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Since 1882 ~ Successor to The Poseyville News and The New Harmony Times • New Harmony, IN
“Our liberties we prize, and our rights we will maintain.” Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Posey County’s only locally-owned newspaper
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Volume 134 Edition 29
New Harmony residents to wait out decision on FEMA Flood Plain plan
Property insurance rates could double
Posey County 4-H Fair talent show winner Amber Allyn shows that she was all wound up about this year’s Posey County Fair. Nearperfect weather made for one of the most pleasant fair weeks in most peoples’ memories. Photo by Dave Pearce
By Lois Mittino Gray In a Posey County News front page story last week, the problem of FEMA’s new floodplain boundary map for New Harmony that reclassifies over 50 percent of the town as Class A high risk floodplain was discussed. Effects of this redrawn map will include homeowners with mortgages having to purchase expensive FEMA national flood insurance, perceived lowered property values, and restrictions on building permits and additions to current structures. Members of the town council, the business community, and local homeowners are clamoring for more information on how this will affect them when the map boundaries become effective November 5. In response to growing concern, the New Harmony Town Council has scheduled a public information meeting on Saturday, August 23 in the Granary at 9 a.m. “We are working on it and the elevation data is under review at the DNR at this time. We should have some answers by then,” said Council Member Linda Warrum, who has been attending meetings and contacting officials about the issue all summer. It is expected that local legislators or their representatives, real estate experts, bankers, county commissioners and DNR/FEMA employees will attend. The public is invited to come with questions and a listening ear. Information is critical for local residents who are just now finding out about this change and its implications. “Many people feel that the town council has known about this for a long time, but we did not know any more about this than they did. We found out when they found out,” said Joe Straw, Town Council President. Straw and Warrum agree that they first became aware of the problem at the May 9 Farm Bureau sponsored public meeting held in the Granary when DNR Assistant Director of Water George Bowman explained that the new elevation number to be above the floodplain was going to be 386.1 feet above sea level. Most of New Harmony is at 380 feet in eleva-
tion. “We asked then, and still want to, know how did they come up with this number?” Straw said. Local experts feel it is set too high and does not truly reflect the natural flow of the Wabash River water. It uses two highest flood level numbers that were anomalies.” Councilwoman Warrum learned at a meeting the end of June in Bedford that the 381.6 feet elevation number is now in review by the DNR. “We thought it was set in stone at first, but evidently our questions as to the process used to determine it has caused them to go back and do their homework some more. We should find out soon if the number will change.” Meetings have been held statewide on floodplain re-designation and many other towns on the White and Wabash Rivers will be adversely affected too. FEMA will create these map changes and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Water Division will administer it. The changes will require many more property owners to buy FEMA National Flood Insurance and that bodes well with the government agency. It is almost 24 billion dollars in debt after Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy and needs to refill its coffers. New Harmony Business Associates President David A. Flanders sent the town council a letter notifying them that his group unanimously voted for a motion requesting elected officials convene a public meeting with the appropriate representatives to answer questions and discuss the implications of the proposed flood map for New Harmony. In addition, as a member of the New Harmony Planning Commission, he made a motion adopted unanimously requesting the town council retain such expertise as necessary to evaluate the map and its implications and propose strategies to mitigate its effect. The town council has been notified it must pass an ordinance for flood hazard areas sent to them by FEMA/ DNR by the November 5 date. “It is 21 pages
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State mandates require extra court security here
By Valerie Werkmeister The court system in Posey County will soon have armed security thanks to a mandate handed down from the Indiana Supreme Court. Sheriff Greg Oeth informed the Posey County Council during their Tuesday, July 8, meeting that he is currently working on a proposal to hire four new deputies. Oeth plans to have two deputies in each building that houses court. Oeth stated Posey County is the only county in the region that does not already have a physical person providing security for the courtrooms.
He intends to have one deputy at the entry point of the building and a second deputy stationed near the courtroom when it is in session. If court is not in session, that deputy may be utilized wherever necessary. The county has already installed camera systems in both courtrooms as well as other public access areas. Oeth said the problem with having deputies provide security has been the expense to the county. He is currently working on a budget that will be for courthouse security.
