Preserving history: Franklin Co. Historical Society presents program on Goodwin Family
The Franklin County Historical Society will present a program on the four generations of the Goodwin Family of Brookville who were instrumental in the founding of the Brookville Methodist Church, the Brookville Bank, the Brookville Telephone Co., the restoration of the Whitewater Canal, and the restoration of three historic churches and more.
Community rallies around Mr. Fudge’s Confectionery after devastating fire
On Sept. 27, a devastating fire broke out at Mr. Fudge’s Confectionery, a cherished establishment on Metamora’s Main Street owned by Donna Monroe.
Heaviest pumpkin at Versailles Pumpkin Show weighs in at 1,000lbs
Despite the rainy weather, the Versailles Pumpkin Show, organized by the Versailles Lions Club, did not disappoint. The event was held on the Ripley County County Courthouse Square in Versailles from Sept. 25 through Sept. 28.
State Fire Marshal Releases Findings on Rushville Main Street fire investigation
The Rushville Fire Department (RFD) issued a news release following the receipt of the investigation findings from the Indiana State Fire Marshal regarding the fire on Rushville’s Main Street on Sept. 26.
Community rallies behind Hurricane Helene victims
The Rush County community is coming together to support the victims of the devastating flooding caused by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina and Tennessee. A Donation Drive to collect essential items for those affected has been organized. Donations must be submitted by tomorrow, Oct. 4.
The Union Square project: A vision for community transformation
Last week, the Union County Foundation (UCF) held an open house to discuss a concept for the UCF “Union Square” project that would be transformative for Liberty’s downtown area.
New fence mural at Lew Wallace Community Garden
A new fence mural at the Lew Wallace Community Garden, next to the government building in Brookville, is nearly finished.
Paul Ketcham named 2025 Superintendent of the Year
Paul Ketcham, who serves as the superintendent of Batesville Community School Corporation (BCSC), was honored by the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents (IAPSS) as the 2025 (District VIII) Superintendent of the Year.
A public hearing will be held to assess reimbursement cost owed by building owners for fire cleanup
The Unsafe Hearing Board of the City of Rushville convened on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 5 p.m. to discuss the fire that occurred on Rushville’s Main Street on Sept. 10.
Benefit concert and community rally for Darell Smith
Darrell Smith, 30, of Liberty, was in a severe motorcycle accident on Bunker Hill in Connersville on July 14.
Columbia Street Music Festival Featuring The Grascals:
Don’t miss the season’s last Columbia Street Music Festival this Saturday, Sept. 21, in the historic village of Metamora. The day will be filled with diverse live acts, including the talented headliner, the Grascals.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Liberty Park
National Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from Sept.15 to Oct. 15. It’s an annual celebration in the United States that provides an opportunity to recognize and honor the contributions, culture, and history of Hispanic and Latino Americans.
Parks Bathroom Updates continue, Arts Council being revived
The Parks and Recreation Board met on Sept. 10 and discussed park restrooms, programming and the Booker T. Washington Building. President Lou Starkey, board members Kevin Banks, David Malson, Eric Harpring, Jennifer Vogel, interim parks director Kathi Jackley, and secretary Kim Rathz were present.
State Fire Marshal still determining cause of Tuesday’s fire
On Tuesday, Sept. 10, the Rushville community was shocked by a devastating incident when a fire broke out in the historic building housing the Corner Restaurant on Main Street.
A mother’s mission to raise awareness around fentanyl
On Aug. 4, 2020, 23-year-old Garrett Johnson tragically lost his life to an accidental fentanyl overdose. Unaware that the pill he had taken, which he believed to be Ambien, was actually pure Fentanyl, Garrett passed away instantly.
Revitalization efforts are transforming Main
On Thursday, Sept. 5, U.S. Congresswoman Erin Houchin made a special visit to Brookville. During her visit, she took a tour with Main Street Brookville Director Christine Craig and Franklin County Tourism Director Bev Spurlin of Brookville’s Main Street to witness firsthand the positive impact of OCRA’s Main Street Revitalization Program (MSRP) awarded to Main Street Brookville, Inc.
UCHS Senior shows school spirit with Community Service Project
Union County High School (UCHS) senior Rosalyn Spurlock, who transferred to UCHS from Jacksonville, Florida, last year, was seeking a meaningful community service project to fulfill her required service hours.
BOW & Public Works Meeting Highlights
The Board of Public Works and Safety met on Sept. 3. Mayor Mike Pavey, Gary Cameron, Brad Berkemeier, Phil King, Maria Bridges and city attorney Julie Newhouse were present.
Parenting in the Age of Anxiety: Evidence-Based Strategies and Techniques with Dr. Jonathon Dalton
A free community health event featuring Dr. Jonathon Dalton will be held at the RCHS Laughlin Center, 1201 Lion’s Path, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Don’t miss the 4th annual Union County Fireman’s Festival
The 4th annual Union County Firemen’s Festival will be Friday Sept. 6 and Saturday Sept. 7. The weekend will be full of trucks, tractors, cars, live bands, chicken dinners, prk burgers, FFA ice cream, shaved ice, basket raffles, bounce house, face painting, balloon art, beer garden and more.
Unsung Heroes of the Underground Railroad: The Story of William Beard
September is designated International Underground Railroad Month to recognize and celebrate the contributions of freedom seekers and those who assisted them in their journey to liberation.
The annual Chicken Fest & Fry Off provides a day of fun for the whole family
The annual Main Street Brookville Chicken Festival & Fry Off will be on Saturday, Sept. 14. at the courthouse lawn in Brookville from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. With delicious fried chicken, exciting competitions, live music, and activities for the whole family, this year’s festival promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Local Orchards offer all the fall favorites
As the cool breeze sets in, there’s no better way to embrace the fall spirit than visiting local apple orchards. From picking fresh apples to sipping on delicious cider, orchards offer a variety of activities to celebrate the season.
