Floating restaurant could go under by Joe Awad

DeaRboRn county RegisteR

THE THEDCREGISTER.COM

THURSDAY, AUG. 9, 2018

Floating restaurant could go under By Joe Awad Managing Editor jawad@registerpublications.com

The River Watch tiki barge in Lawrenceburg that sunk in April must be raised off the river bottom by Friday, Sept. 14, or the city will lose its permit to host a restaurant off the dock, but the problem is the restaurant owner does not have the cash to do the job. Mike Rauen told city council Monday, Aug. 6, he could not make the deadline and does not have the minimum $90,000 to float the boat despite a directive from the Army Corps of Engineers that it must be out of the water by mid-September.

Despite conjecture the barge floated away it remains at the bottom of the Ohio River not far from where it sunk, said Rauen, who explained the Lawrenceburg Fire Department located it with sonar. The Corps allowed River Watch to temporarily anchor the barge to the river bottom. “I hired a marine surveyor, an investigator, because I believe this just didn’t sink on its own, so I had to have the investigation launched,” said Rauen. Certified divers then anchored the barge to pylons, and a report was turned over to the Corps, he said. In June, the city issued Rauen a default notice. He then sent city councilmen a packet

that included copies of the default notice and a letter responding to city attorney Del Weldon. “At that time, the Corps gave us a removal date of Sept. 14 to have that out of the water. So where I’m at at this time is I have RFPs going out to five or six marine salvage companies. … This barge has to come up. It cannot remain there. It is not good for us, it is not good for me, then I would lose my business totally,” said Rauen. Lawrenceburg Mayor Kelly Mollaun said the barge must be raised ASAP, and emphasized a Corps official told him it must be out of the river by the deadline or the city loses the permit.

Rauen came to council looking for financial assistance, and vowed to repay the money within five years, but Mollaun and Weldon stressed they are more concerned about meeting the Corp’s deadline to preserve the permit. Weldon asked Rauen and his attorney, Matthew Montgomery, several times if Rauen would commit to have the barge out by Sept. 1. If not, the city would take over because it must be out as ordered, and a minimum of eight days is needed to accomplish the difficult task, which requires expertise. Still, Weldon said the city needs about two weeks

See FLOATING, Page 7

Contiguous cities Moores Hill set to celebrate 200 years study electricity companies merger By Chandra L. Mattingly Staff Reporter

cmattingly@registerpublications.com

Greendale workers would receive the same benefits and retirement package as Lawjawad@registerpublications.com renceburg electrical utility Lawrenceburg Mayor employees, he said. Kelly Mollaun revealed Mon“Sometimes we need to day, Aug. 6, that a feasibility state those things that directly study has been launched to because the rumor mill can combine Lawrenceburg’s and take it and kind of turn it Greendale’s electricity comaround,” said Clawpanies. son. The idea is being The study is being pursued to lower done at the request of operating costs for the mayors to deterboth cities, and does mine if both cities can not include sewer or save money by mergwater services. ing, he said. Mollaun told Mollaun added that council and the Weiss was announcpublic that he and ing the information Greendale Mayor Alan Weiss Monday night to apAlan Weiss have propriate Greendale signed a preliminary officials. agreement, and read Lawrenceburg and the memorandum Greendale are memverbatim: bers of the Indiana “Lawrenceburg Municipal Power Utilities and GreenAgency, which brodale Utilities are in kers electricity costs agreement to invesfor its members. tigate the feasibility IMPA was creatof combining their Kelly Mollaun ed by municipally electric utilities into owned electric utilia common entity. After the details are flushed out, the re- ties to share power resources, sults will be shared with each and provide electricity more municipality’s utility board economically to its customers. It is a non-profit organizafor discussion and vetting.” tion, owned and governed by If the results do not favor its members. IMPA focuses both cities, then “it is off the on providing 61 communities table,” added Mollaun. Utility Director Olin Claw- with wholesale power at low son said the “merge or to cost. A source close to the study, assume” the Greendale Utiliwho requested anonymity, ty” will not result in a single layoff of Greendale’s existing said Greendale’s electricity rates to consumers are likely electrical utility employees. If the merger works out, to increase without the merge. By Joe Awad Managing Editor

