WEBVTT
00:00:00.400 --> 00:00:05.759
This week on Beyond the Headlines, a water tower mural project moves forward in Franklin.
00:00:05.919 --> 00:00:13.919
District leaders share updates as a new school year begins, a new senior living project advances in Whiteland, and Trafalgar gets a new mural.
00:00:17.679 --> 00:00:24.480
From the Daily Journal, this is Beyond the Headlines, a local news podcast focused on story shaping Johnson County.
00:00:40.880 --> 00:00:42.079
Hello, I'm doing good.
00:00:42.159 --> 00:00:45.840
I'm it's been a long week, so I'm a little tired, but I'm ready for the weekend.
00:00:46.079 --> 00:00:47.759
Yeah, I'm also ready for the weekend.
00:00:47.840 --> 00:00:56.000
Uh we had lots of news this week, uh, you know, school back in session, um, and some arts going on too.
00:00:56.159 --> 00:00:59.840
So yeah, yeah, let's uh let's talk about what's going on in Franklin.
00:01:00.159 --> 00:01:03.759
A water tower mural project is uh moving forward in Franklin.
00:01:03.920 --> 00:01:12.640
If you drive in on Walnut Street, uh there's this Indiana American water tower, and it's I I would say it's kind of a beige off-white color.
00:01:12.799 --> 00:01:14.560
Um, but pretty big, you can't miss it.
00:01:14.799 --> 00:01:15.040
Yeah.
00:01:15.120 --> 00:01:18.560
Uh city officials have described it as quite the eyesore.
00:01:18.879 --> 00:01:27.519
So they're now taking steps, or they're finally taking steps, uh, to uh transform it into a public art installation.
00:01:27.680 --> 00:01:40.480
Uh so the city received uh$275,941 in ready grant funding, uh, which is a state program focused on quality of life and community development projects.
00:01:40.640 --> 00:01:46.239
Uh and the Franklin City Council approved using those funds uh for startup costs related to the mural project.
00:01:46.560 --> 00:01:46.959
That's awesome.
00:01:47.040 --> 00:01:53.040
I know uh ready funds are a good source for any type of additional projects for municipalities to use, but yeah.
00:01:53.200 --> 00:01:57.120
Um why the water tower and how long has this kind of been in the making?
00:01:57.359 --> 00:02:03.680
Yeah, so uh Franklin's uh arts commission and city staff, they've been pursuing this idea since uh 2021.
00:02:03.840 --> 00:02:10.319
Um a previous effort to secure a Lily Endowment grant was unsuccessful, making this new funding a second chance.
00:02:10.479 --> 00:02:20.400
Uh, like I said, the tower sits near um Young's Creek Park at Jefferson and Walnut Streets, uh, and it kind of is the background when you're at the amphitheater.
00:02:20.560 --> 00:02:23.759
Like that's the thing that's kind of looming over in the distance.
00:02:24.159 --> 00:02:30.560
So Franklin got the money by receiving additional ready funds after other projects and other communities fell through.
00:02:30.719 --> 00:02:41.919
Uh, and they were rewarded these funds uh because of the city's successful track record with completing previous ready projects on time, and that includes the uh improvements to the Active Adult Center.
00:02:42.159 --> 00:02:42.400
Nice.
00:02:42.560 --> 00:02:45.360
So this is kind of reimbursement for for that.
00:02:45.599 --> 00:02:46.080
Awesome.
00:02:46.159 --> 00:02:46.319
Yeah.
00:02:46.560 --> 00:02:54.560
So the city will also use uh$50,000 remaining from an Amer Indiana American Water Foundation grant.
00:02:54.719 --> 00:02:59.680
Uh that initially helped fund Young's Young Creek Park splash pad.
00:03:00.080 --> 00:03:00.879
Interesting, yeah.
00:03:01.039 --> 00:03:07.680
So um with it being as big as it is, uh, I'm curious how much is this going to cost and uh what's kind of the timeline?
00:03:07.919 --> 00:03:16.240
Yeah, so the current estimated cost is uh$600,000, uh, with$200,000 of that being uh used to prepare the water tower itself.
00:03:16.400 --> 00:03:24.560
Um apparently there is a lot of work that goes into prepping the water tower for painting, uh, but then uh$400,000 of that is for the mural itself.
00:03:24.960 --> 00:03:25.360
Gotcha.
00:03:25.680 --> 00:03:26.000
Okay.
00:03:26.719 --> 00:03:33.280
Uh there's still fundraising for the project, uh and that's expected to continue through 2026 through the rest of this year.
00:03:33.360 --> 00:03:37.199
Uh, but the city hopes to complete painting by the end of 2027.
00:03:37.520 --> 00:03:37.919
Nice.
00:03:38.080 --> 00:03:40.479
So what's kind of what's kind of their vision there?
00:03:40.560 --> 00:03:43.840
But like what are what can people expect to see on that in the future?
00:03:44.080 --> 00:03:46.560
Yeah, so the artist hasn't been decided yet.
00:03:46.800 --> 00:03:52.879
Um, but Indiana American Water supports the project and they will have an input on selecting the neural design.
00:03:53.120 --> 00:03:58.319
But the goal is to create artwork that uh celebrates Franklin's history, character, and identity.
00:03:58.479 --> 00:04:04.479
And as much as officials would like to have a local artist, um, not just anyone can paint a water tower.
00:04:04.800 --> 00:04:08.319
Yeah, they're probably you kind of be like strapped in, probably.
00:04:08.960 --> 00:04:09.919
It's it's kind of tall.
00:04:10.000 --> 00:04:23.759
So when I was looking at pictures of um some year old artist um that officials had used as like reference photos, uh they had like those I don't even know what they're called, like the lifts that you see like on construction sites or something.
00:04:24.160 --> 00:04:25.519
Um like scissor lifts.
00:04:25.759 --> 00:04:26.319
Yeah, yeah.
00:04:26.480 --> 00:04:30.399
So yeah, I imagine that's gonna it's gonna be tricky.
00:04:30.639 --> 00:04:30.879
Yeah.
00:04:32.160 --> 00:04:46.000
But officials also they hope to uh attract a recognized artist whose work could become a regional attraction, uh, because city leaders also say this mural is more than decoration, but a way to draw in visitors, boost tourism, and enhance quality of life.
00:04:46.240 --> 00:04:46.639
Nice.
00:04:46.800 --> 00:04:52.800
So the mayor's youth leadership council and the Franklin Public Arts Advisory Commission will work together on the project.
00:04:52.879 --> 00:04:57.920
Uh so high school students will help with fundraising, artist selection, and design decisions.
00:04:58.079 --> 00:05:02.399
Uh but overall the goal is to fund the project without relying on uh taxpayer dollars.
00:05:02.480 --> 00:05:03.519
So that's always good for people.
00:05:03.680 --> 00:05:03.839
Yeah.
00:05:04.079 --> 00:05:14.639
Well, it sounds like a great project, and uh I'd like to I'd like to see what's uh would be considered Franklin's history, character, and identity of what we might see on there.
00:05:14.720 --> 00:05:15.920
Um it could be anything.
00:05:16.079 --> 00:05:17.439
I think it really could be anything.
00:05:17.600 --> 00:05:28.160
Uh, you know, Franklin Grizzly Cubs obviously might make you know, might see something on there or you know, but yeah, I'm I'm curious to know what kind of stuff we're gonna see on there in the future.
00:05:28.319 --> 00:05:31.279
So we're gonna take a quick break and be right back.
00:05:31.680 --> 00:05:35.199
Want your business to reach our listeners in Johnson County and beyond?
00:05:35.360 --> 00:05:44.240
Reach out to the Daily Journal by calling 317-736-2730 to ask about our advertising opportunities.
00:05:44.959 --> 00:05:50.879
And we're back, and uh schools also uh went back this yeah, just that time of year.
00:05:51.040 --> 00:05:51.519
Yeah.
00:05:51.680 --> 00:05:54.000
Um, so the schools are back in session.
00:05:54.160 --> 00:06:00.959
Clark Pleasant went back last week, and then Greenwood, Centergrove, Franklin, Indian Creek, and Edinburgh all went back this week.
00:06:01.120 --> 00:06:04.639
Greenwood went back Tuesday, and then the rest went back on Wednesday.
00:06:04.720 --> 00:06:06.879
So we were out and about Wednesday morning.
00:06:07.040 --> 00:06:07.680
Yes, we were.
00:06:07.839 --> 00:06:11.199
Uh yeah, taking first day of school photos, which are always fun.
00:06:11.279 --> 00:06:14.959
Um I felt like I was going back to school myself with getting up that early.
00:06:15.120 --> 00:06:15.680
Yeah.
00:06:15.920 --> 00:06:16.319
Yeah.
00:06:16.480 --> 00:06:24.560
So uh school leaders are balancing academics, uh, new laws and facility upgrades as well, and uh budget pressures to a lot of things on their plate.
00:06:24.720 --> 00:06:25.120
Yeah.
00:06:25.360 --> 00:06:29.120
Um, so what are the biggest changes uh state and countywide?
00:06:29.279 --> 00:06:34.720
Yeah, so statewide, um, obviously the new bill to build south one ban, I've talked about it quite a bit.
