age
four months. You should be
able to pick her out from the
imposter on the left. Looking
at Ariya, one can see patience
in her demeanor, an unspoken
questioning of just who the
other guy is and why he’s
in the frame, and an openeyed
and patient willingness
to wait it out and go on to
other things. Would it be that
we all faced the world with
the attitude displayed by the
granddaughter of Greendale
Assistant Chief of Police Pam
Taylor and Councilman Brett
“Mooch” Hamilton?
Greendale Parks has
adopted that attitude, and
we’re asking you to do the
same. We’re proud of the
holiday lighting display in
our parks, disappointed that
there was some vandalism
emanating from the shallow
end of the gene pool, and
proactive in amping up
camera surveillance in critical
areas.
A large mud hole on Rand
Avenue will be morphing
into six pickleball courts and
DOVER
By
Rhonda
Trabel
Community
Correspondent
dover@goBEACONnews.com
The eleventh annual Gobble
Wobble 5K celebrated another
successful year. The total
donation to North Dearborn,
Sunman, and ECHS Food
Pantries was $58,136.54.
Race participants totalled
1,211, women being 57% and
men 43%. Twenty-nine people
donated to the race while
forty-five were competitive
walkers. Over one thousand
runners/walkers participated,
many as members of groups
or teams. Overall race winners
were: Men’s Run- Joseph
Scheele (15:27), Benjamin
Moster, (15:42), and
Ben Riehle (15:59); Women’s
Run- Callie Bentley (18:41),
Lanie Nicholson (18:48),
and Catherine Niese (20:14);
Men’s Competitive Walkers-
Victor Neff (35:46), Gerard
Dubois (37:32), and Tom
Widener (39:15); Women’s
Competitive Walkers- Sealey
Hyatt (38:54), Christy
Elbright (40:06), and Kaileigh
Snyder-Emery (41:37);
Group/Team- Feast Mode (23
members; 1hr 22min total
team time); Potato Smashers
(6 members 1hr 41min total
team time); Trossman Family
(9 members 2hr 3min total
team time).
Fifteen states were represented
in this 2024 race. They
were Arkansas (1), Colorado
O
ur
a tennis court this coming
spring. Progress is messy.
Thanks for your patience.
The next couple of months
will see the removal of
playground structures in
Homestead Park. It’ll be an
inconvenience but will be
worth it when new equipment
is installed in March.
I want to thank Mayor
Karsteter, Clerk-Treasurer
Becky Lyons, and the City
Council for supporting the
efforts of the Park Board-
Donna Commons, Emmy
Gray, Randy Goodwin, and
Guilty as Charged. We work
hard to do the best for the
most with what we have……
and it can get complicated. I
think we all have that “Ariya”
expression occasionally.
We’ve been chewed out
for not removing the same
equipment in Greendale
Park that we’ve been praised
for rehabilitating. Both
within days. And isn’t that
wonderful?! People notice.
Our parks are for all of us,
and we all should weigh in
about the use of our valuable
public greenspace.
The fact is that Greendale
and its residents care about
our parks. You might go so far
as to say that the park system
is at the heart of the city.
It’s where we, walk, where
we play, where kids learn
sportsmanship. Our parks
provide a stage for acting silly
and safely acting out. Quiet
corners to commune with the
greater universe and ponder
our place in the world. Sacred
places to welcome us and
embrace us as we move from
the stroller to the climber to
the cane.
We’re asking you to tell us
about things you love about
the parks. Things you would
like to see changed. Ways you
feel they can be improved.
You can do so by contacting
us through Greendale’s
website and social media
page. We want to hear what
you want to say. We’re like
(1), Georgia (7), Illinois (5),
Indiana (1025), Kentucky
(22), Louisiana (1), Michigan
(3), North Carolina (1),
Ohio (122), Pennsylvania (5),
Rhode Island (2), Virginia (2),
Wyoming (1), Unknown/Unstated
(13).
The Gobble Wobble proceeds
help the Sunman Food
Pantry buy hams for Easter as
well as milk, eggs and cheese.
At Thanksgiving, turkeys and
side dishes are provided. For
Christmas, approximately
one thousand people receive
Christmas baskets filled with
turkey, milk, eggs, cheese,
and fruit.
The North Dearborn Pantry
uses the proceeds for Thanksgiving
and Christmas meals
for two hundred to two hundred
fifty families each year.
Communities
Santa and Ariya Dawn
Holley
Ariya- looking forward to
what comes next.
Stellar Pathways
(Editor’s Note)
The City of Greendale incorporated
the Ridge Avenue
Streetscape Project into the
Stellar Pathways Project for
Dearborn County. This project
will significantly enhance the
streetscape along Ridge Avenue,
a project that has been
part of Greendale’s Comprehensive
Plan since 2019. The
Streetscape Improvement
Project was also in the 2023
Main Street Preservation and
Development Plan.
The Streetscape project
includes upgrading downtown
streetscapes, widening
sidewalks, installing decorative
street lights, planning and
maintaining street trees, creating
bump-outs, and delineating
on-street parking. These
key elements will not only
improve functionality but
will also enhance aesthetics.
The result will be a walkable,
attractive area along Ridge
Avenue that can foster local
businesses and community
growth while contributing to
the quality of life in Greendale.
Congratulations to Greendale
for its part in being a
Stellar Community. (See page
2A for details on the complete
Stellar Pathways plan.)
Youth from All Saints Parish
help distribute the meals. The
pantry provides monthly food
boxes to families throughout
the year. In July and August,
school supplies are provided
to children in need.