Later this year, Moores Hill will celebrate its 200th birthday – marking the year the town was “pioneered,” however, not the year it was platted. The dozen-plus volunteers coordinating the celebration Saturday, Sept. 22, aren’t the first to credit the 1818 date as the town’s birth. A couple of months ago, Tammy Wismann, her husband Dave Wismann and her cousin Lynn Allen were at Moores Hill’s Carnegie Hall during one of the Sunday tours there when Dave Wismann noticed a plate from the town’s sesquicentennial. “He said, ‘Oh! This year is Moores Hill’s 200th anniversary!’” because the plate was dated 1958, recalled Tammy Wismann. Founder Adam Moore came to the area and got the town going in 1818, although the town wasn’t platted until 1939, the date on its entrance sign. So Allen, the Wismanns and Moores Hill Town Board member Dee Russell initiated the idea, then were joined by over a dozen others. “We’ve really been trying to throw things together quickly,” said Tammy Wismann. The result will be the Moores Hill Bicentennial Celebration, featuring entertainment, games and demonstrations, and, of course, a parade, which will begin at 11 a.m. There also will be bicentennial t-shirts for sale, and a quilt raffle. “I tried to get the local churches involved,” said

SUBMITTED PHOTO

JoAnne Miller made this quilt to raffle for the Moores Hill Bicentennial Celebration Saturday, Sept. 22. Wismann. As a result, the First Baptist Church of Moores Hill will offer root bear floats in bicentennial mugs, for a small fee to cover the cost of the mugs, and the Moores Hill Church of Christ will have funnel cakes for freewill donations. The Moores Hill Volunteer Fire Department will pro-

vide food, also for freewill donations. Entertainment will include My Brothers Keeper, the Teachers Ensemble from the University of Evansville, Rob Bruns and Friends, and Abby Love, with Todd Russell as emcee. There will be a scavenger hunt with prizes of tops

and other vintage games awarded each participant, and all the names entered into a drawing for a bigger prize, said Wismann. Participants will have to go to the different booths to answer questions on educational/fun cards, she said. The Southeastern Indi-

See 200, Page 7

Benefit planned for critically injured man By Sydney Murray Staff Reporter

smurray@registerpublications.com

On July 16, 31-year-old Gordon McIntosh, West Harrison, lost control of his vehicle on North Dearborn Road, was ejected from his truck through the driver’s side window, and went over the guardrail. He was flown to University of Cincinnati Medical Center with life-threatening injuries, including a traumatic brain injury. McIntosh has made strides in his recovery in the past few

weeks, but the family is still in need of help. McIntosh was self-employed and won’t be able to work any time soon. So, family and friends have organized a benefit and ride for Sunday, Aug. 19, at Borderline Bar and Grill in West Harrison. McIntosh is a father to three, including Cadence, Colton, and his youngest child, Myla, who is only 2 years old. Myla’s mother, Rachel Hundley, said she and Gordon have been together for more than four years, and they originally met at Borderline.

Contact Register Publications (812) 537-0063

“He’s a hard worker, he has a big heart, he is a good dad,” Hundley said. She said he’s a “manly man” who loves motorcycles, fishing, and hunting. McIntosh’s cousin, Samantha Cox, said he has a great personality and always leaves an event with new friends. “He’s vivacious, he’s fun-loving, he lights up a room. … He is just, like, so full of life and he has the drive for experiences,” Cox said. “Materialistic things don’t reSUBMITTED PHOTO ally matter.” On July 16, 31-year-old Gordon McIntosh, back with beard, lost control of his vehicle on North Dearborn Road. He was ejected from his truck through the driver’s side winSee BENEFIT, Page 7 dow, and went over the guardrail.