00:06:34.879 --> 00:06:40.720
Um, students must keep uh phones, smartwatches, and other devices put away throughout the school day.
00:06:40.879 --> 00:06:48.959
And districts are also preparing for financial impacts from Senate and Hold Act One, which affects local government and school revenues as well.
00:06:49.120 --> 00:06:51.680
Um, as you know, you covering local governments.
00:06:51.839 --> 00:06:52.160
Yep.
00:06:52.319 --> 00:06:59.759
Um, and then some countywide trends, uh, some several districts are noticing smaller incoming kindergarten classes more than expected.
00:06:59.839 --> 00:07:02.480
But overall enrollment remains relatively stable.
00:07:02.800 --> 00:07:05.360
Wonder why the that is with the kindergarten clauses.
00:07:05.519 --> 00:07:06.639
Yeah, not sure yet.
00:07:06.720 --> 00:07:11.279
There there won't be official numbers until uh October around that time.
00:07:11.439 --> 00:07:16.639
Um, but yeah, just something some districts are noticing is the smaller kindergarten cohorts.
00:07:16.800 --> 00:07:25.519
So um, yeah, but schools are also increasing opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, focusing on those graduation pathways.
00:07:25.600 --> 00:07:27.120
Um all good paying jobs.
00:07:27.279 --> 00:07:28.079
Yeah, absolutely.
00:07:28.240 --> 00:07:31.519
Um, so what are some uh new things going on in each school district?
00:07:31.759 --> 00:07:35.600
Yeah, so uh I'm gonna kind of try and go through this as briefly as I can.
00:07:36.079 --> 00:07:36.879
We got five to go.
00:07:36.959 --> 00:07:45.199
So yeah, but Center Grove, uh, they welcomed a new super inconnetir install bomb uh to Center Grove, and she brings 20 years of education experience.
00:07:45.759 --> 00:07:52.800
Um, the high school also now has more parking, and sophomores can now obtain parking permits before it was just juniors and seniors.
00:07:53.040 --> 00:07:55.040
Parking has always been an issue, yeah.
00:07:55.120 --> 00:07:56.399
Um no matter where you go.
00:07:56.560 --> 00:07:57.040
Yeah.
00:07:57.680 --> 00:08:08.399
So uh renovations also continue at the middle school, and the district said SCA1 will create some challenges, but they're they're working ahead of them right now uh with their energy saving projects.
00:08:08.480 --> 00:08:13.040
They have two uh elementary schools that are run by solar power.
00:08:13.120 --> 00:08:18.959
Uh so those are technically our net zero schools when it comes to utility costs, um, which is pretty amazing.
00:08:19.519 --> 00:08:22.959
Yeah, I mean, when you think about how much electricity schools use.
00:08:23.199 --> 00:08:23.519
Yeah.
00:08:23.759 --> 00:08:25.839
And utility costs are only rising.
00:08:26.000 --> 00:08:34.639
So uh over in Greenwood, ISEM and Westwood elementary schools are being renovated during the school year to update at least 20 classrooms and AUKUS spaces.
00:08:34.799 --> 00:08:36.320
The high school also got a new track.
00:08:36.399 --> 00:08:40.399
Uh, the superintendent said uh Ely's the nicest track in the accounty.
00:08:40.559 --> 00:08:41.279
Well, we'll have to see.
00:08:41.440 --> 00:08:42.960
Yeah, we'll have to see that for ourselves.
00:08:43.120 --> 00:08:48.240
They also launched a wooden virtual academy for students needing a flexible learning alternative.
00:08:48.480 --> 00:08:58.000
So uh virtual schools are becoming a popular thing for students who might just uh would rather, you know, learn uh in a different setting rather than the brick and mortar classroom.
00:08:58.159 --> 00:08:58.480
Yeah.
00:08:58.559 --> 00:09:03.039
Uh I know that's not some students don't learn the best in those environments.
00:09:03.120 --> 00:09:05.120
So that's that's great that they're providing that option.
00:09:05.279 --> 00:09:05.600
Yeah.
00:09:05.759 --> 00:09:14.000
Um, they're also looking into possibly a$20.6 million bond to focus on roof repairs and utility savings using solar energy.
00:09:14.080 --> 00:09:24.799
So similar to what Cynergruv did with their elementary schools, of looking to just kind of offset those um those impacts that SCA1 is going to bring by uh reducing those utility costs.
00:09:24.960 --> 00:09:28.639
And then also their free breakfast and lunch is gonna continue for another year for state.
00:09:28.960 --> 00:09:38.000
Um, and then down in Indian Creek, uh the intermediate school will see an expansion of five new classrooms, larger restrooms, and an outdoor classroom as well.
00:09:38.559 --> 00:09:42.480
Um, that'll be the second outdoor classroom in the county.
00:09:42.559 --> 00:09:44.159
I believe Clark Pleasant also has one.
00:09:44.320 --> 00:09:45.440
And how would those work?
00:09:45.679 --> 00:09:54.000
So those um actually they're kind of like little just outdoor classroom spaces, like uh I know Clark Pleasant has, you know, some seating.
00:09:54.159 --> 00:09:58.000
There's also like a a weatherproof kind of like chalkboard out there.
00:09:58.080 --> 00:10:05.120
So they can just, you know, you think when the weather's nice, um you're kind of more uh ready to learn.
00:10:05.360 --> 00:10:05.600
Yeah.
00:10:05.759 --> 00:10:13.519
So I mean, I know if um when I was in school, if it was a really nice day outside, I'd look out the window and just be like, I want to be out there right now.
00:10:13.679 --> 00:10:15.279
Yeah, absolutely.
00:10:15.519 --> 00:10:22.000
Um, and then there also uh a new administration building is being built with a dedicated board meeting space.
00:10:22.080 --> 00:10:26.320
Uh they currently, the schoolwork currently meets in the middle school LGI room.
00:10:26.559 --> 00:10:35.919
So when uh when they get that new board meeting space, that'll pre-up uh some activities for middle schoolers to do um after school as well.
00:10:36.159 --> 00:10:43.759
Uh and then they also created a new healthcare pathway in partnership with Johnson Memorial Hospital for students interested in nursing careers.
00:10:43.919 --> 00:10:48.639
And the district has a goal to have the highest academic results in the county and potentially the state.
00:10:48.799 --> 00:10:50.960
So it's a pretty it's a pretty high goal.
00:10:51.759 --> 00:10:53.759
Um, I wish them luck with that.
00:10:53.840 --> 00:10:54.879
That's the lofty goal.
00:10:55.039 --> 00:10:55.360
Yeah.
00:10:55.600 --> 00:11:00.799
And then um in Franklin, uh Cub Academy Preschool Center is now open.
00:11:00.960 --> 00:11:03.519
So that's another preschool option for families as well.
00:11:03.919 --> 00:11:08.240
The agricultural center is nearing completion for that ag pathway.
00:11:08.480 --> 00:11:15.039
Um, and the district launched the new Franklin Schools Police Department while continuing partnerships with the local law enforcement too.
00:11:15.279 --> 00:11:20.960
So that's always good to get some uh with some weight off of the local law enforcement back.
00:11:21.039 --> 00:11:23.519
Um, but how is that uh police department gonna work?
00:11:23.759 --> 00:11:40.559
Yeah, so they're they're more instead, they're also besides just keeping um, you know, the campus safe, um, you know, and things like that and deterring bad behavior, they're also meant to just kind of be a resource for people too, a person for students to come talk to and just kind of be there in the community as well.
00:11:40.799 --> 00:11:42.080
So awesome.
00:11:42.240 --> 00:11:42.559
Yeah.
00:11:42.799 --> 00:11:49.840
In the fall, the district is also seeking voter support through a referendum to help offset revenue losses connected to SEA1.
00:11:50.240 --> 00:11:53.519
So voters, um, you will see that on your ballot in November.
00:11:53.679 --> 00:12:00.159
And then the goal, um, they have also have a goal of exceeding 95% on uh their IRE literacy scores.
00:12:00.399 --> 00:12:01.279
Also a lofty goal.
00:12:01.360 --> 00:12:01.519
Yeah.
00:12:01.679 --> 00:12:05.360
Uh way down in Edinburgh, they're doing some interesting stuff this year.
00:12:05.519 --> 00:12:07.679
Um, no e-learning days this year.
00:12:07.840 --> 00:12:08.240
Oh, really?
00:12:08.399 --> 00:12:08.639
Yeah.
00:12:08.720 --> 00:12:14.720
So they're kind of going back to the traditions of pre-COVID, and they're gonna have makeup days built into the calendar.
00:12:14.799 --> 00:12:17.759
I think they have like seven built into the calendar.
00:12:18.000 --> 00:12:21.759
Um that's great that uh they're gonna have snow days again.
00:12:21.919 --> 00:12:22.240
Yeah.
00:12:22.480 --> 00:12:29.120
Um, they're also gonna renew focus on handwriting skills, you know, like cursive, things like that, penmanship.
00:12:29.200 --> 00:12:31.440
Um, I remember doing that in third grade me too.
00:12:31.679 --> 00:12:32.000
Too.