The East Central High
School food pantry will use
proceeds to buy school supplies,
food, and clothing, as
needed, for students in the
local community.
We are thankful for the people
who organize the Gobble
Wobble each year. This year
the team of organizers were
Sarah Leiker, Amy Eisele,
Charlotte White, Eric Barrow,
Christa Shipman, and
Fr. Meyer.
Now that 2025 is here, I
wish everyone the happiest
and healthiest new year.
Dale Ashcraft with his parents and godparents during his
baptism.
YORKVILLE
& GUILFORD
By
Laura
Keller
Community
Correspondent
yorkville@goBEACONnews.com
Vivian Follick
Yorkville gained two new
residents! Justin and Krystle
Follick welcomed Vivian
Justine on Nov. 11 weighing
7 lbs. 12 oz. and 21 inches
in length. Justine was welcomed
home by her big sister
Scarlett. Proud grandparents
are Albert Kraus, Jr., Kim
Taylor, and Steve Follick.
Dale Roy Ashcraft was
born on Dec. 1 and baptized
on Dec. 15. Proud first-time
parents are Blake and Sarah
Ashcraft. Grandparents are
Mark and Nikki Ashcraft,
and Doug and Dawn Hornbach.
Mrs. Ashcraft’s siblings
Matthew and Maggie Hornbach
are excited to be godparents
to their nephew.
Congratulations to Kevin
Beiersdorfer, who placed
third in the Expo Bowl in
Indianapolis.
If you have any news in
the Guilford or Yorkville
area you’d like me to share,
please email me at yorkville@
goBEACONnews.com.
Thunderbolt Firearms
1940 Jamison Dr, Ste 105
Bright, IN 47025
812-637-2767
www.thunderboltfirearms.com
#1 Gun Shop in Bright
Now offering Body Armor Packages. Including
Level III, IIIA, III+ Steel, and Level IV
Ceramic plate. Soft Armor also available.
7247 State Road 46E
Batesville, IN 47006
812.932.3300
TOPSOIL
(Regular and Shredded)
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
SHOP LOCAL and tell our advertisers you saw them in The BEACON!
FILL DIRT
GRAVEL
SPECIALIZED HAULING
& DELIVERY
www.GarrettBacomLaw.com
204 Short St.
Lawrenceburg, IN 47025
812.260.8154
Page 6B THE BEACON February 2025
AURORA
By
Randy
Turner
Community
Correspondent
aurora@goBEACONnews.com
Hello Beacon readers, more
stories that need to be told!
The holidays were too short
and quick, but I enjoy the time
off more each year. I especially
enjoy seeing family and
friends and the decorations
in town. Now I missed going
out to see lights last year, so
I filled my cup with eggnog
and went for a ride. I am a fan
of lights over blowups, but
Shane Saeorf on Manchester
St. had a reindeer that was 24’
tall- very impressive.
Bryon Gibbs who lives
next to me on Gaff Street is a
treat that I get to see nightly.
He also does Halloween as a
big display. He has an Abominable
and two pink pigs that
I really like. His front yard is
small, but he has it jammed
full of decorations.
David Lewis on Sunnyside
has decorated his house, front
and back, for many years. It
is viewable from the front on
Sunnyside and from Park Ave.
behind, which really shows up
O
ur
in the darker area. Thank you,
David!
Bob Palmer lives in the old
Schuck building on Second
Street. From Santa on the
roof to the sidewalk, all those
fantastic lights on the outside
of the building and in the
windows were fantastic this
year. Really liked the drummer
boy in the one doorway.
The Art Guild gets credit, but
those are all Bob’s doing! For
older ones, Bob shared King
George Feustel’s front yard
on Jandel Drive. Duke gave
stock dividends over that electric
usage for those displays.
Not related, but Anne
Turner at 511 Fourth St.
continued her outstanding
work to show off her house.
It is the yellow one that really
turned out great. She keeps it
perfect in the summer, and her
Christmas lights were very
well done.
Carl and Janet Petty had
their house lit up on Sunnyside,
but they gave credit to
their son John and his wife
Nicki for the work.
The best whole neighborhood
was my old friend Frank
Linkmeyer’s subdivision on
Cosby Drive. Not a lot of
houses, but they all joined in.
The Pollack family’s display
at the end of the street was
worth the trip. Set off by the
Communities
lake in front of their house.
I was out of eggnog at this
point, but I really express my
THANKS to all who worked
hard to light up Christmas.
So many more that I could
mention.
Mayor Patrick kicked off
the town festivities by lighting
the Christmas Tree at Second
and Main. Not a real tree as
he wanted, which I cannot
believe someone did not offer
to donate one. The artificial
one they had seemed to work,
as it welcomed Santa and
Mrs. Claus to the “Miracle On
Main.” They did their magic
each weekend with “Breakfast
With Santa” hosted by
the Aurora Lions and Main
Street Aurora. All of the kids
got goodie bags, cookies, and
pictures with the Claus’s. I
had fun doing the picturetaking
of kids sitting on their
laps. The best shots that go
unnoticed are when the kids
turn and talk to Santa. That
is the time when the cameras
should be clicking. The
expressions on those faces
are priceless. Wants of toys
is a serious business! Let’s
not forget those who scream
like banshees, they get photos
taken as well to be used for
future torment.
Dave and Judy Hizer’s
Dickens Village, train rides,
carriage rides, and live reindeer
boosted holiday spirits.
So did entertainment from
different musical groups and
singers. All in all, Christmas
was done very well on Main
Street!
