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Since 1882 ~ Successor to The Poseyville News and The New Harmony Times • New Harmony, IN Posey County’s locally-owned newspaper
Tuesday November 20, 2012
Volume 135 Edition 47
New Harmony Council votes to reject gift, grant for trails By Pam Robinson With all members present, the New Harmony Town Council voted unanimously Thursday evening, Nov. 15, to rescind a $150,000, 20 percent matching grant and return the money for an additional 1.2 mile trail, honoring veterans, to connect with an existing 2.5 mile trail running along the river. A New Harmony Business Associate had donated almost another $50,000 to cover the match portion. Council members had met in a special session already on Monday to discuss this issue. According to Town Council President David Campbell, the vote to rescind the grant was necessary to stop the trail project; otherwise, council must proceed to lay out the trail. Some of the reasons cited for the decision included being able to afford maintenance
on the trail, the existence of enough trails already, the lack of a scenic view along the trail and the meandering of the trail outside New Harmony town limits. Maintenance on existing trails is funded through golf cart registration fees. During discussion, it was stated also that the trail project was the work of previous council members. Since current council members agreed to engineering fees of $3,500 for the project, the Town of New Harmony will honor that expense. During public discussion after the vote, New Harmony resident Don Williams commented, “I’d like to say this isn’t exactly forward thinking in terms of development of our town around where the trail might be. Whichever board signed, I think has a contractual obligation to maintain the trail. And
it’s a little like voting down the consolidation of government. I would like to go on record as saying I would really like to see the trail completed around. I personally feel like the maintenance would be somewhat less in the areas that it’s being done, with the exception possibly over close to the river, than it has been in the past. That’s one man’s opinion, and we’re all entitled to have an opinion on it.” Immediately following Williams’ comments, New Harmony resident and outgoing Parks Board President Jeanne Maudlin spoke. “One woman’s opinion—here it comes. I’m sorry that the council decided to terminate the trail project. I would agree with what Don said. I’m surprised that the maintenance concern is an issue where the trail is going to be. I understand there would be maintenance, but
it seems not as much as there is down on the river. The last thing that I want to address is you all have to appoint citizen volunteers to work on these boards, and I think you need to think about the big picture because you had a citizen volunteer who worked for years on this trail and also was the first President of the Parks Board and did Playtopia, a one of a kind thing in the nation. So I’m hoping I’m in the minutes that number one, Mick McConnell, enormous thanks and huge praise – the same to his wife, Barbara – and, golly, I hope you haven’t shot yourself in the foot trying to find interested and educated and communityloving citizens who are willing to give of their time and talents to the promotion of this community.”
Continued on Page A3
Countrymark, Hyman family excited for new Habitat home By Pam Robinson The Rev. Myers Hyman and his wife, Anna, have a long-standing commitment to helping their neighbors. A South Carolina native, Myers met Anna, a Wyoming native, in 1972, when the two were studying at the Nazarene Bible College in Colorado Springs. The following June 2, 1973, they were married, and they have been dedicated to Christian ministry ever since. In Mount Vernon alone, where the Hymans came to lead ministry at First Nazarene Church in 2000, they have fed hundreds of hungry people with hot evening meals since opening At the Cross Mission in 2007. During their ministry, they have sacrificed greatly to meet the needs of others. Now, with the help of Habitat for Humanity, the Hymans look forward to owning their first home. Habitat will allow them to secure a zero percent interest mortgage, so their monthly house payments are affordable. In addition, the couple will pay for their home with their labor, or “sweat equity,” to help build it. This past Wednesday afternoon, the Hymans looked on as Habitat for Humanity of Evansville’s Executive Director Lori Reed received a $55,000 check from Countrymark CEO Charlie Smith to fund the building of the new home at the intersection of Maple and Second streets in Mount Vernon. In addition, they lifted shovels with Countrymark officials and Habitat leaders for a symbolic groundbreaking at the site. Construction will begin on the home late summer, 2013, and the Hymans expect to move in between Thanksgiving and Christmas next year. Until then, they will continue to live in the parsonage next door to First Nazarene Church. Although Myers and Anna are comfortable there, they Countrymark CEO Charlie Smith congratulates the Rev. Myers Hyman and his wife, Anna, as they both agree having a home of their own will be much more satisfying. will be the recipients of a new Habitat home planned for Mount Vernon. The Hymans have been respon“I want to plant flowers and do landscaping that I never have to leave,” Anna comments. “It’ll also be nice to paint the walls any color I want.” sible for running the ‘At the Cross Mission’ in Mount Vernon. The couple is excited to finally have a Myers adds that his first action in the house will be to “have prayer and home they can call their own. Photo by Pam Robinson. thank the Lord for it.” The couple is deeply moved by the support of the community. “It feels good to have people helping me a little,” Myers says. “Getting help is very unusual for us,” Anna adds. “It is nice.” •Delores Schweikart’s request to retire as a bus By Valerie Werkmeister Members of the MSD of North Posey approved a driver, effective December 20, after 41.5 years of proposal that will restructure the water system at the service. •Leah Stormant’s request to resign as the junior junior high and high school. George Link of VPS Architecture and Gene Wilderman of Wilderman and high girls’ basketball coach, effective immediately. Associates presented a plan last Monday, November Instead, she will become the freshmen girls’ basket12, to board members. ball coach. The