00:12:32.080 --> 00:12:37.759
So um and I know a lot of people have been saying it's like kids don't even know how to write in cursive these days.
00:12:37.840 --> 00:12:40.159
Well, maybe Edinburgh's gonna be ahead of the game with that.
00:12:40.320 --> 00:12:40.799
Yeah, yeah.
00:12:40.879 --> 00:12:45.120
They're uh they're really focusing on just going back to the basics, which I think is an interesting approach.
00:12:45.279 --> 00:12:45.519
Yeah.
00:12:46.159 --> 00:12:47.840
Um I mean that never hurts.
00:12:48.080 --> 00:12:48.399
Yeah.
00:12:48.639 --> 00:12:54.320
And then um there also the elementary schools are introducing no tech Tuesdays.
00:12:54.799 --> 00:12:58.559
Um, so that means no no technology, no Chromebooks out.
00:12:58.639 --> 00:13:02.480
Um, this is more instruction using books, papers, and direct teaching.
00:13:02.559 --> 00:13:05.039
And this goes for both students and staff.
00:13:05.279 --> 00:13:16.879
Um, teachers obviously can still use technology to take attendance or for communication purposes, but yeah, it's meant to kind of again just kind of go back to that traditional tea teaching method.
00:13:17.200 --> 00:13:20.080
So yeah, I wonder how that's gonna how that's gonna work.
00:13:20.159 --> 00:13:25.200
Because I know when I was in school, they had um like teachers had big desktop computers.
00:13:25.279 --> 00:13:29.039
So I'm wondering if I wonder if they still have those in classrooms though.
00:13:29.200 --> 00:13:31.919
Now that there's more like portable things like Chromebooks.
00:13:32.159 --> 00:13:42.399
I think some do maybe, or they might have a a Chromebook or something, but those will just have to be shut off and yeah, or they can turn them on to take attendance and then they can't use them during instruction time.
00:13:42.480 --> 00:13:42.879
Yeah.
00:13:43.360 --> 00:13:43.600
Yeah.
00:13:43.919 --> 00:13:44.559
Well we'll see.
00:13:44.720 --> 00:13:45.200
We'll see.
00:13:45.360 --> 00:13:53.919
There's all they also renovated the tennis courts, which now supports tennis and pickleball for not just students, but for the whole community to use.
00:13:54.080 --> 00:13:55.440
So that'll be nice to see.
00:13:55.519 --> 00:14:01.440
And they're also uh installing some new HRAC systems and LED upgrades um throughout the whole district, too.
00:14:01.759 --> 00:14:02.080
Awesome.
00:14:02.320 --> 00:14:02.960
All right, all right.
00:14:03.200 --> 00:14:04.159
Well, what's up next?
00:14:04.240 --> 00:14:05.840
I know there's some things going on in Whiteland.
00:14:06.080 --> 00:14:09.679
Yes, so a uh new senior living project is advancing in Whiteland.
00:14:09.759 --> 00:14:17.440
Developers are proposing a mixed-use project called the Grove at Whiteland on nearly 21 acres near US 31 and Whiteland Road.
00:14:17.600 --> 00:14:25.120
Uh so the Whiteland Plan Commission, they've recommended approval, and the proposal is now heading to the town council for consideration.
00:14:25.440 --> 00:14:25.919
Interesting.
00:14:26.080 --> 00:14:28.159
So, what exactly is being proposed?
00:14:28.399 --> 00:14:30.240
So it's essentially two developments in one.
00:14:30.320 --> 00:14:38.159
So it's a senior housing community for residents age 55 and older, and a commercial district featuring neighborhood businesses and services.
00:14:38.799 --> 00:14:47.360
Uh so the project aligns with Whiteland's comprehensive plan, which encourages diverse housing options and mixed-use growth along the US 31 corridor.
00:14:47.519 --> 00:14:51.919
So it's designed for active seniors with 54 cottage style units across 14 buildings.
00:14:52.000 --> 00:14:55.120
So unfortunately, we in Erica, if we wanted to live there, we we couldn't.
00:14:55.840 --> 00:14:56.960
No, not old enough yet.
00:14:57.200 --> 00:14:57.759
Nope, not yet.
00:14:58.000 --> 00:14:58.879
I'm getting up there though.
00:14:58.960 --> 00:15:00.080
My birthday's coming up soon.
00:15:00.240 --> 00:15:01.039
Oh, yay.
00:15:01.360 --> 00:15:02.320
Then then you can.
00:15:02.399 --> 00:15:03.440
Yeah, you can.
00:15:03.840 --> 00:15:04.320
Then we can live there.
00:15:04.559 --> 00:15:06.639
We're gonna be 26, not 55.
00:15:06.720 --> 00:15:08.320
But we're all gonna be there someday.
00:15:08.480 --> 00:15:08.720
Yeah.
00:15:09.200 --> 00:15:15.120
Um, most of those buildings um will contain four units, and one building will contain two units.
00:15:15.360 --> 00:15:26.799
These buildings will include attached garages, covered front entries, um, and then outside the buildings, they'll have walking paths and green spaces, private drives, uh, a clubhouse, and an event space.
00:15:27.039 --> 00:15:27.919
Oh, nice.
00:15:28.159 --> 00:15:33.919
Uh developers Real America um say that these uh are intended as long-term homes.
00:15:34.000 --> 00:15:40.799
Uh, they're emphasizing quality construction because the company plans to retain ownership and management of the property.
00:15:41.200 --> 00:15:41.519
Okay.
00:15:41.919 --> 00:15:45.200
What's kind of going in this uh commercial district?
00:15:45.440 --> 00:15:52.720
So some of those conceptual businesses uh they include medical or professional office spaces, restaurants, coffee shops, uh, and a fitness center.
00:15:52.799 --> 00:15:54.879
But no businesses or tenants have been announced.
00:15:54.960 --> 00:15:58.320
Uh this is the commercial component remains conceptual right now.
00:15:58.399 --> 00:15:59.279
So gotcha.
00:15:59.519 --> 00:16:01.759
So what won't be allowed in this space?
00:16:01.919 --> 00:16:09.120
And I know the uh, you know, the commissioners and the town officials kind of like uh have some stuff in there that they don't want to see.
00:16:09.440 --> 00:16:19.360
So yeah, so they're recommending restrictions that would prohibit car dealerships, auto repair and body shops, uh car washes and detailing businesses, and self-storage facilities.
00:16:19.600 --> 00:16:21.039
There are a lot of those in that area.
00:16:21.279 --> 00:16:21.600
Yeah.
00:16:21.840 --> 00:16:22.960
So it makes sense.
00:16:23.200 --> 00:16:24.879
Yeah, they don't want to saturate the market.
00:16:24.960 --> 00:16:26.000
That's the word I was looking for.
00:16:26.159 --> 00:16:26.399
Yeah.
00:16:26.559 --> 00:16:31.919
Uh their goal uh appears to be creating a more pedestrian-friendly and attractive gateway development.
00:16:32.159 --> 00:16:32.399
Yeah.
00:16:32.559 --> 00:16:36.000
So did the did they have any uh other concerns, possibly?
00:16:36.240 --> 00:16:36.559
Yeah.
00:16:36.720 --> 00:16:40.559
Uh the sewer plan access, uh, that could create a challenge.
00:16:40.639 --> 00:16:45.679
Uh part of the property borders the access road to Whiteland's wastewater treatment facility.
00:16:45.759 --> 00:16:52.320
I believe the the road leading up to that facility is the road that they're wanting to use, like to get onto that development.
00:16:52.639 --> 00:16:53.039
Gotcha.
00:16:53.360 --> 00:16:56.480
Um, and heavy trucks regularly use that route.
00:16:56.720 --> 00:17:02.080
Um, officials also want stronger security measures to prevent people from accidentally entering the sewer plan.
00:17:02.559 --> 00:17:12.799
Um, so they're requesting um that real America install and pay for uh electric security gates, because right now there's just a manual one on the property.
00:17:12.960 --> 00:17:16.000
Uh, and upgrades to the road serving the treatment facility.
00:17:16.079 --> 00:17:24.720
They'll also have to do that uh and dedicate that road to Whiteland uh and coordinate on future wastewater tree wastewater system improvements.
00:17:25.039 --> 00:17:25.359
Okay.
00:17:25.599 --> 00:17:33.359
Um acceleration and deceleration lanes will likely also be required along US 31 uh to safely handle traffic entering and exiting the development too.
00:17:33.680 --> 00:17:44.640
Well, it sounds like an interesting development, probably well needed because I think uh there's a lot of senior housing that um still needs to be developed uh a pretty big game accounting to and I think it's a good area for it.
00:17:44.799 --> 00:17:45.039
Yeah.
00:17:45.200 --> 00:17:46.319
Right along 31.
00:17:46.480 --> 00:17:47.359
Yeah, absolutely.
00:17:47.519 --> 00:17:49.119
It can't get any more accessible than that.
00:17:49.279 --> 00:17:49.440
Yeah.
00:17:50.000 --> 00:17:53.119
Um we're gonna take a quick break and be right back with our round table.
00:17:53.519 --> 00:17:56.319
Like listening to this podcast, you can help support it.