One last comment on the
tree in the street. We are in
big trouble if INDOT installs
a “roundabout” in Aurora.
Highly visible arrows directed
Lucy Shell, Leilani Kervin, and the STAR Addy Shell visiting
Mrs. Claus and Santa.
everyone to go counterclockwise
around the tree, but
so many ignored that. I hope
Santa did not grade on driving
skills!
Not all of the action was
in town. South Dearborn
High School had their Variety
Show. A lot of talent up
on that hill with singing and
dancing. Maddi Finn and
Klooey Paige did great solo
acts. We heard the band play,
“Where’d My Pants Go?”
loud for the crowd. They had
me with that name. I must
say my favorite was this big
old kid coming out on stage,
or so I thought. Tulsa Henderson,
a hidden talent in
South Dearborn’s school staff,
proceeded to knock my socks
off! Thankfully someone
knew how good he was and
convinced him to sing. Dude,
you made my night!
Concerts were performed
all through the month from
SD High School through the
middle school, kindergarten
through third grade, our school
was showcasing the kids!
Even with minimal cold
weather and minor rain and
snow, Christmas was a great
time to do things and visit
with family and friends.
I am sure everyone knows
that our communities saw the
loss of an institution as the
“Frisch’s Big Boy” closed up
on Dec. 22. Today’s generation
never had the fun of
cruising the original Big Boy
on Friday and Saturday nights
under the watchful eyes of
Mr. Jesse Todd. That man
was respected by all the kids
who came there from Aurora,
Dillsboro, Rising Sun,
and Lawrenceburg, showing
off their cars with uncapped
headers, and bragging about
their schools. Solo or with
your favorite date, or buddies,
it was the place to be! Very
glad to have had that lifestyle,
and we did it without cell
phones. Well, time marches
on! Welcome 2025!
parks
dearborn
county
the Dearborn County Parks Foundation.
A Gift For all Seasons!
www.dearborncountyPARKS.com
DEARBORN COUNTY RECYCLING CENTER
DRIVE-THRU
Drive in and stay warm
when you recycle this winter!
NEW ALSACE
By
Laura
Keller
Community
Correspondent
newalsace@goBEACONnews.com
For eighteen years, the
New Alsace Conservation
Club (NACC) has sponsored
fifth- and sixth-grade
girls and boys to attend the
Indiana Conservation Officer
Organization’s (ICOO) Karl
Kelly Youth Conservation
Camp. The 2025 camp will
be held for seven days in
June, usually the third week.
The NACC is looking for
twenty-five or more children
who would be interested in
attending the camp at no
cost! All fees are paid for by
the NACC.
If your child, niece, nephew,
or neighbor is in the fifth or
sixth grade and likes outdoor
adventure, this camp would be
something they would enjoy.
Visit www.icoo.com for more
information. All registrations
must go through the NACC
as they will pay for the cost
of the camp. Contact NACC
secretary Dale Back at backdale@gmail.com
or text him
at 812-212-2601 to register.
Are you a musician, have
a special talent, or enjoy live
music? Mark your calendar
for open mic night, held the
last Friday of each month at
7 P.M. at the North Dearborn
American Legion! The event
is open to the public and admission
is free.
The North Dearborn American
Legion is hosting its
monthly euchre tournament
on Feb. 16 and Mar. 16. Doors
open at noon and games begin
at 1 P.M. The entry fee is $5
per person with cash payouts
to the four highest scores. Refreshments
are available for
purchase. Call 812-623.-3695
for more information.
If you have news in the
New Alsace area you’d like
me to share, please contact me
at newalsace@goBEACON
news.com.
Recycle more in the New Year!
Automotive chemicals
Batteries (non-alkaline)
Light bulbs
Mercury products
Cooking oil
Fire extinguishers
Tires*
General recyclables
Paint products
Garden chemicals
Pool & spa chemicals
Household chemicals
Scrap metal
Electronics*
Appliances*
Monday-Friday 9am-4pm
Wednesdays 9am-6pm
Dearborn County residents only.
*Fees apply for tires, TVs, and freon appliances.
10700 Prospect Ln. | Aurora, IN 47001
DearbornCountyRecycles.com 812.926.9963
Get it All at www.goBEACONnews.com
February 2025 THE BEACON Page 7B
LAWRENCEBURG
By
Debbie
Acasio
Community
Correspondent
O
ur
Communities
lawrenceburg@goBEACONnews.com
Happy New Year! Here’s
to (hopefully) some relaxation
time in 2025. December
was a whirlwind of activities
again this year. I had the good
fortune to attend a showing
of Home Alone at Music Hall
with the Cincinnati Orchestra
playing the background music.
Wonderful! Then it was
on to Playhouse in the Park in
Cincinnati later in December
to see A Christmas Carol.
Needless to say, there was
little time for me to attend all
the wonderful activities going
on in Lawrenceburg and I
relied on friends and family to
fill me in on all the fun times
I missed. So a big thank you
to all those who shared their
photos with me of a fabulous
December, 2024. Did I
mention I ran up to Carmel to
attend the Christkindlmarket?
Yes, very cool and highly
recommend it but not on a
Saturday. Crowded!
The ice rink in Lawrenceburg
has been a fun activity
this winter for area kids.
Marina Rico turned ten this
year and began the celebration
at an igloo in the City
Lilly Scott, Raelynn Bamburger, Gabby Schneider, Elise
Bostick and Marina Rico at the rink.
Jenny Awad as Krampus
with Sam Fulton at the
Lawrenceburg Christmas
parade.