WEATHERforecast

Today: High: 87 Low: 68 Friday: High: 86 Low: 68 Saturday: High: 84 Low: 65 Sunday: High: 83 Low: 65

THE DEARBORN COUNTY REGISTER

THURSDAY, AUGUST 9, 2018

InvestABLE Indiana savings celebrates 1st year anniversary One year ago, Indiana State Treasurer Kelly Mitchell announced the launch of the INvestABLE Indiana savings plan. The plan was made possible by the passing of the ABLE Act of 2014. It allows for the creation of tax-advantaged savings accounts for individuals with disabilities to save for their future, and pay for disability related expenses without endangering access to vital public benefits. The intent of these accounts is to ease financial burdens on individuals with disabilities and allow for financial savings to cover qualified living expenses including, but not limited to, education, transportation, housing and medical needs. “Never did I imagine my work as Indiana’s Treasurer of State could have such an impact on Hoosier lives in this way,” said Indiana ABLE Authority board chair Kelly Mitchell. “Every time I am on the road, I am meeting more Hoosiers who are utilizing this program and sharing with me the way it has enhanced their lives.” During its inaugural year, the Indiana ABLE Authority has seen exciting growth

BENEFIT From Page 1

The wreck left McIntosh with many injuries, including a spinal fracture, shattered shoulder blade, a collapsed lung, and broken ribs. Hundley said McIntosh wasn’t moving at all right after the accident. But, over the past three weeks, he has continued to make progress. “When I was getting ready to leave yesterday, when I was rubbing my

and use of the plan. Contributions and earnCurrently, there are over ings in INvestABLE Indiana 204 accounts open and over accounts are not subject to $604,000 assets under man- federal or state income tax if agement. The average ac- spent on qualified expenses, c o u n t similar to a balance is 529 college just over ac“Every time I am on the savings $3,000. count. ConINvest- road, I am meeting t r i b u t i o n s ABLE Inare made diana of- more Hoosiers who are with postfers seven utilizing this program tax dollars. investTo qualment op- and sharing with me ify for an tions, in- the way it has enhanced ABLE accluding a count, the checking their lives.” account account - Kelly Mitchell owner must option have the Indiana State Treasurer onset with a of debit card. disability or U p blindness to $15,000 per year can be before the age of 26 and saved in an account, with a qualify for Social Security maximum account balance benefits. of $450,000. For an individIf they do not qualify for ual receiving Social Security Social Security benefits, but benefits, they can save up still meet the age of onset to $100,000 in their INvest- disability requirement, they ABLE Indiana account and must have a condition listed not risk losing their monthly on the Social Security Adbenefit. ministration’s List of ComMoney can be withdrawn passionate Allowances, or be and spent on qualified ex- able to provide a physician’s penses or INvestABLE In- certification that the disabildiana account holders can ity is expected to last at least choose to grow their financ- a year. es and create long-term savLearn more at in.saveings with tax-free earnings. withable.com. nose on his nose, he actually kissed me,” Hundley said. He has begun to listen to commands and respond more to people around him. “It’s just little things like that ... never thought you would look forward to someone just squeezing your hand,” Hundley said. Hundley said this has been the hardest thing she has ever had to deal with. “I keep saying that it doesn’t feel real, but it’s like the realest thing I’ve ever been through,” Hund-

ley said. She said many people in the community have been helping, including cooking meals for her and her daughter. “There’s been so many people, like, reaching out,” Hundley said. “It’s insane, it’s very overwhelming.” The benefit will begin with a motorcycle ride. The bikers will meet at Borderline at 11 a.m. and the actual ride will begin at noon. Riders pay $10 for a single rider and $15 for double riders.

PAGE 7

FLOATING to be safe. “What can you commit?” asked Weldon. “Because you understand we have a firm deadline from the Army Corps of Engineers, and, in fact, they told Mayor Mollaun that if it is not out of the water by the fourteenth or fifteenth we lose our permit. I mean it is our permit, the city of Lawrenceburg’s permit.” At that point, Montgomery, stepped in, telling council that “Mike is going to work his tail off to have that out by the fourteenth. He is standing here before this council saying let’s work collaboratively to make sure this is done.” He also said Rauen could make no commitment at this time that he would meet the Corps’ deadline because he is waiting on bids. Weldon, however, kept pressing and added that raising the barge would require spending “taxpayers’ money.” “I don’t want to use taxpayers’ money, but maybe we can come to an arrangement over a five-year period and I can pay that money back. I don’t want to use taxpayers’ money either. I’m not here asking