00:17:56.480 --> 00:18:04.160
Subscribe to the daily journal at subscribe.dailyjournal.net to support your local newspaper and this podcast.
00:18:04.319 --> 00:18:07.440
Your support helps make everything we do possible.
00:18:08.960 --> 00:18:14.799
And we're back with our round table, and we got some uh some organizations that are needing some help from the communities.
00:18:15.119 --> 00:18:16.559
You can talk a little bit about those.
00:18:16.720 --> 00:18:38.480
Um, the Johnson County Senior Services, uh, they recently lost two transportation vans due to major mechanical failures, but just creating an urgent challenge for one of the agency's most critical programs, which is transportation for local seniors to provide rides to medical appointments, dialysis treatments, pharmacies, grocery stores, and just social activities too.
00:18:38.720 --> 00:18:38.960
Yeah.
00:18:39.119 --> 00:18:39.279
Yeah.
00:18:39.440 --> 00:18:42.319
And I imagine not just any car can transport them.
00:18:42.559 --> 00:18:42.799
Yeah.
00:18:42.880 --> 00:18:50.240
They need a large van for, you know, uh wheelchairs or walkers or things like that, and also just to transport many of them at once.
00:18:50.559 --> 00:19:00.240
So, and the the transportation, it's a like line for uh local seniors, and the AGC provides more than 360 dialysis treat uh trips each month.
00:19:00.640 --> 00:19:00.960
Wow.
00:19:01.119 --> 00:19:02.240
Yeah, a lot.
00:19:02.480 --> 00:19:16.319
Um, so this reduced fleet uh threatens seniors' access to healthcare, independence, and just social connection to um but luckily Uplift Johnson County has launched an emergency fundraising campaign to help replace the vans.
00:19:16.480 --> 00:19:22.960
Um, all donations go directly towards vehicle replacement, and Uplift will match the first$15,000 donated.
00:19:23.279 --> 00:19:24.640
How much are they looking to raise?
00:19:24.799 --> 00:19:30.319
Yeah, so the fundraising goal is$50,000, and a large community effort could make a difference.
00:19:30.400 --> 00:19:40.480
Um supporters can donate to the cause at Upliftjoco.org slash JCSS or donate to the Johnson County Senior Services Director.
00:19:41.039 --> 00:19:44.720
So listeners go out there and help help our seniors get around.
00:19:44.880 --> 00:19:45.200
Yeah.
00:19:45.359 --> 00:19:49.119
Um, but you there's another program that needs some help, so take it away.
00:19:49.279 --> 00:19:49.519
Yeah.
00:19:49.599 --> 00:19:54.640
So uh Johnson County Casa is sounding the alarm uh over a severe volunteer shortage.
00:19:54.960 --> 00:19:55.119
Yeah.
00:19:55.279 --> 00:19:59.680
Um leaders are saying that the number of advocates is the lowest they've seen in years.
00:19:59.920 --> 00:20:00.960
So what is CASA?
00:20:01.440 --> 00:20:04.400
Uh they are uh court-appointed special advocates.
00:20:04.480 --> 00:20:11.119
Uh they're trained volunteers appointed by judges to represent the best interests of children involved in abuse and neglect cases.
00:20:11.359 --> 00:20:11.680
Okay.
00:20:11.759 --> 00:20:13.839
So they played a really important role in that.
00:20:14.160 --> 00:20:14.559
Oh, yeah.
00:20:14.640 --> 00:20:14.880
Yeah.
00:20:15.119 --> 00:20:19.920
Volunteers serve as a consistent voice for children, navigating the court and foster care systems.
00:20:20.079 --> 00:20:27.519
They meet regularly with children, review case information, uh, communicate with families, schools, and service providers and attorneys.
00:20:27.680 --> 00:20:32.960
Uh, they provide reports and recommendations to judges to help inform decisions affecting a child's future.
00:20:33.759 --> 00:20:40.960
Um, many children experience turnover among caseworkers, uh, which makes a CASA volunteer one of the few stable adults in their lives.
00:20:41.200 --> 00:20:42.319
Oh, yeah, for sure.
00:20:42.640 --> 00:20:52.240
So uh Johnson County CASA is launching After Hours with CASA, which is a series of informal evening information sessions designed to attract new volunteers.
00:20:52.400 --> 00:20:59.839
Uh the program provides an overview of CASA's mission, volunteer expectations, training requirements, and the impact advocates have on children's lives.
00:21:00.079 --> 00:21:00.319
Nice.
00:21:00.400 --> 00:21:01.759
So what are some requirements?
00:21:01.920 --> 00:21:02.160
Yeah.
00:21:02.240 --> 00:21:07.359
So volunteers must be 21 or over, uh, have a high school diploma or equivalent.
00:21:07.440 --> 00:21:13.839
Uh, they must complete required CASA training uh and generally commit about five to ten hours per month.
00:21:14.000 --> 00:21:17.440
Uh Casa asks for a minimum two-year commitment.
00:21:17.680 --> 00:21:17.920
Okay.
00:21:18.319 --> 00:21:21.279
And five to ten hours out of your month really isn't that bad.
00:21:21.599 --> 00:21:21.680
Yeah.
00:21:23.920 --> 00:21:29.119
Well, um, speaking of more murals, Trafalgar is also getting uh a new mural as well.
00:21:29.359 --> 00:21:30.240
A lot of murals.
00:21:30.400 --> 00:21:30.720
Yeah.
00:21:30.880 --> 00:21:40.640
Um theirs is uh its newest color the county mural continuing in Johnson County tradition that has helped bring public art to communities across the county since 2016.
00:21:40.960 --> 00:21:41.839
Already 10 years.
00:21:42.000 --> 00:21:44.480
So yeah, 10 years in the making.
00:21:44.720 --> 00:21:52.880
Uh the winning artist, Isabella Fresh Hour, is a Morgantown resident and a uh Harrow's school of art and design student.
00:21:53.119 --> 00:21:53.440
Awesome.
00:21:53.599 --> 00:22:01.839
Yeah, so her design uh features a series of postage stamps uh highlighting recognizable scenes and symbols of Trafalgar and Johnson County.
00:22:02.079 --> 00:22:14.319
Um so this Merrill will also include Cornfield Sunsets, which is you have to have that classic, uh Rolling Hills, a Monarch Butterfly, a motorcycle, interesting, and some other images too.
00:22:14.400 --> 00:22:20.079
So all three nature and then motorcycle, but there's always there's gonna be some more in there, so who knows?
00:22:20.400 --> 00:22:30.400
Um, so and then she wanted to use postage stamps to symbolize a journey through Trafalgar and Johnson County, allowing multiple parts of the community to be showcased in a single design.
00:22:30.559 --> 00:22:35.759
So um this mural is gonna be painted on the side of Hadwell Hardware in Trafalgar.
00:22:36.319 --> 00:22:49.680
And uh during the painting of it, uh volunteers and local residents were able to help using a paint by numbers approach, making the project accessible to all ages and artistic abilities, which paint by numbers is pretty fun.
00:22:49.839 --> 00:22:51.200
Yeah, who doesn't like paint by numbers?
00:22:51.519 --> 00:22:57.519
Uh I'm not that artistically gifted, so uh paint by numbers sounds like a fun way to get involved in a mural check.
00:22:57.680 --> 00:22:57.920
Yeah.
00:22:58.160 --> 00:22:58.559
For sure.
00:22:58.960 --> 00:23:01.920
Um, but art kind of runs in the family here.
00:23:02.079 --> 00:23:11.359
Uh so Isabella's mother, Mandy, she actually won the Color the County Mural competition in 2024 and designed the mural at Tom's barber shop in Greenwood.
00:23:11.519 --> 00:23:13.519
Yeah, quite the family connection name.
00:23:13.839 --> 00:23:15.119
Runs in the family, like you said.
00:23:15.279 --> 00:23:15.599
Yeah.
00:23:15.759 --> 00:23:21.839
And uh this will be the 16th Color the County Mural uh completed since the initiative launched.
00:23:22.000 --> 00:23:30.240
Uh the program was created by the community foundation to celebrate its 25th anniversary and has since expanded into a countywide public art movement.
00:23:30.559 --> 00:23:31.119
It's awesome.
00:23:31.440 --> 00:23:31.920
That's pretty cool.
00:23:32.000 --> 00:23:34.079
I'm excited to see what it uh see what that looks like.
00:23:34.319 --> 00:23:36.400
Yeah, who knows where it'll be in the next 10 years.
00:23:36.480 --> 00:23:37.119
Yeah.
00:23:37.680 --> 00:23:40.000
Lots of lot more mural for sure.
00:23:40.240 --> 00:23:40.720
Definitely.
00:23:41.119 --> 00:23:46.079
Yeah, so well, thank you all so much for tuning into this episode of Beyond the Headlines.
00:23:46.160 --> 00:23:54.720
And let us know what you would like to hear by submitting your thoughts to news tips at dailyjournal.net and follow us wherever you get podcasts, and we hope you leave a review.
00:23:54.880 --> 00:23:56.640
And uh we hope you tune in next time.
00:23:56.880 --> 00:23:58.079
Yep, see you then.