Park. Then it was on to the
rink with friends to skate. Her
parents, Victor and Elena
Rico, are teachers in the Lawrenceburg
school system in
the Spanish program. Central
Elementary school kids also
had a reprieve from school
work to enjoy the rink.
The Dearborn County
Debbie Acasio dropping off
toys for Toys for Tots donated
by St. John Lutheran
Church.
Historical Society entry in
the Lawrenceburg Christmas
parade was the prize winner
this year. Accompanying Jim
Fulton’s 1950 F1 truck was
none other than Krampus (aka
Jenny Awad) in attire guaranteed
to scare anyone that
came in her way.
A big thank you to the
The Knue family and the thirteenth annual toy giveaway.
Victor, Elena, Marina and Mateo Rico celebrated Marina’s
tenth birthday in an igloo.
Knue family for their thirteenth
annual toy giveaway to
kids in Lawrenceburg. Toys
and candy that are purchased
solely through donations and
with the help of city employees,
firefighters, and police
officers this event honors the
memory of 13 year old Eddie
Knue who passed away in
1992.
Thank you to Lora James
of Aurora and Mary Ann
Pettit of Lawrenceburg (and
others at St. John Lutheran
Church) who helped make the
bake sale at Christmas on the
Avenue in Greendale a huge
success. The bake sale profits
of $750 went to the Clearinghouse
to help others with food
insecurities.
Stay warm but enjoy all that
Lawrenceburg has to offer.
a pumpkin tire. They have
brightened the Manchester
area this season with an even
bigger Christmas exhibit
with two tire sculptures!
Michael, Brooklyn, and baby
Hudson are showing off their
holiday spirit.
Next month, I am looking
for article ideas about TRA-
DITIONS. Please email The
Beacon if you have something
to share. manchester@
goBEACONnews.com
Michael, Brooklyn, and
baby Hudson Orlando.
Pat and Colleen Zuber,
walking Gus on a beautiful
day at Manchester Park.
MANCHESTER
By
Lisa
West
Community
Correspondent
manchester@goBEACONnews.com
Manchester’s Hidden
Gem: The Manchester Park!
Located behind the fire
department on the corner
of SR 48 and County Farm
Rd., you can find a delightful
community park with a
ball field, basketball court, a
full playground, a beautiful
walking trail, and plenty of
parking. Pictured here are
Next
Beacon
Ad Deadline
Jan. 27
The Orlando’s creative Christmas display.
Pat and Colleen Zuber with
their adorable dog Gus. Not
too long ago (when we still
had some warm days), they
could often be found walking
the trail. Colleen shared,
“We were walking daily
when it was warm. It helped
my mother-in-law after her
knee surgery, to track how
much she was walking.
The conversation is always
great! We enjoy the sounds
of baseballs being hit in the
spring. Sometimes I walk my
grandkids when they visit-
Ellaminna Springer, Camden
Springer, Zella Zuber,
and April Allen.”
No matter the season, the
park is a great way to get
some fresh air and a bit of
exercise. The walking path
is an easy paved trail that
weaves around the park. The
playground is full of swings,
slides, jungle gyms, and other
fun activities. You don’t
need to live in the Manchester
community to check it out
– all are welcome!
Back in October, we
shared news of the Orlando
family who is new to the
area. They put up a fun Halloween
display that included
Behavioral Health
Primary Care
Addiction Recovery Services
(812) 525-2550
Visit INcompasshc.org
SHOP LOCAL and tell our advertisers you saw them in The BEACON!
Page 8B THE BEACON February 2025
O
ur
Communities
Kristy Eaton Boyer and her
father, Larry Eaton.
VERSAILLES/
RIPLEY CTY
By
Cheryl
Damon-
Greiner
Community
Correspondent
versailles@goBEACONnews.com
Just a few weeks ago,
Versailles was bustling with a
family holiday event. Home
for the Holidays on the square
brought crowds to see the
parade, listen to the Southeast
Indiana Brass Band playing
Versailles Courthouse
Pearl Harbor memorial.
carols, shop at the vendor
booths and local businesses,
watch ice sculptures being
carved with electric saws and,
of course, visit with Santa and
Mrs. Claus. What community
volunteers and sponsors accomplish
throughout the year
to keep our area such a great
place to raise a family is truly
amazing. If you want to participate
in upcoming events,
you can volunteer for one
event, one committee, or even
just a few hours- your ideas
and time are welcome! Opportunities
are also available for
teens to get involved, too.
This year, the holiday event
Jeff Petercsak, ice sculptor
at the holiday event.
fell on Dec. 7, the same day
as the Pearl Harbor memorial.
So time was scheduled for a
moving veterans’ ceremony
at the courthouse before the
festivities started. It also
kicked off the activities in the
week leading up to Wreaths
Across Ripley County when
4,332 veterans’ wreaths were
placed on the grave sites of
local veterans by volunteers.
Next year’s National Wreaths
Across America Day will be
held on Saturday, Dec. 13,
2025. You can get information
from the Ripley County
Community Foundation at
812-933-1098.
Southeast Indiana Brass Band members Jeff Suess,
Cincinnati; Nate Sell, Milan; Josh Evans, Versailles; Doug
Nelson, Dillsboro; Brett Hoog, Milan.
2025 is the Year of the
Snake, according to the Chinese
Zodiac. Just as a snake
sheds its skin and emerges
with a fresh appearance, this
year we are encouraged to let
go of our old, stale habits and
start positive new ones. Since
the weather has been too cold
to feel like shedding anything,
I’m going to focus on decluttering
(shedding stuff). Then I
will take my gently used items
to the recycling/re-use center.