REMC announces a total of $54,550 awarded in grants
Southeastern Indiana REMC announced through its Operation RoundUp program a total of $54,550 in grants was awarded to local non-profit organizations during its first grant cycle of 2024.
Wendell Willkie inducted into elwood High School hall of fame
The 1st Annual Elwood High School Alumni Hall of Fame dinner and induction ceremony was held in August. One of the four inaugural inductees included Rushville’s very own Wendell Willkie.
Sixth Annual “Five in 50” returns to Rush County
The sixth annual Willkie Days Covered Bridge “Five in 50” bicycle ride will make its return on Sept. 21.
New Dollar General 12 miles from Liberty set to open soon
The eagerly anticipated Dollar General store at 8035 Pea Ridge Road in Brookville has been in the works for several months and is finally nearing completion.
Union County as significant connection to Underground Railroad
September has been designated International Underground Railroad Month to honor and celebrate the bravery of freedom seekers and those who aided them in their quest for freedom.
Lifelong best friends and FC residents meet WWE Hall of Fame wrestler Hulk Hogan
Eulah Vest and Jeanette Hoffbauer, lifelong best friends and residents of Franklin County, fulfilled a long-held wish today when they met the legendary Hulk Hogan at Kroger in Liberty Township, Ohio. Hogan was in the area promoting a new beer he co-founded, “Real American Beer.”
Franklin County residents enjoy another year in the Pioneer Village at Indiana State Fair
The “Great Indiana State Fair” concluded after 17 days on Aug. 18. As the event wrapped up for another year, Franklin County residents Ron and Candy Yurcak and Ron Galyen, who are an intricate part of the Pioneer Village at the fair, departed with a fresh set of cherished memories.
Safe Passage awarded $102,500 grant by Interact for Health
Safe Passage, Inc. has been awarded $102,500 by Interact for Health as part of the second round of the Rural Changemaker Grant. This grant is a key component of Interact for Health’s Rural Investment Strategy.
Robert Bridges awarded Quilt of Valor
At the Aug. 6 city council meeting, the Quilts of Valor Foundation presented a Quilt of Valor to U.S. Army Veteran, city councilman, school resource officer and cherished community member Robert Bridges in recognition of his service and contributions.
RPD Chief announces officer and K9 win seven awards at K9 Olympics
The Board of Public Works and Safety of the City met on Aug. 20 and discussed resignations, new RCHS Pathway Programs and department head reports. Mayor Mike Pavey, Gary Cameron, Brad Berkemeier, Phil King and Maria Bridges were present.
Three Franklin County Farms receive Hoosier Homestead Awards
At the Indiana State Fair, 103 Indiana farm families received the prestigious Hoosier Homestead Award from Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Don Lamb
Union County Farm receives Hoosier Homestead Award
At the Indiana State Fair, 103 Indiana farm families received the prestigious Hoosier Homestead Award from Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Don Lamb.
Five Ripley County Farms receive Hoosier Homestead Awards
At the Indiana State Fair, 103 Indiana farm families received the prestigious Hoosier Homestead Award from Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Don Lamb.
Two Rush County Farms receive Hoosier Homestead Awards
At the Indiana State Fair, 103 Indiana farm families received the prestigious Hoosier Homestead Award from Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Don Lamb.
UCCCJSD Board Meeting
The UCCCJSD held a regular school board meeting to review and cover attendance, policies, administrative updates, and budget plans.
A glimpse of the past: Original cells remain at UC Jail
The Union County Sheriff’s Department Office and Jail has a rich history dating back to the 1870s when it was originally constructed.
Cosawove Workwear celebrates new Store in Batesville
Cosawove Workwear held the grand opening of its new store at 3 W Pearl Street, Batesville. To celebrate this significant milestone and commitment to the community, Cosawove hosted a Block Party on Aug. 10.
Rushville resident shows off his mullet at the Indiana State Fair
Rushville resident Wally McCane made an appearance on Sunday, Aug. 11, at the Indiana State Fair, competing in the Statewide Mullet Competition. McCane was one of only 15 selected to compete.
Whitewater Publications says goodbye to summer interns
Whitewater Publications welcomed Elijah Dean and Jonah Short, two summer interns who are both graduates of Franklin County High School (FCHS).
New K9 Partner, Sky, Joins Student Resource Officer at UCCCJSD School
Student Resource Officer Jeff Shoemaker has a new partner, K9 Sky, who will accompany him at the UCCCJSD schools this year.
The only two operational Lima-Hamilton switchers in country visit Metamora
The only two operational Lima-Hamilton switchers in the country traveled to Metamora on Aug. 3, and Aug. 4.
From tragedy to awareness: A mother’s mission to stop the stigma
Batesville resident Margie Schwegman lost her son Luke at the young age of 23 to suicide in 2021. Since then, Schwegman has made it her mission to raise awareness surrounding mental illness by sharing Luke’s story with others.
Stay informed: Sign up for the Union County Foundation newsletter
In an effort to keep the community informed, the Union County Foundation (UCF) issues a monthly newsletter.
100 Years of Community Commitment: The Bath State Bank Story
Bath State Bank will host a public Open House on Monday, June 24 to celebrate a significant milestone: 100 years of serving the community with a consistent mission, “Building genuine relationships with our customers and community by caring for them like family.”
Tap & Chisel Brew Fest Aug. 24
On Saturday, Aug. 24, Batesville Main Street will host the Inaugural Tap & Chisel Brew Fest at the corner of S. Walnut & E. George streets in the heart of downtown.