00:00:00.400 --> 00:00:05.759
This week on Beyond the Headlines, a water tower mural project moves forward in Franklin.
00:00:05.919 --> 00:00:13.919
District leaders share updates as a new school year begins, a new senior living project advances in Whiteland, and Trafalgar gets a new mural.
00:00:17.679 --> 00:00:24.480
From the Daily Journal, this is Beyond the Headlines, a local news podcast focused on story shaping Johnson County.
00:00:40.880 --> 00:00:42.079
Hello, I'm doing good.
00:00:42.159 --> 00:00:45.840
I'm it's been a long week, so I'm a little tired, but I'm ready for the weekend.
00:00:46.079 --> 00:00:47.759
Yeah, I'm also ready for the weekend.
00:00:47.840 --> 00:00:56.000
Uh we had lots of news this week, uh, you know, school back in session, um, and some arts going on too.
00:00:56.159 --> 00:00:59.840
So yeah, yeah, let's uh let's talk about what's going on in Franklin.
00:01:00.159 --> 00:01:03.759
A water tower mural project is uh moving forward in Franklin.
00:01:03.920 --> 00:01:12.640
If you drive in on Walnut Street, uh there's this Indiana American water tower, and it's I I would say it's kind of a beige off-white color.
00:01:12.799 --> 00:01:14.560
Um, but pretty big, you can't miss it.
00:01:14.799 --> 00:01:15.040
Yeah.
00:01:15.120 --> 00:01:18.560
Uh city officials have described it as quite the eyesore.
00:01:18.879 --> 00:01:27.519
So they're now taking steps, or they're finally taking steps, uh, to uh transform it into a public art installation.
00:01:27.680 --> 00:01:40.480
Uh so the city received uh$275,941 in ready grant funding, uh, which is a state program focused on quality of life and community development projects.
00:01:40.640 --> 00:01:46.239
Uh and the Franklin City Council approved using those funds uh for startup costs related to the mural project.
00:01:46.560 --> 00:01:46.959
That's awesome.
00:01:47.040 --> 00:01:53.040
I know uh ready funds are a good source for any type of additional projects for municipalities to use, but yeah.
00:01:53.200 --> 00:01:57.120
Um why the water tower and how long has this kind of been in the making?
00:01:57.359 --> 00:02:03.680
Yeah, so uh Franklin's uh arts commission and city staff, they've been pursuing this idea since uh 2021.
00:02:03.840 --> 00:02:10.319
Um a previous effort to secure a Lily Endowment grant was unsuccessful, making this new funding a second chance.
00:02:10.479 --> 00:02:20.400
Uh, like I said, the tower sits near um Young's Creek Park at Jefferson and Walnut Streets, uh, and it kind of is the background when you're at the amphitheater.
00:02:20.560 --> 00:02:23.759
Like that's the thing that's kind of looming over in the distance.
00:02:24.159 --> 00:02:30.560
So Franklin got the money by receiving additional ready funds after other projects and other communities fell through.
00:02:30.719 --> 00:02:41.919
Uh, and they were rewarded these funds uh because of the city's successful track record with completing previous ready projects on time, and that includes the uh improvements to the Active Adult Center.
00:02:42.159 --> 00:02:42.400
Nice.
00:02:42.560 --> 00:02:45.360
So this is kind of reimbursement for for that.
00:02:45.599 --> 00:02:46.080
Awesome.
00:02:46.159 --> 00:02:46.319
Yeah.
00:02:46.560 --> 00:02:54.560
So the city will also use uh$50,000 remaining from an Amer Indiana American Water Foundation grant.
00:02:54.719 --> 00:02:59.680
Uh that initially helped fund Young's Young Creek Park splash pad.
00:03:00.080 --> 00:03:00.879
Interesting, yeah.
00:03:01.039 --> 00:03:07.680
So um with it being as big as it is, uh, I'm curious how much is this going to cost and uh what's kind of the timeline?
00:03:07.919 --> 00:03:16.240
Yeah, so the current estimated cost is uh$600,000, uh, with$200,000 of that being uh used to prepare the water tower itself.
00:03:16.400 --> 00:03:24.560
Um apparently there is a lot of work that goes into prepping the water tower for painting, uh, but then uh$400,000 of that is for the mural itself.
00:03:24.960 --> 00:03:25.360
Gotcha.
00:03:25.680 --> 00:03:26.000
Okay.
00:03:26.719 --> 00:03:33.280
Uh there's still fundraising for the project, uh and that's expected to continue through 2026 through the rest of this year.
00:03:33.360 --> 00:03:37.199
Uh, but the city hopes to complete painting by the end of 2027.
00:03:37.520 --> 00:03:37.919
Nice.
00:03:38.080 --> 00:03:40.479
So what's kind of what's kind of their vision there?
00:03:40.560 --> 00:03:43.840
But like what are what can people expect to see on that in the future?
00:03:44.080 --> 00:03:46.560
Yeah, so the artist hasn't been decided yet.
00:03:46.800 --> 00:03:52.879
Um, but Indiana American Water supports the project and they will have an input on selecting the neural design.
00:03:53.120 --> 00:03:58.319
But the goal is to create artwork that uh celebrates Franklin's history, character, and identity.
00:03:58.479 --> 00:04:04.479
And as much as officials would like to have a local artist, um, not just anyone can paint a water tower.
00:04:04.800 --> 00:04:08.319
Yeah, they're probably you kind of be like strapped in, probably.
00:04:08.960 --> 00:04:09.919
It's it's kind of tall.
00:04:10.000 --> 00:04:23.759
So when I was looking at pictures of um some year old artist um that officials had used as like reference photos, uh they had like those I don't even know what they're called, like the lifts that you see like on construction sites or something.
00:04:24.160 --> 00:04:25.519
Um like scissor lifts.
00:04:25.759 --> 00:04:26.319
Yeah, yeah.
00:04:26.480 --> 00:04:30.399
So yeah, I imagine that's gonna it's gonna be tricky.
00:04:30.639 --> 00:04:30.879
Yeah.
00:04:32.160 --> 00:04:46.000
But officials also they hope to uh attract a recognized artist whose work could become a regional attraction, uh, because city leaders also say this mural is more than decoration, but a way to draw in visitors, boost tourism, and enhance quality of life.
00:04:46.240 --> 00:04:46.639
Nice.
00:04:46.800 --> 00:04:52.800
So the mayor's youth leadership council and the Franklin Public Arts Advisory Commission will work together on the project.
00:04:52.879 --> 00:04:57.920
Uh so high school students will help with fundraising, artist selection, and design decisions.
00:04:58.079 --> 00:05:02.399
Uh but overall the goal is to fund the project without relying on uh taxpayer dollars.
00:05:02.480 --> 00:05:03.519
So that's always good for people.
00:05:03.680 --> 00:05:03.839
Yeah.
00:05:04.079 --> 00:05:14.639
Well, it sounds like a great project, and uh I'd like to I'd like to see what's uh would be considered Franklin's history, character, and identity of what we might see on there.
00:05:14.720 --> 00:05:15.920
Um it could be anything.
00:05:16.079 --> 00:05:17.439
I think it really could be anything.
00:05:17.600 --> 00:05:28.160
Uh, you know, Franklin Grizzly Cubs obviously might make you know, might see something on there or you know, but yeah, I'm I'm curious to know what kind of stuff we're gonna see on there in the future.
00:05:28.319 --> 00:05:31.279
So we're gonna take a quick break and be right back.
00:05:31.680 --> 00:05:35.199
Want your business to reach our listeners in Johnson County and beyond?
00:05:35.360 --> 00:05:44.240
Reach out to the Daily Journal by calling 317-736-2730 to ask about our advertising opportunities.
00:05:44.959 --> 00:05:50.879
And we're back, and uh schools also uh went back this yeah, just that time of year.
00:05:51.040 --> 00:05:51.519
Yeah.
00:05:51.680 --> 00:05:54.000
Um, so the schools are back in session.
00:05:54.160 --> 00:06:00.959
Clark Pleasant went back last week, and then Greenwood, Centergrove, Franklin, Indian Creek, and Edinburgh all went back this week.
00:06:01.120 --> 00:06:04.639
Greenwood went back Tuesday, and then the rest went back on Wednesday.
00:06:04.720 --> 00:06:06.879
So we were out and about Wednesday morning.
00:06:07.040 --> 00:06:07.680
Yes, we were.
00:06:07.839 --> 00:06:11.199
Uh yeah, taking first day of school photos, which are always fun.
00:06:11.279 --> 00:06:14.959
Um I felt like I was going back to school myself with getting up that early.
00:06:15.120 --> 00:06:15.680
Yeah.
00:06:15.920 --> 00:06:16.319
Yeah.
00:06:16.480 --> 00:06:24.560
So uh school leaders are balancing academics, uh, new laws and facility upgrades as well, and uh budget pressures to a lot of things on their plate.
00:06:24.720 --> 00:06:25.120
Yeah.
00:06:25.360 --> 00:06:29.120
Um, so what are the biggest changes uh state and countywide?
00:06:29.279 --> 00:06:34.720
Yeah, so statewide, um, obviously the new bill to build south one ban, I've talked about it quite a bit.