Did you know that clean, gently
used merchandise in good
condition can be dropped off
and obtained for free during
each center’s normal business
hours? Clothing, shoes, books,
office supplies, hand tools,
CDs, dishes, and non-upholstered
furniture are just a few
of the items that are accepted
and available. Think of your
sweaters that no longer fit,
toner and labels that you no
longer need, CDs you don’t
play, the bread maker machine
you bought in 2021 – all of
this can be kept out of your
closet and the landfill and happily
re-used, for free, by someone
else. This is the year to be
a snake and shed this stuff.
SSSSSSeeee you there!
By Cheryl Damon-Greiner
Seeing big outdoor holiday
displays around Christmas
is not unusual, but a family
in Versailles brings holiday
decorating indoors in a very
BIG way! Dean and Kathy
Cutter have been creating a
wonderland throughout their
home for the past ten years,
with the help of their children
and grandchildren and to the
delight of friends and family
visitors. Kathy begins setting
up the holiday display in
October and is still putting the
finishing touches on as Santa
comes down the chimney.
This year the number of
Christmas trees on display
in all sizes and themes totals
about fifty trees. This is down
from a whopping seventy a
few years ago! The number
varies as the creative urge
strikes Kathy, who enlists
A program
for everyone
A Versailles Family Holiday Tradition
Dean to help
with some of
her ideas for
decorations
made from
craft items,
promotional
toys, and
yard sale
finds. He
also has the
job of making
more
trees to hang
the rotating
collection of
baubles and
lights.
“The thing
that makes
me happiest
is to see the
joy that Kathy brings to our
friends, and as you can see,
she loves it just as much,”
explained Dean.
Kathy Cutter creates fifty
lavish trees, each with its
own theme, for the Christmas
season.
What makes their wonderland
very special are the
displays among the trees of
vintage holiday keepsakes
gathered from around the
‘Tis still the season
To get
your flu shot!
Call us today!
Dearborn County Health Department
Kendra 812-537-8843
Becky 812-537-8844
Dean Cutter’s favorite item
is Rudolph the Red-Nosed
Reindeer dating back to
1939.
No money out
of pocket
world that
add a sense of timelessness to
holiday traditions. The Cutters
can tell you a story about each
piece and each tree. They
are certainly creating their
own family stories that their
grandchildren will share when
they have grandchildren of
their own.
One thing that remains on
display all year is a sign in the
entryway that reads, “Enter
with a Christmas heart.”
Kathy truly wants this for all
who come to visit her and
Dean. Her efforts show her
love for her friends, her family,
and her community.
Each year the cutters open
their home for a Christmas
party. While the decorations
Get it All at www.goBEACONnews.com
Kathy’s favorite decorations are the pinecone
figures from Germany.
Kathy and Dean Cutter
BINGO
are breathtaking, the gathering
gets everyone in the Christmas
spirit.
Whether you decorate like
the Cutters or like Charlie
Brown, that’s what celebrating
holidays are all about,
isn’t it?
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.
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
!
!
February 2025 THE BEACON Page 9B
LOGAN
By
Susan
Carson
Community
Correspondent
O
ur
Communities
SEH_CVMHU_Print19x1.8667V4.pdf 1 1
logan@goBEACONnews.com
Dale Lutz, son, brother,
husband, dad, grandpa, auctioneer,
and real estate guru,
is one of the most well-known
men in Logan and northern
Dearborn County. It’s been
that way since the beginning.
In 1957, Helen Lutz,
Dale’s mother, felt like she
needed to go to the doctor for
a checkup. So, she went to
“Doc” Siefferman in Harrison.
She told him she thought she
had a tumor in her stomach.
After a short assessment, he
came back in and told her she
did not have a tumor, but that
she was pregnant! Helen and
Roy were 42 and 46. This was
somewhat out of the ordinary
at the time. The news created
quite a buzz at the Logan
United Methodist Church.
Dale’s oldest brother, Harold,
was 21 years older, already
married, and in the Air Force.
He and his wife, Lillian,
had their first child only nine
months after Dale was born.
Dale also had two other brothers,
Loren and Keith, and a
sister Elaine. She was nine
Zoe Tucker modeling her
mother’s apron, a family
heirloom.
years old when Dale came on
the scene.
What’s better than baking
Christmas cookies at
Grandma’s house? Doing
it with your older brothers?
No. Picking out your own
sprinkles and colored icing?
Better. But getting to wear an
apron that Great-Grandmother
bought for your own mom
while in Austria and your
Grandma pulling it out of a
drawer just for you to wear
for this occasion? Priceless!
At least according to Zoe
Tucker, Cathy and Mark
The Lutz family’s Christmas in 1966 when Dale was nine.
Top row: Loren, Harold, Helen and Roy. Front: Elaine,
Dale, and Keith.
Zoe, Will, and Luke Tucker made Christmas cookies.
Dunevant’s granddaughter.
The apron was purchased
by Great-Grandma Helen
Dunevant, for Zoe’s mother,
Laura Tucker.
Zoe was joined in her
cookie-making plight by her
brothers, Will and Luke.
If you have news to share
about Logan, email me at
logan@goBEACONnews.
com.
Dawn Schuman, Siemer Milling Company, presented the
grant to SkillsUSA Club Members from William Henry
Harrison High School.
