Hendricks County

Town of Avon Welcomes New Businesses, Growth

Avon Town Counci: Top Row: Aaron Tevebaugh, Steve Eisenbarth; bottom Row: Greg Zusan,Dawn Lowden (Council President), Robert Pope (Council Vice President)

By Melissa Gibson

The Avon Town Council is making plans to utilize available land and welcome several new businesses with forward-thinking preparation for the future.

Perhaps the most popular addition to the town is Costco Wholesale at the northwest corner of U.S. Highway 36 and County Road 900 East. Town Manager Ryan

AVON TOWN MANAGER RYAN CANNON

Cannon said Costco is in the final stages of the planning process and hope to break ground in May to be open by Thanksgiving of 2021.

“We’ve heard good feedback about Costco.

They only have two in Indy and have a regional draw. People are willing to drive to the north or south to get there, so we’re really excited to have them come to Avon,” Cannon said.

Rural King Supply is another highly anticipated new business in the area. The farm and home store at 7508 Beechwood Centre Road will offer livestock feed, pet food, lawn care supplies and automotive supplies. Catering to the rural farming areas, they also offer supplies for the farm and live chicks and bunnies.

Rural King’s soft opening is March 13 with a grand opening celebration on March 27.

Residents will also see Culver’s arrive on the scene at U.S. Highway 36 where the closed Bob Evans used to sit, though a grand opening date is not set and industrial building are currently being developed in several areas of Avon. “There are three industrial areas in the works which is good for us as a community because they diversify our tax base. We don’t currently

know who is going into those buildings, but are excited to welcome them as well,” Cannon said.

Avon Logistics is coming to the north side of County Road 100 South. The first building of the first phase is 880,000 square feet and the entire development will eventually become 5 to 6 million square feet as additional phases are met.

Reagan Logistics Park will build on the west side of Ronald Reagan between Country Road 100 South and County Road 200 South. They are purposing 1 million square feet with one building at 700,000 square feet and a second at 300,000 square feet.

Avon Landing is the third anticipated industrial development, located to the north on Ronald Regan between County Road 200 North and County Road 300 North. This property includes a planned unit development (PUD), featuring apartments, small commercial area and six to eight small industrial buildings.

“It’s been more of a shift in thinking by the town council,” Cannon said. “They have taken the approach of we have limited land so we need to use it the best way possible. The town has made substantial capital investments, widening Ronald Reagan Parkway and County Road 100 South is the largest project in the history of the town. These are important because we want to take advantage of the economic opportunities.”

Long term, Cannon said, the industrial developments are exciting because it’s what the town needs. With little office and industrial space to date, the areas will lead to success in good investments for Avon.

“I think the strength of Avon is that we are in the middle,” Cannon said. “We have commercial development along the 36 corridor, and we can attract businesses because we are in the middle. We’re a short distance from Brownsburg, Plainfield, Danville and Indianapolis. Our strength is also a weakness because it gives us limited land for development.”

“The council has hired an economic director, John Taylor and he’s been a driving force behind attracting businesses and connecting them to land. We still have 30 percent of the town undeveloped so there’s more to do, but the council has done a great job at planning for the future when we are eventually land locked,” Cannon added.

Looking toward that future, Avon has received federal funds to widen Dan Jones Road to four lanes between U.S. Highway 36 and County Road 150 South in 2023 and 2024. A roundabout will be added to County Road 150 South to allow for better traffic flow in the congested area. Cannon has served the Town as Public Works Director for more than 20 years and was named Town Manger last fall. He’s excited to see what he can bring to the town and continue the growth the council has set forth to accomplish.

“I’m enjoying the position and it’s challenging. I’m still getting all the pieces in place,” Cannon said. “We want to hire a communications coordinator to allow us to be more responsive to residents. Tom [Klein] did a fantastic job and I’m hoping to build on what we’ve already done. Avon is the youngest town in Hendricks County at 25 years, but we’re not the new guy in town anymore. I’d like to see Avon have more influence in our county and to take things to the next level.”