00:06:34.879 --> 00:06:40.720
Um, students must keep uh phones, smartwatches, and other devices put away throughout the school day.
00:06:40.879 --> 00:06:48.959
And districts are also preparing for financial impacts from Senate and Hold Act One, which affects local government and school revenues as well.
00:06:49.120 --> 00:06:51.680
Um, as you know, you covering local governments.
00:06:51.839 --> 00:06:52.160
Yep.
00:06:52.319 --> 00:06:59.759
Um, and then some countywide trends, uh, some several districts are noticing smaller incoming kindergarten classes more than expected.
00:06:59.839 --> 00:07:02.480
But overall enrollment remains relatively stable.
00:07:02.800 --> 00:07:05.360
Wonder why the that is with the kindergarten clauses.
00:07:05.519 --> 00:07:06.639
Yeah, not sure yet.
00:07:06.720 --> 00:07:11.279
There there won't be official numbers until uh October around that time.
00:07:11.439 --> 00:07:16.639
Um, but yeah, just something some districts are noticing is the smaller kindergarten cohorts.
00:07:16.800 --> 00:07:25.519
So um, yeah, but schools are also increasing opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, focusing on those graduation pathways.
00:07:25.600 --> 00:07:27.120
Um all good paying jobs.
00:07:27.279 --> 00:07:28.079
Yeah, absolutely.
00:07:28.240 --> 00:07:31.519
Um, so what are some uh new things going on in each school district?
00:07:31.759 --> 00:07:35.600
Yeah, so uh I'm gonna kind of try and go through this as briefly as I can.
00:07:36.079 --> 00:07:36.879
We got five to go.
00:07:36.959 --> 00:07:45.199
So yeah, but Center Grove, uh, they welcomed a new super inconnetir install bomb uh to Center Grove, and she brings 20 years of education experience.
00:07:45.759 --> 00:07:52.800
Um, the high school also now has more parking, and sophomores can now obtain parking permits before it was just juniors and seniors.
00:07:53.040 --> 00:07:55.040
Parking has always been an issue, yeah.
00:07:55.120 --> 00:07:56.399
Um no matter where you go.
00:07:56.560 --> 00:07:57.040
Yeah.
00:07:57.680 --> 00:08:08.399
So uh renovations also continue at the middle school, and the district said SCA1 will create some challenges, but they're they're working ahead of them right now uh with their energy saving projects.
00:08:08.480 --> 00:08:13.040
They have two uh elementary schools that are run by solar power.
00:08:13.120 --> 00:08:18.959
Uh so those are technically our net zero schools when it comes to utility costs, um, which is pretty amazing.
00:08:19.519 --> 00:08:22.959
Yeah, I mean, when you think about how much electricity schools use.
00:08:23.199 --> 00:08:23.519
Yeah.
00:08:23.759 --> 00:08:25.839
And utility costs are only rising.
00:08:26.000 --> 00:08:34.639
So uh over in Greenwood, ISEM and Westwood elementary schools are being renovated during the school year to update at least 20 classrooms and AUKUS spaces.
00:08:34.799 --> 00:08:36.320
The high school also got a new track.
00:08:36.399 --> 00:08:40.399
Uh, the superintendent said uh Ely's the nicest track in the accounty.
00:08:40.559 --> 00:08:41.279
Well, we'll have to see.
00:08:41.440 --> 00:08:42.960
Yeah, we'll have to see that for ourselves.
00:08:43.120 --> 00:08:48.240
They also launched a wooden virtual academy for students needing a flexible learning alternative.
00:08:48.480 --> 00:08:58.000
So uh virtual schools are becoming a popular thing for students who might just uh would rather, you know, learn uh in a different setting rather than the brick and mortar classroom.
00:08:58.159 --> 00:08:58.480
Yeah.
00:08:58.559 --> 00:09:03.039
Uh I know that's not some students don't learn the best in those environments.
00:09:03.120 --> 00:09:05.120
So that's that's great that they're providing that option.
00:09:05.279 --> 00:09:05.600
Yeah.
00:09:05.759 --> 00:09:14.000
Um, they're also looking into possibly a$20.6 million bond to focus on roof repairs and utility savings using solar energy.
00:09:14.080 --> 00:09:24.799
So similar to what Cynergruv did with their elementary schools, of looking to just kind of offset those um those impacts that SCA1 is going to bring by uh reducing those utility costs.
00:09:24.960 --> 00:09:28.639
And then also their free breakfast and lunch is gonna continue for another year for state.
00:09:28.960 --> 00:09:38.000
Um, and then down in Indian Creek, uh the intermediate school will see an expansion of five new classrooms, larger restrooms, and an outdoor classroom as well.
00:09:38.559 --> 00:09:42.480
Um, that'll be the second outdoor classroom in the county.
00:09:42.559 --> 00:09:44.159
I believe Clark Pleasant also has one.
00:09:44.320 --> 00:09:45.440
And how would those work?
00:09:45.679 --> 00:09:54.000
So those um actually they're kind of like little just outdoor classroom spaces, like uh I know Clark Pleasant has, you know, some seating.
00:09:54.159 --> 00:09:58.000
There's also like a a weatherproof kind of like chalkboard out there.
00:09:58.080 --> 00:10:05.120
So they can just, you know, you think when the weather's nice, um you're kind of more uh ready to learn.
00:10:05.360 --> 00:10:05.600
Yeah.
00:10:05.759 --> 00:10:13.519
So I mean, I know if um when I was in school, if it was a really nice day outside, I'd look out the window and just be like, I want to be out there right now.
00:10:13.679 --> 00:10:15.279
Yeah, absolutely.
00:10:15.519 --> 00:10:22.000
Um, and then there also uh a new administration building is being built with a dedicated board meeting space.
00:10:22.080 --> 00:10:26.320
Uh they currently, the schoolwork currently meets in the middle school LGI room.
00:10:26.559 --> 00:10:35.919
So when uh when they get that new board meeting space, that'll pre-up uh some activities for middle schoolers to do um after school as well.
00:10:36.159 --> 00:10:43.759
Uh and then they also created a new healthcare pathway in partnership with Johnson Memorial Hospital for students interested in nursing careers.
00:10:43.919 --> 00:10:48.639
And the district has a goal to have the highest academic results in the county and potentially the state.
00:10:48.799 --> 00:10:50.960
So it's a pretty it's a pretty high goal.
00:10:51.759 --> 00:10:53.759
Um, I wish them luck with that.
00:10:53.840 --> 00:10:54.879
That's the lofty goal.
00:10:55.039 --> 00:10:55.360
Yeah.
00:10:55.600 --> 00:11:00.799
And then um in Franklin, uh Cub Academy Preschool Center is now open.
00:11:00.960 --> 00:11:03.519
So that's another preschool option for families as well.
00:11:03.919 --> 00:11:08.240
The agricultural center is nearing completion for that ag pathway.
00:11:08.480 --> 00:11:15.039
Um, and the district launched the new Franklin Schools Police Department while continuing partnerships with the local law enforcement too.
00:11:15.279 --> 00:11:20.960
So that's always good to get some uh with some weight off of the local law enforcement back.
00:11:21.039 --> 00:11:23.519
Um, but how is that uh police department gonna work?
00:11:23.759 --> 00:11:40.559
Yeah, so they're they're more instead, they're also besides just keeping um, you know, the campus safe, um, you know, and things like that and deterring bad behavior, they're also meant to just kind of be a resource for people too, a person for students to come talk to and just kind of be there in the community as well.
00:11:40.799 --> 00:11:42.080
So awesome.
00:11:42.240 --> 00:11:42.559
Yeah.
00:11:42.799 --> 00:11:49.840
In the fall, the district is also seeking voter support through a referendum to help offset revenue losses connected to SEA1.
00:11:50.240 --> 00:11:53.519
So voters, um, you will see that on your ballot in November.
00:11:53.679 --> 00:12:00.159
And then the goal, um, they have also have a goal of exceeding 95% on uh their IRE literacy scores.
00:12:00.399 --> 00:12:01.279
Also a lofty goal.
00:12:01.360 --> 00:12:01.519
Yeah.
00:12:01.679 --> 00:12:05.360
Uh way down in Edinburgh, they're doing some interesting stuff this year.
00:12:05.519 --> 00:12:07.679
Um, no e-learning days this year.
00:12:07.840 --> 00:12:08.240
Oh, really?
00:12:08.399 --> 00:12:08.639
Yeah.
00:12:08.720 --> 00:12:14.720
So they're kind of going back to the traditions of pre-COVID, and they're gonna have makeup days built into the calendar.
00:12:14.799 --> 00:12:17.759
I think they have like seven built into the calendar.
00:12:18.000 --> 00:12:21.759
Um that's great that uh they're gonna have snow days again.
00:12:21.919 --> 00:12:22.240
Yeah.
00:12:22.480 --> 00:12:29.120
Um, they're also gonna renew focus on handwriting skills, you know, like cursive, things like that, penmanship.
00:12:29.200 --> 00:12:31.440
Um, I remember doing that in third grade me too.
00:12:31.679 --> 00:12:32.000
Too.