you to pay for it to take it out,” said Rauen. “I want to pay for it, but I don’t have $90,000 right now.” After several exchanges, Rauen answered a “yes-orno” question in the negative when councilman Tony Abbott asked for a straight-from-the-shoulder response. Abbott also recommended council and city officials convene a special meeting, and Mollaun later agreed. It became obvious the city would do the job, but Weldon cut the conversation short when councilmen tried to determine if and how Rauen would be required to repay the city for raising and then banishing the barge. Nevertheless, councilman Mel Davis earlier proposed Rauen pay the city from insurance compensation, and that a program be structured to allow Rauen to repay the remainder over an agreed time frame. “If the guy doesn’t have $90,000 then he doesn’t have $90,000, but he can pay it back over time. … Set it up as a payment plan.” That suggestion fell flat, and Mollaun later insisted the city would step in to protect the permit, and determine how it would be reimbursed “for our damages” after the job is done.

The benefit will follow the ride and will be at Borderline from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. There is a $10 cover charge, which includes food and entertainment. The event will feature an hourly split-the-pot, a basket raffle, and a cornhole tournament. Cox said so far they have at least 30 baskets for the raffle, and about 50 bikers participating in the ride. Live music will be provided by Black Coal Water, Biggin & Josh, Nathan Jenkins, Carey Hundley, and

Amy Sailor. Although the benefit surrounds a sad situation, Hundley said she wants McIntosh to know people are behind him. “Let’s celebrate him surviving,” Hundley said. Although she doesn’t know what the future holds, she said she’s appreciative of the town she calls home. “We do live in an awesome community. … I don’t think people understand how much it means to a family going through hell,” Hundley said.

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From Page 1 ana Woodturners are making the prizes, and also will be demonstrating wood turning and allowing visitors to (wood) turn an ink pin. Other demonstrations will include blacksmithing, broom making, soap making, clay marble creation, and living history about the Civil War. The Farm Club of Southeastern Indiana also will participate, and there will be tours of Carnegie Hall, with art from Moores Hill Elementary students on display. The hall once was part of a co-educational college, later removed to Evansville, where it evolved into the University of Evansville. Moores Hill also had a Studebaker dealership, hotels, grocery stores and a grist mill in its past. From the town’s senior citizens, event coordinators will choose a king and queen and possibly a prince and princess, said Wismann. The bicentennial celebration is being funded by a $5,000 grant from the Dearborn Community Foundation and $5,000 from the Town of Moores Hill. Other sponsors include the Moores Hill Legion Post 209, Sons of the Legion, Womens Auxiliary Legion Post 209, UCB Bank, Sibbett Moore Funeral Home, Haag Ford, Moores Hill Food Mart, SEI Data, Innovative Screenprint, Ohio Valley Screenprint, Carnegie Hall, Moores Hill United Methodist Church, Glenn Wright Real Estate, and JoAnne Miller. The rest of the volunteers coordinating the event include Flo James, Raymond Rodmaker, Julie Murphy, Lana Ison, Todd Russell, Josh Holland, Eric Lows, Rhonda Deeg, Nancy Dreyer, Jeff Gnoose, Ray Rodmaker, Steve Schoenberger, Bobby and Misty Russell, Jan Wilson, Sheri Day and Terry Ingersol. The bicentennial celebration will conclude around 4 p.m. For more information, call Wismann at 812-926-8082.

Attention!

1000s of unwanted kittens are born each year in Dearborn County. PAWS of Dearborn County Animal Shelter needs your help. While we love kittens, our shelter cannot possibly house and care for them all. Dearborn County has passed an ordinance that allows us to spay/neuter, eartip cats and kittens, and return them to the area where they came from. We have started an outreach program to help with this problem. PAWS is offering the residents of Dearborn County the opportunity to have stray cats fixed in your area. If you have a stray, unaltered cat, please call PAWS to make an appointment to have the cat fixed. There will be no cost to you. Altered cats fight less, therefore living a calmer, healthier life, and preventing unwanted kittens. To make an appointment, please call us at 812-577-0829 and ask for Brenda. This offer is only for strays - not owned cats. We are only offering this opportunity until kitten season. Simone

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Register Publications is proud to support our local animal shelter! Show your support by sponsoring a shelter animal! Call 812-537-0063!

Make adoption your first option! Come visit us at P.A.W.S. Humane Center, 200 Charles Liddle Dr., located at the end of Industrial Drive. We would love to introduce you to your new best friend! Visit us online at: www.pawsofdearborncounty.org

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