Briefly Poseyville Autumnfest to be held September 27-28 The Poseyville Autumnfest will be held on the last full weekend of September on the 27 and 28. This year’s theme is Posey County, a tale of two centuries. Posey County is 200 years old this year, so come enjoy the festivities. Again this year, entertainment on Saturday evening will be the Hot Rod Lincoln Band. Purdue, Health Dept. unite for food program Are you thinking about making healthy living part of your 2014 goals? Join Marion VA Nutrition Services along with Posey County Health Department and Purdue Extension for the Move! Towards a healthier you classes. This free eight week series covers eating well, sleeping better, moving more, and finding your healthy weight. This program will meet weekly on Tuesdays from 4:30-5:30 p.m., at the Alexandrian Public Library July 8 - August 26. To register or for more information, please contact Kristina Carter, Posey County Public Health Nurse at 812-838-1330. New Harmony to hold FEMA Flood Map community meeting At a recent Town Council meeting, council member Linda Warrum announced a community meeting with representatives of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to answer questions regarding the proposed FEMA Flood Map for New Harmony. Insurance reps also have also been invited. Council president Joe Straw made a special request to share this announcement with business members; presumably in response to NHBA’S June 5 letter to him asking for an informational meeting. While it’s not clear that Council has formulated an official response to the proposed FEMA flood map, this is a start. This meeting is open to all residents of New Harmony. Saturday, August 23 at 9 a.m. at The Granary, 413 W. Granary Street. For more information, contact Town Hall at 812.682.4846. Villages of Indiana announces foster parent information nights At any given time there are 10,000 children in Indiana’s foster care system. The Villages of Indiana is hosting foster parent information events. The Villages is a private, statewide non-profit organization provides an array of family services, including foster care training and certification for Hoosier parents. Upcoming info nights in the Evansville area are scheduled for: Aug. 21 or Sept. 18, 2014 at 5:30 p.m. The Villages at 100 N. St. Joseph Ave., Suite 200, RSVP to 800-601-7754 PC Democrats to host Poker Run Posey County Democrats will host a Poker Run Saturday, August 2,2014 at 10 a.m. Location: Lueder Barn, 810 Upper Upton Road, Mount Vernon, Ind. 50 percent of proceeds from Registration will go to the Posey County Relay For Life. Cost - $15 per driver, $5 each passenger. Under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent. For more information call 812-4554693 or 812-568-2225.
Retrospective ...... A 4 Legals ...................B 4 Classifieds ........ B 6 - 7 Community ......... A 7
Council members approved a $20,000 additional appropriation for the Auditor’s office. Auditor Kyle Haney requested the funds in order to implement a new time clock system. The funds will be used to purchase a new software system and a time clock for the sheriff’s department. Currently, county employees fill out a paper time card. An employee in the auditor’s office must then input the data on a spreadsheet to tally the time and then it is
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Arrests made in ‘shots fired’ call Special to the News On July 15 at about 11:45 a.m. Mount Vernon police were dispatched to the area of Sawmill Street and Short Sycamore streets on a “shots fired” call. According to information from Mount Vernon Police Chief Grant Beloat, officers arrived on scene and were told by witnesses that a light color Monte Carlo was involved in the incident and that one of the people involved was Spencer Key Jr. Officers located the vehicle approximately one block from the scene. Two males were standing in front of the vehicle. One of the males was identified as 22-year-old Spencer Key Jr., of Mount Vernon, Ind. Both men were taken to the Posey County Jail for additional questioning. A pat down of Key resulted in the discovery of a clear plastic baggie containing marijuana. He was charged with Possession of Marijuana with a prior conviction, a misdemeanor. As part of the additional investigation, officers searched a home located at 118 S. Owen Street Lot 5. During the search, 23-year-old Taylor Key of Mount Vernon, Ind., was located hiding in a bedroom closet. Key gave officers false information concerning his name and date of birth. According to police, he became
very hostile and was arrested on charges of Disorderly Conduct and False Informing. A warrant check also showed that Taylor Key had warrants for his arrest from Vanderburgh County, Ind. Information was also obtained that indicated 43-year-old Edward Lewis of 1018 Sycamore Street was involved in the shots being fired. A search warrant was issued for 1018 Sycamore Street. During the search of the residence a Hi-Point Model C9 9 millimeter handgun and a partial box of 9 millimeter ammunition were located. Lewis was arrested and taken to the Posey County Jail on charges of Criminal Recklessness with a Firearm and Pointing a Firearm, both felonies. During the investigation two 9 millimeter shell casings were found in the street near the intersection of Sycamore Street and Sawmill streets. A black Remington .22 caliber rifle was located in the alley behind 839 Sycamore Street. The investigation is continuing and additional arrests are possible. The Mount Vernon Police Department was assisted in the investigation by the Posey County Sheriff’s Department and the Indiana State Police.
The Friends of Harmonie Board Member President Fred Hirsch, along with his wife Marilyn and daughters (l) Michelle Hirsch and (r)Valerie Dassel, show-off the door prizes that will soon be claimed by lucky winners at the annual Luau that was held at New Harmonie State Park on Saturday, July 19. The crowd of more than 325 enjoyed the perfect weather, delicious food and free swimming. Photo by Michelle Gibson
Deaths .............. ...A3 Church ................ A 8 Social .................. A 5 School ................. A 6
Sports ............... B 2 - 3 Bus/Ag ................ A 6 Opinion ............... A 2 TV Guide........ A9-10