00:12:32.080 --> 00:12:37.759
So um and I know a lot of people have been saying it's like kids don't even know how to write in cursive these days.
00:12:37.840 --> 00:12:40.159
Well, maybe Edinburgh's gonna be ahead of the game with that.
00:12:40.320 --> 00:12:40.799
Yeah, yeah.
00:12:40.879 --> 00:12:45.120
They're uh they're really focusing on just going back to the basics, which I think is an interesting approach.
00:12:45.279 --> 00:12:45.519
Yeah.
00:12:46.159 --> 00:12:47.840
Um I mean that never hurts.
00:12:48.080 --> 00:12:48.399
Yeah.
00:12:48.639 --> 00:12:54.320
And then um there also the elementary schools are introducing no tech Tuesdays.
00:12:54.799 --> 00:12:58.559
Um, so that means no no technology, no Chromebooks out.
00:12:58.639 --> 00:13:02.480
Um, this is more instruction using books, papers, and direct teaching.
00:13:02.559 --> 00:13:05.039
And this goes for both students and staff.
00:13:05.279 --> 00:13:16.879
Um, teachers obviously can still use technology to take attendance or for communication purposes, but yeah, it's meant to kind of again just kind of go back to that traditional tea teaching method.
00:13:17.200 --> 00:13:20.080
So yeah, I wonder how that's gonna how that's gonna work.
00:13:20.159 --> 00:13:25.200
Because I know when I was in school, they had um like teachers had big desktop computers.
00:13:25.279 --> 00:13:29.039
So I'm wondering if I wonder if they still have those in classrooms though.
00:13:29.200 --> 00:13:31.919
Now that there's more like portable things like Chromebooks.
00:13:32.159 --> 00:13:42.399
I think some do maybe, or they might have a a Chromebook or something, but those will just have to be shut off and yeah, or they can turn them on to take attendance and then they can't use them during instruction time.
00:13:42.480 --> 00:13:42.879
Yeah.
00:13:43.360 --> 00:13:43.600
Yeah.
00:13:43.919 --> 00:13:44.559
Well we'll see.
00:13:44.720 --> 00:13:45.200
We'll see.
00:13:45.360 --> 00:13:53.919
There's all they also renovated the tennis courts, which now supports tennis and pickleball for not just students, but for the whole community to use.
00:13:54.080 --> 00:13:55.440
So that'll be nice to see.
00:13:55.519 --> 00:14:01.440
And they're also uh installing some new HRAC systems and LED upgrades um throughout the whole district, too.
00:14:01.759 --> 00:14:02.080
Awesome.
00:14:02.320 --> 00:14:02.960
All right, all right.
00:14:03.200 --> 00:14:04.159
Well, what's up next?
00:14:04.240 --> 00:14:05.840
I know there's some things going on in Whiteland.
00:14:06.080 --> 00:14:09.679
Yes, so a uh new senior living project is advancing in Whiteland.
00:14:09.759 --> 00:14:17.440
Developers are proposing a mixed-use project called the Grove at Whiteland on nearly 21 acres near US 31 and Whiteland Road.
00:14:17.600 --> 00:14:25.120
Uh so the Whiteland Plan Commission, they've recommended approval, and the proposal is now heading to the town council for consideration.
00:14:25.440 --> 00:14:25.919
Interesting.
00:14:26.080 --> 00:14:28.159
So, what exactly is being proposed?
00:14:28.399 --> 00:14:30.240
So it's essentially two developments in one.
00:14:30.320 --> 00:14:38.159
So it's a senior housing community for residents age 55 and older, and a commercial district featuring neighborhood businesses and services.
00:14:38.799 --> 00:14:47.360
Uh so the project aligns with Whiteland's comprehensive plan, which encourages diverse housing options and mixed-use growth along the US 31 corridor.
00:14:47.519 --> 00:14:51.919
So it's designed for active seniors with 54 cottage style units across 14 buildings.
00:14:52.000 --> 00:14:55.120
So unfortunately, we in Erica, if we wanted to live there, we we couldn't.
00:14:55.840 --> 00:14:56.960
No, not old enough yet.
00:14:57.200 --> 00:14:57.759
Nope, not yet.
00:14:58.000 --> 00:14:58.879
I'm getting up there though.
00:14:58.960 --> 00:15:00.080
My birthday's coming up soon.
00:15:00.240 --> 00:15:01.039
Oh, yay.
00:15:01.360 --> 00:15:02.320
Then then you can.
00:15:02.399 --> 00:15:03.440
Yeah, you can.
00:15:03.840 --> 00:15:04.320
Then we can live there.
00:15:04.559 --> 00:15:06.639
We're gonna be 26, not 55.
00:15:06.720 --> 00:15:08.320
But we're all gonna be there someday.
00:15:08.480 --> 00:15:08.720
Yeah.
00:15:09.200 --> 00:15:15.120
Um, most of those buildings um will contain four units, and one building will contain two units.
00:15:15.360 --> 00:15:26.799
These buildings will include attached garages, covered front entries, um, and then outside the buildings, they'll have walking paths and green spaces, private drives, uh, a clubhouse, and an event space.
00:15:27.039 --> 00:15:27.919
Oh, nice.
00:15:28.159 --> 00:15:33.919
Uh developers Real America um say that these uh are intended as long-term homes.
00:15:34.000 --> 00:15:40.799
Uh, they're emphasizing quality construction because the company plans to retain ownership and management of the property.
00:15:41.200 --> 00:15:41.519
Okay.
00:15:41.919 --> 00:15:45.200
What's kind of going in this uh commercial district?
00:15:45.440 --> 00:15:52.720
So some of those conceptual businesses uh they include medical or professional office spaces, restaurants, coffee shops, uh, and a fitness center.
00:15:52.799 --> 00:15:54.879
But no businesses or tenants have been announced.
00:15:54.960 --> 00:15:58.320
Uh this is the commercial component remains conceptual right now.
00:15:58.399 --> 00:15:59.279
So gotcha.
00:15:59.519 --> 00:16:01.759
So what won't be allowed in this space?
00:16:01.919 --> 00:16:09.120
And I know the uh, you know, the commissioners and the town officials kind of like uh have some stuff in there that they don't want to see.
00:16:09.440 --> 00:16:19.360
So yeah, so they're recommending restrictions that would prohibit car dealerships, auto repair and body shops, uh car washes and detailing businesses, and self-storage facilities.
00:16:19.600 --> 00:16:21.039
There are a lot of those in that area.
00:16:21.279 --> 00:16:21.600
Yeah.
00:16:21.840 --> 00:16:22.960
So it makes sense.
00:16:23.200 --> 00:16:24.879
Yeah, they don't want to saturate the market.
00:16:24.960 --> 00:16:26.000
That's the word I was looking for.
00:16:26.159 --> 00:16:26.399
Yeah.
00:16:26.559 --> 00:16:31.919
Uh their goal uh appears to be creating a more pedestrian-friendly and attractive gateway development.
00:16:32.159 --> 00:16:32.399
Yeah.
00:16:32.559 --> 00:16:36.000
So did the did they have any uh other concerns, possibly?
00:16:36.240 --> 00:16:36.559
Yeah.
00:16:36.720 --> 00:16:40.559
Uh the sewer plan access, uh, that could create a challenge.
00:16:40.639 --> 00:16:45.679
Uh part of the property borders the access road to Whiteland's wastewater treatment facility.
00:16:45.759 --> 00:16:52.320
I believe the the road leading up to that facility is the road that they're wanting to use, like to get onto that development.
00:16:52.639 --> 00:16:53.039
Gotcha.
00:16:53.360 --> 00:16:56.480
Um, and heavy trucks regularly use that route.
00:16:56.720 --> 00:17:02.080
Um, officials also want stronger security measures to prevent people from accidentally entering the sewer plan.
00:17:02.559 --> 00:17:12.799
Um, so they're requesting um that real America install and pay for uh electric security gates, because right now there's just a manual one on the property.
00:17:12.960 --> 00:17:16.000
Uh, and upgrades to the road serving the treatment facility.
00:17:16.079 --> 00:17:24.720
They'll also have to do that uh and dedicate that road to Whiteland uh and coordinate on future wastewater tree wastewater system improvements.
00:17:25.039 --> 00:17:25.359
Okay.
00:17:25.599 --> 00:17:33.359
Um acceleration and deceleration lanes will likely also be required along US 31 uh to safely handle traffic entering and exiting the development too.
00:17:33.680 --> 00:17:44.640
Well, it sounds like an interesting development, probably well needed because I think uh there's a lot of senior housing that um still needs to be developed uh a pretty big game accounting to and I think it's a good area for it.
00:17:44.799 --> 00:17:45.039
Yeah.
00:17:45.200 --> 00:17:46.319
Right along 31.
00:17:46.480 --> 00:17:47.359
Yeah, absolutely.
00:17:47.519 --> 00:17:49.119
It can't get any more accessible than that.
00:17:49.279 --> 00:17:49.440
Yeah.
00:17:50.000 --> 00:17:53.119
Um we're gonna take a quick break and be right back with our round table.
00:17:53.519 --> 00:17:56.319
Like listening to this podcast, you can help support it.