duo explained various options and felt the •Cody Heldt’s resignation request as part-time cusbest recommendation includes boring a line directly todian at NES, effective November 9. underneath the school. They stated it will cause less •Kelly Carlton’s request to hire Charlene Wiethop disruption and avoids conflicts with utility lines lo- as an instructional assistant at STES. cated in back of the school. They also felt confident •Carlton’s request to hire Jason Pharr as the boys’ ing ordinance. Bourne explained with their choice to bore under the school and did not basketball coach at STES. By Valerie Werkmeister In small communities, vol- the amendment was necessary to have any concerns that would be problematic for the •Scott Strieter’s request to hire Ryan Schmitt as a unteers help make the world go change wording in B3 and M2 zon- building. volunteer boys’ basketball coach and Brad Miller as a ‘round. When volunteers are in ing districts from use by right to The board approved the base bid and the P-5 alter- volunteer wrestling coach. short demand, the reality of the loss use by special exception. She stat- nate that will add up to a combined cost of $60,256. •Kavanaugh’s request to hire Morgan Stierley as that invaluable manpower brings is ed these types of requests must go The board may entertain the idea of accepting spon- the girls’ basketball coach at the junior high. felt by all. The last few remaining before the board before permission sorships at their December meeting. They decided to The next board meeting will be held on Monday, members of the Poseyville Volun- is granted for these use types. Ron table a request by Virgil Ferguson to accept a sponsor- December 10, at 7 p.m. in the junior high school cafteer Fire Department know all too Fallowfield and Baker approved ship from the Army Reserves for as much as $1,000. eteria. well how critically important their the request. Council member Steve The funds would go towards the high school athletic job is to this community. Their Ahrens did not attend the meeting. fund. Board members would like more information They also approved ordinance regarding the sponsorship and may decide to create a membership has dipped to an all2012-08-15-01 regarding the Fair policy outlining rules for other businesses or entities time low of 12 members. Assistant fire chief, Sam Mar- Housing. Baker explained that al- who desire sponsorship opportunities. tin, informed members of the though Poseyville doesn’t have Superintendent Dr. Todd Camp informed the board Poseyville Town Council, that two this type of housing, passage was he had received quotes from Action Pest Control and more members recently resigned. necessary if the town ever wanted Moore Pest Control as directed. He will need time to They cited conflicts with full-time to apply for and receive federal compare information from both quotes before making jobs as reasons they were unable to grants. a formal recommendation to the board. Attorney William H. Bender precontinue to fulfill their duties. In other business, the board approved the followThe current membership held of- sented a draft of an ordinance pro- ing: ficer elections and all officers will hibiting parking of semi-tractors •A facility use request by Larry Williams of the Old retain their current positions for a and trailers on the streets within the Timer Basketball Players to use the North Elementary period of two years. Chris Neaveill town limits. Members will consider gym on various dates from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. remains as chief, and Jeff Droege the amount of a fine to assess per •Tracy Stroud and Heath Howington’s request to offense per day and consider pas- use the high school gym in November and December will continue as deputy chief. Martin issued a request to spend sage at their December meeting. for the youth basketball program. Council members have previremaining fire department funds to •Mariann Robinson’s request to use the South Terpurchase new pagers and fire hose. ously expressed concern over lim- race Elementary School (STES) gym on various dates However, town council president, ited space on Fletchall Street near from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Bruce Baker, expressed concern North Elementary School. Bender •Terri Waugaman’s request to use the high school about depleting account funds too stated he spoke with Superinten- auditorium on December 10 and 11 for the North Elsoon. He worried that if a truck dent Dr. Todd Camp about the traf- ementary School (NES) Christmas program. broke down or other crisis arose, fic congestion near the school dur•A request by Steve Kavanaugh to purchase Knox they might not have enough funds ing drop-off and pick-up times. No boxes for the fire and police departments at each to handle the expenditure. Instead, parking signs are currently posted school building. The boxes will contain keys that will he suggested they wait until the last in front of the school to try to deter enable emergency responders to gain access to the meeting of the year before making parents from stopping the flow of buildings in the event of an emergency. traffic. However, a long-term solua decision to purchase the items. •The appointment of Barbara Heldt, Linda Reising Members heard a request by tion has not yet been identified. and Jennifer Werry to the Poseyville Carnegie Public The next regular meeting will be Library Board. Mindy Bourne of the Posey Little Emily Schmitt enjoys some of the food County Area Plan Commission held on Wednesday, December 12, •Donna Nash’s request to retire as a teacher from at the Salem Huesler Sausage Supper held on to approve an amendment to the at 4:30 p.m. in the Poseyville Com- NES after 21.5 years of service. Her retirement will Saturday evening. The event was well-attended. recently passed consolidate zon- munity Center. be effective December 31. Photo by Dave Pearce
Water improvements coming to North Posey
Poseyville Fire Dept. seeks to answer call with depleted ranks
Technology could be one answer
ThePCN
Go to www.poseycountynews.com
Inside this issue... Retrospective ................... A4 Legals ................................ B5 Classifieds ..................... B3-4
Community ........... A5 Social ...................... A6 Deaths ................... A3 Sports ................. C1-12 Church .................. A7 Bus/Ag .............. A9-11
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