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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, May 21, 2013
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Volume 133 Edition 21
Governor pulls plug on Posey fertilizer plant
Posey Economic Development Director John Taylor says issue is still not dead
By Valerie Werkmeister and Dave Pearce The merits of a proposed fertilizer plant coming to Posey County were discussed during the May 7 commissioner’s meeting. Economic Development Director, John Taylor, advised the commissioners he is “just waiting for the governor to say ‘yes’.” The project has been put on hold pending further review by Governor Mike Pence. Federal government officials were questioning the product the plant will produce being used in bombs against American troops abroad. But a majority of the wind was taken out of the sails of Fatima and local economic development officials this week when Indiana Governor Mike Pence announced that the
state has withdrawn all incentives that had been considered if the plant would locate in Posey County. “I did not take this decision lightly. Economic development is important, but the safety and security of our soldiers in harm’s way is more important,” Pence said. “Throughout the past four months, our administration has worked in good faith to evaluate whether our state should be involved in this project. I am aware of Fatima Group’s efforts and cooperation with federal defense officials in recent weeks and believe their actions to be sincere. “While we have been encouraged by promises made by Fatima Group to replace production of their current fertilizer with a more inert and less explosive formula in Pakistan, at
this point in time, U.S. officials have not been able to independently confirm this fact and, as such, Indiana will not be moving forward with this project. “Without assurances from our Defense Department that the materials which have been misused by the enemy in Afghanistan will be permanently removed from production by Fatima Group in Pakistan, I cannot in good conscience tell our soldiers and their families that this deal should move forward.” “The proposed project by Midwest Fertilizer Company to build a $1.8 billion plant and create thousands of jobs for Hoosiers would have been a major boost to Posey County and the surrounding economy,” said State Representative Wendy McNamara. “I have worked
hard to make Indiana one of the most attractive states for a company to locate and grow their business because of the strength of the Hoosier workforce and our pro-taxpayer and business-friendly tax climate. I will continue to work to bring high-paying jobs to our community, and I am confident in Posey County’s job opportunities and growth moving forward.” Taylor pointed out during last week’s meeting that Pence recently spoke with a group of veterans who were in favor of the plant coming to the area. Taylor added that Pence also met with families of a group of wounded warriors who also gave their blessing.
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Posey under federal eye for alleged voter issues
GE, SABIC retirees to meet The General Electric and SABIC retirees biannual luncheon will be held on May 15, at 11:30 a.m., at the Red Wagon in Poseyville. For more information, please call Charles Crabtree at 812-437-1353.
Indiana approach as well as some other smaller things,” he explained. “The bridge span is in good condition, the problems are on these approach spans. There are expansion joints where water goes through the gaps with no filler and rusts the trusses underneath them. Plates can be welded on these spots”. His report states that the bridge is salvageable and estimates that these four repairs would cost $40,000. As soon as possible, the accumulated dirt and debris under the deck drains needs to be removed with high pressure water jets and the deck joints and under the deck curb drains need to be replaced with improved design features. “It is far from beyond hope and totally repairable,” Barker said. Carmi Business Owner Rhoda Wade asked why a loan wasn’t taken out by the White County Bridge Commission to cover this as it is less than a house mortgage. “What’s holding this up?” she queried. Darvon Barnes asked how much the WCBC had remaining in its accounts and was told $75,000. Dr. David Rice, representing the WCBC, explained that the commission is private and was created by
By Valerie Werkmeister A $3,500 additional fund request by the Posey County Election Board informed Posey County Council members that the county is under federal scrutiny for irregularities on voter poll lists. David Whitten addressed the council to request the additional funds on behalf of the election board. “The additional funding is necessary. The most important reason is that the State of Indiana is one of 12 states who are defendants in a federal lawsuit alleging multiple violations of the National Voter Registration Act. Posey County is one of several counties in the state of Indiana which is being monitored by the Office of the Secretary of State. The Posey County Clerk and the Posey County election Board have been put on notice that there are irregularities that are cause for concern. One example is that there are over 19,000 names on voter poll lists in a county with a population of approximately 27 [27,000] residents. Also, it was reported to us that the last election in Posey County was monitored by federal officials,” Whitten stated. Whitten explained the election office and the election board have met regularly since the beginning of the year to make the necessary changes imposed upon the office to become compliant with state and federal law. They also discuss ways to make elections more voter-friendly and costeffective. Posey County Council President Bob Gentil pointed out that the $500 amount requested at budget time was funded by the council. Whitten acknowledged the amount is usually sufficient during off election years. However, as the board works to ensure compliance, funds are needed, in
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Softball sectional tickets here North Posey High School girls’ softball advance sectional tournament tickets are on sale now in the high school athletic office. Season tickets (good for all sessions) are $9, and single session tickets are $6 and may be purchased at the gate. North Posey will play Forest Park on Tuesday, May 21, at 5:30 p.m. (cst).