00:17:56.480 --> 00:18:04.160
Subscribe to the daily journal at subscribe.dailyjournal.net to support your local newspaper and this podcast.
00:18:04.319 --> 00:18:07.440
Your support helps make everything we do possible.
00:18:08.960 --> 00:18:14.799
And we're back with our round table, and we got some uh some organizations that are needing some help from the communities.
00:18:15.119 --> 00:18:16.559
You can talk a little bit about those.
00:18:16.720 --> 00:18:38.480
Um, the Johnson County Senior Services, uh, they recently lost two transportation vans due to major mechanical failures, but just creating an urgent challenge for one of the agency's most critical programs, which is transportation for local seniors to provide rides to medical appointments, dialysis treatments, pharmacies, grocery stores, and just social activities too.
00:18:38.720 --> 00:18:38.960
Yeah.
00:18:39.119 --> 00:18:39.279
Yeah.
00:18:39.440 --> 00:18:42.319
And I imagine not just any car can transport them.
00:18:42.559 --> 00:18:42.799
Yeah.
00:18:42.880 --> 00:18:50.240
They need a large van for, you know, uh wheelchairs or walkers or things like that, and also just to transport many of them at once.
00:18:50.559 --> 00:19:00.240
So, and the the transportation, it's a like line for uh local seniors, and the AGC provides more than 360 dialysis treat uh trips each month.
00:19:00.640 --> 00:19:00.960
Wow.
00:19:01.119 --> 00:19:02.240
Yeah, a lot.
00:19:02.480 --> 00:19:16.319
Um, so this reduced fleet uh threatens seniors' access to healthcare, independence, and just social connection to um but luckily Uplift Johnson County has launched an emergency fundraising campaign to help replace the vans.
00:19:16.480 --> 00:19:22.960
Um, all donations go directly towards vehicle replacement, and Uplift will match the first$15,000 donated.
00:19:23.279 --> 00:19:24.640
How much are they looking to raise?
00:19:24.799 --> 00:19:30.319
Yeah, so the fundraising goal is$50,000, and a large community effort could make a difference.
00:19:30.400 --> 00:19:40.480
Um supporters can donate to the cause at Upliftjoco.org slash JCSS or donate to the Johnson County Senior Services Director.
00:19:41.039 --> 00:19:44.720
So listeners go out there and help help our seniors get around.
00:19:44.880 --> 00:19:45.200
Yeah.
00:19:45.359 --> 00:19:49.119
Um, but you there's another program that needs some help, so take it away.
00:19:49.279 --> 00:19:49.519
Yeah.
00:19:49.599 --> 00:19:54.640
So uh Johnson County Casa is sounding the alarm uh over a severe volunteer shortage.
00:19:54.960 --> 00:19:55.119
Yeah.
00:19:55.279 --> 00:19:59.680
Um leaders are saying that the number of advocates is the lowest they've seen in years.
00:19:59.920 --> 00:20:00.960
So what is CASA?
00:20:01.440 --> 00:20:04.400
Uh they are uh court-appointed special advocates.
00:20:04.480 --> 00:20:11.119
Uh they're trained volunteers appointed by judges to represent the best interests of children involved in abuse and neglect cases.
00:20:11.359 --> 00:20:11.680
Okay.
00:20:11.759 --> 00:20:13.839
So they played a really important role in that.
00:20:14.160 --> 00:20:14.559
Oh, yeah.
00:20:14.640 --> 00:20:14.880
Yeah.
00:20:15.119 --> 00:20:19.920
Volunteers serve as a consistent voice for children, navigating the court and foster care systems.
00:20:20.079 --> 00:20:27.519
They meet regularly with children, review case information, uh, communicate with families, schools, and service providers and attorneys.
00:20:27.680 --> 00:20:32.960
Uh, they provide reports and recommendations to judges to help inform decisions affecting a child's future.
00:20:33.759 --> 00:20:40.960
Um, many children experience turnover among caseworkers, uh, which makes a CASA volunteer one of the few stable adults in their lives.
00:20:41.200 --> 00:20:42.319
Oh, yeah, for sure.
00:20:42.640 --> 00:20:52.240
So uh Johnson County CASA is launching After Hours with CASA, which is a series of informal evening information sessions designed to attract new volunteers.
00:20:52.400 --> 00:20:59.839
Uh the program provides an overview of CASA's mission, volunteer expectations, training requirements, and the impact advocates have on children's lives.
00:21:00.079 --> 00:21:00.319
Nice.
00:21:00.400 --> 00:21:01.759
So what are some requirements?
00:21:01.920 --> 00:21:02.160
Yeah.
00:21:02.240 --> 00:21:07.359
So volunteers must be 21 or over, uh, have a high school diploma or equivalent.
00:21:07.440 --> 00:21:13.839
Uh, they must complete required CASA training uh and generally commit about five to ten hours per month.
00:21:14.000 --> 00:21:17.440
Uh Casa asks for a minimum two-year commitment.
00:21:17.680 --> 00:21:17.920
Okay.
00:21:18.319 --> 00:21:21.279
And five to ten hours out of your month really isn't that bad.
00:21:21.599 --> 00:21:21.680
Yeah.
00:21:23.920 --> 00:21:29.119
Well, um, speaking of more murals, Trafalgar is also getting uh a new mural as well.
00:21:29.359 --> 00:21:30.240
A lot of murals.
00:21:30.400 --> 00:21:30.720
Yeah.
00:21:30.880 --> 00:21:40.640
Um theirs is uh its newest color the county mural continuing in Johnson County tradition that has helped bring public art to communities across the county since 2016.
00:21:40.960 --> 00:21:41.839
Already 10 years.
00:21:42.000 --> 00:21:44.480
So yeah, 10 years in the making.
00:21:44.720 --> 00:21:52.880
Uh the winning artist, Isabella Fresh Hour, is a Morgantown resident and a uh Harrow's school of art and design student.
00:21:53.119 --> 00:21:53.440
Awesome.
00:21:53.599 --> 00:22:01.839
Yeah, so her design uh features a series of postage stamps uh highlighting recognizable scenes and symbols of Trafalgar and Johnson County.
00:22:02.079 --> 00:22:14.319
Um so this Merrill will also include Cornfield Sunsets, which is you have to have that classic, uh Rolling Hills, a Monarch Butterfly, a motorcycle, interesting, and some other images too.
00:22:14.400 --> 00:22:20.079
So all three nature and then motorcycle, but there's always there's gonna be some more in there, so who knows?
00:22:20.400 --> 00:22:30.400
Um, so and then she wanted to use postage stamps to symbolize a journey through Trafalgar and Johnson County, allowing multiple parts of the community to be showcased in a single design.
00:22:30.559 --> 00:22:35.759
So um this mural is gonna be painted on the side of Hadwell Hardware in Trafalgar.
00:22:36.319 --> 00:22:49.680
And uh during the painting of it, uh volunteers and local residents were able to help using a paint by numbers approach, making the project accessible to all ages and artistic abilities, which paint by numbers is pretty fun.
00:22:49.839 --> 00:22:51.200
Yeah, who doesn't like paint by numbers?
00:22:51.519 --> 00:22:57.519
Uh I'm not that artistically gifted, so uh paint by numbers sounds like a fun way to get involved in a mural check.
00:22:57.680 --> 00:22:57.920
Yeah.
00:22:58.160 --> 00:22:58.559
For sure.
00:22:58.960 --> 00:23:01.920
Um, but art kind of runs in the family here.
00:23:02.079 --> 00:23:11.359
Uh so Isabella's mother, Mandy, she actually won the Color the County Mural competition in 2024 and designed the mural at Tom's barber shop in Greenwood.
00:23:11.519 --> 00:23:13.519
Yeah, quite the family connection name.
00:23:13.839 --> 00:23:15.119
Runs in the family, like you said.
00:23:15.279 --> 00:23:15.599
Yeah.
00:23:15.759 --> 00:23:21.839
And uh this will be the 16th Color the County Mural uh completed since the initiative launched.
00:23:22.000 --> 00:23:30.240
Uh the program was created by the community foundation to celebrate its 25th anniversary and has since expanded into a countywide public art movement.
00:23:30.559 --> 00:23:31.119
It's awesome.
00:23:31.440 --> 00:23:31.920
That's pretty cool.
00:23:32.000 --> 00:23:34.079
I'm excited to see what it uh see what that looks like.
00:23:34.319 --> 00:23:36.400
Yeah, who knows where it'll be in the next 10 years.
00:23:36.480 --> 00:23:37.119
Yeah.
00:23:37.680 --> 00:23:40.000
Lots of lot more mural for sure.
00:23:40.240 --> 00:23:40.720
Definitely.
00:23:41.119 --> 00:23:46.079
Yeah, so well, thank you all so much for tuning into this episode of Beyond the Headlines.
00:23:46.160 --> 00:23:54.720
And let us know what you would like to hear by submitting your thoughts to news tips at dailyjournal.net and follow us wherever you get podcasts, and we hope you leave a review.
00:23:54.880 --> 00:23:56.640
And uh we hope you tune in next time.
00:23:56.880 --> 00:23:58.079
Yep, see you then.