HARRISON
By
Amanda
Kirchner
Community
Correspondent
MOORES HILL
By
Barbara
Wetzler
Community
Correspondent
mooreshill@goBEACONnews.com
The Town of Moores Hill
honored Street Superintendent
Lanny Dell for thirty years
of service. Lynn Allen and
Terry Ingersoll presented
Lanny with a plaque and gift
certificate at the December
Town Council meeting. Town
Council President Lynn Allen
praised Lanny’s depth of
knowledge and dependability,
saying, “Lanny is a huge asset
to the Town. Thank you for
serving this Town for thirty
years. I told him (somewhat
jokingly) that he can never
retire.”
harrison@goBEACONnews.com
The Siemer Milling
Endowment for Youth
Leadership Development has
awarded $6,000 to William
Henry Harrison High School
SkillsUSA Club. The grant
will support the SkillsUSA
chapter, a student organization
focused on career and
technical education as well as
leadership development.
William Henry Harrison
High School SkillsUSA Club
chapter offers students handson
experiences, competitions,
and community service
opportunities, empowering
them to explore their
passions, develop essential
skills, and pursue successful
careers in various STEM
fields. The program includes
competitive events, leadership
development, career
exploration, mentorship, and
community service, all aimed
at providing a well-rounded
education that prepares
students for future success
and leadership roles. The
grant will fund necessary
equipment, supplies, and
travel expenses, ensuring
the chapter’s sustainability
through fund raising,
partnerships, and school
support.
Lanny Dell
Thanks to everyone who
participated in the annual Winter
Walk. Winners of the Mark
Cubert decorating contest are:
first place Bradley Rowlett,
second place Nicole Macke,
third place David Veerkamp,
fourth place Brian Krueger,
fifth place the Kinser family,
sixth place Garrett and Randi
Oak. The houses looked
beautiful.
Get well wishes for Ron
Jones Sr. and Bobbi Elza.
MILAN
By
Sialia
Swainson
Community
Correspondent
milan@goBEACONnews.com
Lots of folks braved the
frigid temperatures to kick off
the holiday season at Milan’s
Christmas walk. Large tents
and heaters were brought in
to keep the cold at bay. The
lighted vehicle parade is
always a fan favorite, along
with Santa pictures. Kudos
to all those who donated time
and resources to make this
such a fun family event!
Many local organizations
held food drives leading up
to the holidays, but one little
girl at MES took it to the
next level. Kindergartner
Olivia Murphy collected
five hundred fifteen items as
part of the school’s annual
food drive. Olivia’s family
gives her all the credit for this
amazing feat. She is a student
in Angie Potter’s class,
which earned an ice cream
VALENTINES
DAY
Friday, February 14
party for the highest collection
total.
Third-grade teacher Kris
Clark was recently surprised
to learn that she was chosen
as Teacher of the Month, an
honor bestowed upon her by
Joe Moorman of the local
bank. Kris has taught at MES
for twenty-five years and is
beloved by her students, both
past and present. Members of
the Clark family were on hand
to celebrate the award.
Work continues on the new
water tower being erected on
the north edge of town. Welders
are fabricating the tower
and ball on-site and plan to invite
the public when the final
assembly takes place by lifting
the structure with a crane.
Painting the globe to look like
a basketball will be the final
touch. Residents are looking
forward to the completion of
the new water system that was
started last spring.
Let me take this opportunity
to wish all Beacon readers a
very happy, healthy New Year
2025. If you have news to
share, please reach out to me
at milan@goBEACONnews.
com.
Celebrating milestones together.
556 Main Street
Brookville, IN
765-647-5171
ritzijewelers.net
SHOP LOCAL and tell our advertisers you saw them in The BEACON!
Page 10B THE BEACON February 2025
RISING SUN/
OHIO COUNTY
By
PG
Gentrup
O
ur
Communities
Community
Correspondent
risingsun@goBEACONnews.com
Here we go again with
another year that just flew
by. I can’t believe we are in
the year of 2025 as you read
this. Winter has really been
nice to us so far with some
acceptable weather.
I took my grandson, Grady
Walter, to his first Bengals’
game when they played
Cleveland. We had great seats
right down next to the field
behind the Bengals’ bench.
George Klopp Sr. and Jr.
got the tickets for us. George
Sr. has been a season ticket
holder since the Bengals were
founded, fifty-five years ago.
Grandson, Grady Walter,
was named Academic All-
State for soccer in Indiana
with a 4.0 grade average.
Twin sister, Carli, was named
to the All Conference Team
for volleyball for the Eastern
Indiana Athletic Conference
(EIAC) along with teammate,
Kelsey Clyde.
We had a very successful
end-of-year banquet for
approximately one hundred
fifty Vietnam Veterans and
their spouses. Several Quilts
of Valor were presented to
members by the Rivertown
Quilters, and a delicious
meal was served by Linda
Hurelbrink and others.
I was honored to be able to
help place four hundred fifty
wreaths from Wreaths Across
State Representative Garrett Bascom, Amanda Lowery,
Tammy Elbright, and PG Gentrup.
Kelli Gentrup-Pettit, Carly
Walter, and Paula Gentrup
at the award ceremony.
America on the graves of
Veterans in the Soldiers’ area
of Greendale Cemetery, and
another fifty elsewhere. Ron
Spurlock, Ernie Johnson,
Mooch Callaway, and I also
placed several at River View
Cemetery in Aurora, Rising
Sun, Patriot, Vevay, and
Brooksburg, thanks to Cari
Baylor.
Congratulations to Liam
Spurlock who recently
graduated form Air Force
Basic Training. Grandma
and Grandpa, Connie and
Ron Spurlock, attended the
graduation, along with Maria,
Chris, Ella, and Gram
Spurlock, and Grandpa and
Grandma, Steve and Sheila
McAlister.