Memorial Day Services set The American Legion Post 370 Posey County Community Foundation representative Johnna Denning reads a description of the history of will hold Memorial Day Services, the Byron and Lila Brenton Memorial Scholarship, as Andrew Wilson presents the award to Megan Baehl at Monday, May 27, 2013. Services will North Posey Honors Day last Thursday. Photo by Zach Straw be held at the following: Maple Hill Cemetery, New Harmony, 9 a.m.; Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Griffin, 9:30 a.m.; Bethsaida Cemetery, Robb, 10 a.m.; By Lois Mittino Gray do an independent assessment of the bridge condition. Stewartsville Cemetery, Stewartsville, About 75 concerned citizens from both sides of the His report concurs with the one done in May by AE10:30 a.m.; New Harmony Memorial Wabash River attended a meeting Wednesday evening CON Engineering that led to the bridge closure by the (by the town hall), 11 a.m. For more in the Granary to explore four options for the local White County Bridge Commission. information call the Legion at 812bridge spanning both states which has been closed since “Basically there is one critical repair needed on the Il682-3873. May 2012. After discussion and listening to an engi- linois side approach and three more minor repairs on the
New options could be savior for bridge
Posey Demo Women meet The Posey County Democrat Women’s Club will be meeting at Weinzapfel’s Tavern on May 21, at 6 p.m. Everyone is invited.
Viking graduation set North Posey High School Graduation will be held on Friday, May 24, 2013, at 7 p.m. in the gymnasium.
Chamber Luncheon set The Posey County Chamber Quarterly Luncheon, featuring guest speaker Phil Wilzbacher, will be held on May 22 at noon. Wilzbacher will update those attending on the Ports of Indiana-Mount Vernon. For more information, please call Brittaney Johnson at 838-3639.
Class of 78 seeks members The North Posey Class of 1978 will hold its 35-year Class Reunion on Saturday, July 6, 2013. The group is trying to locate some classmates. If you have the contact information (address and or phone number) for any of the following, please contact Bobbi (Strange) Ziliak at bobbiziliak@gmail.com or Julie (Lupfer) Williams Daugherty at 812-568-4628. Robert Pfister, Michael Oursler, Jo ann Hisch Monarch, Peggy Montgomery Cooper, Dean Stratton, Shelia Bebout Davis, David Cavins, Carla Cox Mobley, Jeanne Dockery Eagan, Bryant Duncan, Alice Farrar Duncan, Geoff Finn, Julie Gates Templeton, Jay Geisler, Becky Gochenour Timmers, Amy Greenfield Coleman, Kent Heckman, Cary Hopf, Billy Koester, Sharon McCormick Brendel, Becky Montgomery Wade, Kim Morris, Tim Paul, Rick Pharr, Lisa Schley Brown, Colleen Smith Voegel, Susie Stierley Tapp, Bobby Theobald, Keith Voegel, Linda Whelan Cortopassi, Greg Yearwood, Sheryl Young, Paula Allen Brown, Jimmie Axton, Leslie Bailey, Vicki Basham.
neer’s report, the group agreed to form a committee and elect leaders at their next meeting with the objective of exploring ways to turn the bridge over to a public entity, thus making it eligible for public grants to repair and reopen it. Illinois farmer Dave Brown opened the meeting by asking the audience “what do we want and what do we need for our bridge? If it is a need, it must be driven by us”. He outlined four possible options for the bridge. Option one is to refurbish the bridge as it existed before with two lanes of traffic and a 36,000 pound weight limit. Option two is to make it a one lane bridge with a lower weight limit for cars and small trucks. Option three is to make it a pedestrian only walking bridge and option four is to build an entirely new structure. “We also need non-traditional thinking on how to finance what we choose”, he continued “because traditional thinking has closed the bridge and padlocked the gate”. James Barker, President of Barker Engineering of Bloomington, Indiana, addressed the question of the condition of the bridge right now. His firm was hired last summer by the Historic Landmarks Foundation to
PCCF Garden Walk is June 8 By Valerie Werkmeister What do women and children, beautiful homes and gardens, and the Women’s Fund of the Posey County Community Foundation have in common? The answer is the Second Annual Garden Walk scheduled for June 8, 2013. The gardens of Dennis and Carolyn Wintz, Shawn and Cindy Nix, Phil and Patty Ferguson, Mark and Mary Weintraut, Greg and Rosemary Knowles, and the St John’s prayer garden will be open for viewing from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 8. In addition, Carol Peerman, Master Gardener, will be giving talks at the Riverfront Rain Garden. Light refreshments will be served at every garden. The Women’s Foundation is sponsoring this event in an effort to raise awareness and funds for programs supporting women and children in Posey County. The organization is pleased to sponsor this second annual event sharing the beauty of Mount Vernon gardens with the possibility of expanding beyond Mount Vernon in the future. Advanced tickets ($12) for the garden walk may be purchased at Golden Rose in New Harmony, Crazy Little Daisy in Poseyville, Compton’s Flower Patch in Griffin, and several Mount Vernon locations including Guilty Pleasures, Mount Vernon Flower Shop, Hasting Plants and IGA. Tickets will also be available on the day of the garden walk at the Riverfront in Mount Vernon for $15. The Women’s Fund of Posey County was established in 2004 with the goal of supporting programs that give opportunities, encouragement, knowledge and hope to women and children in Posey County. In the years since inception, the Women’s Fund has granted over $53,000 to organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Posey County, USI Go Robotics Pictured is Mary Weintraut, Mount Vernon Garden Club member, befor Posey County girls, Willow Tree and numerous non-profit organiza- tween Connie Siefert (L) and Marcie Miller (R), board members of the tions. Posey County Community Foundation Women’s Fund. Photo submitted
ThePCN
Inside this issue... Retrospective ................... A4 Community .......... A5 Social ...................... A6 Legals ............................. B5-6 Deaths ................ A3 Sports .................. B1-4 Classifieds ..................... B7-9 Church .................. A7 Bus/Ag .................. A11
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