Several people attended a
ceremony at the Southeast
Indiana Veterans Museum
to pay tribute to Tammy
Elbright on her retirement
from public service. Judge
Aaron Negengard and
Mayor Steve Slack presented
Connie and Ron Spurlock
with Grandson Liam.
Ms. Elbright with a key to
the city. Other attendees
were State Representative
Garrett Bascom, Sheriff
POST
FRAME
BUILDINGS
Built On Your Lot!
60 50 Years Experience
Large Selection of ofColors &&Sizes
Material packages available.
Tom Baxter, City Clerk-
Treasurer Rae Lynn Gipson,
Deputy Clerk, Heather
Whitham, and former mayor
Mark Guard, former County
Council member Dill Dorrell
and his wife Mary, former
County Council member
Ron Spurlock, County
Commissioner , former County
Council member and current
City Council member, Todd
Walton, Wilbur and Pam
McClure, lifelong friends
family members, Josie and
Peyton Bell, Jamie and Jason
Bell, PG and Paula Gentrup.
Amanda Lowery, representing
9th District Congresswoman
Erin Houchin, presented a
proclamation to honor Ms.
Elbright. As usual, Mason J.
Uhlmansiek did a great job
with photos.
I pray for good health for all
of you.
Award-Winning Reuse Programs Right In Your Backyard
By Stefanie Hoffmeier
Reducing waste and reusing
items is one of the simplest
and most effective ways we
can all make a difference
in protecting the planet and
slowing down the rapid filling
of landfills. Instead of tossing
things out, think about how
you can give them a second
life. Reusing bags, containers,
and even clothing can significantly
reduce the amount of
trash that ends up in landfills.
There are five great reuse
programs right here in Southeast
Indiana at the Dearborn
County Recycling Center
(DCRC): Creation Station,
ReProm Dress Exchange,
Lending Station, Costume
Swap, and the Holiday Giveaway.
These programs were
created to divert reusable
materials from landfills while
providing residents with valuable
items. Almost all of the
materials in the DCRC’s reuse
programs are donated by local
residents and businesses.
In fact, the Dearborn
County Solid Waste Management
District, also known as
the DCRC, was awarded the
2024 Governor’s Award for
Environmental Excellence
in the category of Recycling
and Reuse. The Governor’s
Awards for Environmental
Excellence is Indiana’s most
prestigious environmental
recognition, given to the most
innovative, sustainable, and
exemplary programs that
positively impact Indiana’s
environment and residents.
The DCRC received the
award for its robust collection
of reuse programs.
Creation Station is a reuse
program for school supplies,
office supplies, and craft materials.
It is free for educators
and non-profits to use, though
they must be from Dearborn
County. This includes, but
is not limited to: classroom
teachers, 4-H leaders, Scout
leaders, homeschool parents,
non-traditional educators,
and VBS teachers. Anyone
wanting to use materials from
Creation Station must provide
proof of not-for-profit status
and demonstrate intent.
Lending Station is a reuse
program that allows individuals
to borrow items for
special events, weddings, and
parties at no cost. Anyone
who wants to borrow items
from the Lending Station
must fill out a rental agreement
to ensure that items are
CNA’s, HHA’s, LPN’s and RN’s
Need some extra money?
Have some extra time on your hands?
WHY NOT JOIN
THE ADVANTAGE TEAM?
We offer 401k, weekly pay, health insurance, travel
pay, employee rewards program and much more.
Please stop in the office or give us a call
800-807-6839 • 812-537-0325
460 Ridge Ave. Lawrenceburg, IN 47025 • EOE
George Klopp, Jr., Grady Walter, PG, and Ryan Johnson
at the Bengals vs. Browns game.
returned to the DCRC in a
timely manner. It is open to
the public, not just non-profit
organizations or Dearborn
County residents.
ReProm Dress Exchange
is a formal and semi-formal
dress exchange program.
Participants are asked to bring
a dress to swap. Dresses must
be in ready-to-wear condition,
clean, and fit within
current formal fashion trends
to qualify for exchange. A set,
minimum donation is required
if you do not have an acceptable
dress to exchange. There
are over 1,000 semi-formal
and formal dresses available.
This program is open to
everyone, not just Dearborn
County residents.
Costume Swap is an annual
event held in October that
gives customers the chance
to share and rewear costumes
that would otherwise only
be used once. Over 1,200
costumes for adults and
children are available. Masks,
wigs, makeup, accessories,
treat bags, and decor are also
provided. All costumes are in
clean, good condition, with
many being brand new. The
sizes range from infant and
toddler to adult. Costume
Swap even offers a small selection
of pet costumes. Anyone,
not just Dearborn County
residents, can participate by
bringing a costume and selecting
another.
Holiday Giveaway is an
annual event held on one Saturday
each December where
anyone can come and receive
free holiday decorations, ornaments,
gift wrap, Christmas
trees, and craft supplies. All
items in the Holiday Giveaway
are free, and no exchange
donation is required.
Shoppers are limited to the
number of items they can take
to ensure everyone who participates
has an opportunity to
enjoy the Giveaway.
Donations for Costume
Swap, Creation Station, and
the Holiday Giveaway are
accepted year-round in the
DCRC Drive-Thru. ReProm
and Lending Station donations
are accepted at the DCRC
office year-round. For questions
or to learn which types
of items are accepted, visit
each program’s page under
the “Reuse” section at www.
dearborncountyrecycles.com.
24x24x8 w/ 2 doors $7,995
24x40x8 w/ 2 doors $11,900
30x50x10 w/ 2 doors $17,500
Gosman, Inc.
Madison,Indiana
812-265-5290
www.gosmaninc.com
.gosmanbuildings
Get it All at www.goBEACONnews.com
February 2025 THE BEACON Page 11B
B
eacon
Vacation
The Beacon was in Pamplona, Spain attending the
Running of the Bulls. Pictured are Karlie Becker and
her cousin Anna Zahner from Bright directly on the
bull route.
The Beacon went to Yellowstone with Jeanette Losekamp. Other travelers saw
it, and they took a group photo together. Shown are Carol Ehrnschwender from
Brookville, Chuck and Rita Wissel from Yorkville, Jeanette Losekamp from Harrison,
OH, and Jane Richie and Rita Negangard from Milan. The wonderful trip let me meet
new friends that all read the Beacon!
The Pelsor family (Gus and Robin, Nathaniel and
Christin, Christopher and Ray, Alex and Kelly and
Emilie from Sunman) took the Beacon to Mont Saint
Michel in northern France.
Paul and Norma Newton,Garry and Mary Sapp of
Milan; Dale and Pauline Rodmaker of Georgetown,
IN; and Mike and Carol Jansen of Crestview Hills,
KY; visited Ketchikan. Norma, Mary, and Pauline are
sisters.
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.
It’s interesting
to see how
well-traveled
our readers are!
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
13260 EVGENY CT.
DILLSBORO, IN 47018
BROCKSSTORAGELLC@GMAIL.COM
812.290.1290
MOTORCOACH & MINI STORAGE
AVAILABLE
By Alan Thorup, CRMP
Recently, a good friend of
mine was talking with me
about the current situation
with his father who is close
to ninety years old and not in
good health. My friend has
three siblings and has been
designated by his father and
sisters as the ‘Executor’ of
his father’s estate, the person
legally appointed to manage
and disburse assets of a deceased
person’s estate as well
as identifying and paying off
liabilities. In my life, I have
been designated as Executor
of two estates, first for my
father and then for my older
brother. In each case, we had
documents drawn up that allowed
me to take care of their
financial needs and wishes
both before and after their
passing away.
While it is not a pleasant
task to work on, we all must
take a look at our situations in
life and prepare for the ‘What
if?’ and ‘When?’. For me, this
started back in 1993, not long
after our daughter was born.
My wife and I met with an attorney
and had the following
documents drawn up to address
our financial concerns:
a last Will and Testament,
‘Power of Attorney’, and a
‘Living Will Declaration’.
The ‘Last Will and Testament’
specifies, in writing, a
person’s final wishes and instructions
in regard to the disposition
of their assets. This
helps avoid disputes, provides
guidance for family members
and others mentioned in the
Will, and allows for an easier
administration of the estate.
Financial Planning for the Future
The ‘Power of Attorney’
(POA) designates someone
who can make decisions and
act on a person’s behalf while
they are still alive, including
if that person is unable to
do so due to incapacitation.
This person would normally
be able to manage finances,
including; paying bills, accessing
bank accounts as
needed, investing, and selling
property. A POA can also be
designated as a ‘limited’ POA
that has specific limitations of
authority or a ‘general’ POA.
Additionally, it can be ‘Durable’
or ‘Non-Durable’ regarding
a person’s capacity.
Finally, a ‘Living Will
Declaration’ may have a significant
impact on finances as
it specifies a person’s wishes
regarding medical treatment
they want to receive or
deny if that person becomes
incapacitated or terminally
ill. In addition to the financial
implications, this document
can reduce conflict within a
family about a loved one’s
care as well as provide guidance
based on their wishes.
In addition to these legal
documents, you may want to
consider documenting your
financial assets and liabilities
periodically. I have done this
annually for years, and with
our children now being adults,
I have shared this information
with them regarding the dollar
amounts, as well as where
these assets and liabilities are.
You may also want to
consider additional ways
in which you can prepare
yourself and your family for
these situations, which could
include adding a relative (son,
daughter, other) to accounts in
case you need help. However,
if you do so, be aware of the
opportunity for some things to
happen, unintended or not, by
adding that relative.
Two final notes, first, in the
situation where a loved one
has passed away, and you
believe all of his/her assets are
accounted for, take the extra
step and go to the Indiana
Office of the Attorney General’s
website at: https://www.
indianaunclaimed.gov/ and do
a search to see whether or not
there are funds that have been
forwarded (escheated) to the
state due to lack of consumerinitiated
activity. A few years
after my father died in 2007
in Michigan, my sister went
online to the Michigan Department
of Treasury and submitted
a request for their unclaimed
property. Sure enough,
as meticulous as our father was
with his finances, he forgot to
list an account he had in the
documentation he prepared for
us before passing away. With
that knowledge, and me being
the Executor of his estate, I
was able to have those funds
sent to me to distribute as our
father had designated.
Lastly, in our complex
world today, I believe your
interests are best served by
seeking out professionals with
knowledge of what I have
written above. As such, you
may want to seek the services
of an Attorney who is familiar
with estate law to ensure
that your wishes, and those of
loved ones, are taken care of
properly and legally binding.
SPECIALIZING IN
HEALTH and MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT INSURANCE
SHOP LOCAL and tell our advertisers you saw them in The BEACON!
Page 12B THE BEACON February 2025
7047065_100_SEHADA_HVI_Expedited_Beacon_10x19.pdf 1 7/21/23 10:39 AM
Get it All at www.goBEACONnews.com