Keep up to date on new businesses and growth in the community by visiting www.avongov.org.

Costco Wholesale at Avon should be open for business by the holidays of 2021. ___________________________________________________

HCCF Supports Indiana Agricultural Leadership Program

2021 AgrIInstitute Class

Agricultural and rural leaders across the state rely on the AgrIInstitute to provide leadership development and to prepare leaders to advance agriculture in their communities. The Agricultural Leadership Program (ALP) provides training sessions locally and educational experiences in both Washington D.C. and abroad to agricultural students across the state. The program focuses on education on public policy issues impacting agriculture and leadership skill development. While tuition is $5,000 per member, the total investment for each participant is approximately $15,000.

Since its beginning, AgrIInstitute has provided this training to nearly 500 individuals. Hendricks County is home to 17 of the graduates of the ALP. Hendricks County ALP graduates include: David Booher, Sarah Browning, Lynn Campbell, Jerry and Vyanne Chandler, Denise Derrer, Michael Edmondson, Todd Greenwood, David Hardin, Michael Larr, Jamie Price, Vanessa Smith, Hal Truax, David Whicker, David Wyeth, Amy Berg, and Brooke Smith.

To continue growing and developing strong leaders in the agriculture world, the Hendricks County Community Foundation (HCCF) awarded AgrIInstitute $513 from the Hendricks County AgrIInstitute Fund to provide a portion of the funds needed to administer the two-year program. “ALP provides a valuable platform for the adults who are actively engaged in serving agriculture to become better informed and skilled decision-makers and leaders for agriculture locally and nationally,” said Beth Archer, the Executive Director of the AgrIInstitute. “The investment made in this program is one that will have a lasting benefit as these leaders advance the industry that feeds the world.”

The Hendricks County AgrIInstitute Fund is a permanent, designated fund at HCCF that was established in 2010 and grants every year to the organization to support their programs. Designated funds like this one empower people who care about Hendricks County to forever support a charity they believe in. HCCF President and CEO William Rhodehamel expressed the importance of designated funds, “Designated funds like the Hendricks County AgrIInstitute Fund are one of the simplest and most effective ways for donors to invest their money in organizations they love.”

4-H Flower Sale Underway

It’s time for the annual Hendricks County 4-H Flower Sale! The money raised from this sale supports the Hendricks County 4-H Program, 4-H Youth Council and local 4-H clubs.

Red or Hot Pink Seed Geraniums are available for $1.75 each or $31.50 for a flat of 18 plants. Also for sale are Purple or White Wave Petunias for $5 per plant or $75 for a flat of 15. The flowers are grown in Hendricks County at Sugar Grove Greenhouse

You may purchase flowers by ording them through your local Hendricks County 4-H members or by calling 317-745-9260.

The flowers will be available in May. Any extra flowers will be put in the drive-thru open sale at Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds, 1900 E. Main, Danville, starting May 1, while supplies last.

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Libraries Assist with COVID-19 Vaccine Registration

Hendricks County libraries are partnering with the Hendricks County Health Department to assist with scheduling and registering eligible people for the COVID-19 vaccine. Currently, individuals 65 and older are eligible to sign up and register for the vaccine at any location in the state of Indiana.

In order to sign up for the vaccine, individuals may go online to www.ourshot.in.gov or call 211 for assistance. Both the website and 211 have been experiencing high traffic and wait times can be lengthy, which is where Hendricks County libraries come in to assist.

Anyone who needs assistance with scheduling and registering for their COVID-19 vaccine can contact any of the following Hendricks County libraries for assistance:

▪ Avon: In Person Only

▪ Brownsburg: 317-852-3167

▪ Clayton: 37-539-2991

▪ Coatesville: 765-386-2355

▪ Danville: 317-745-2604

▪ Plainfield: 317-839-6602

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On Dean’s List at Manchester U.

The following local students were named to the Fall Dean’s List. at Manchester University.

Miranda Bieghler of Plainfield. Bieghler is majoring in early childhood & elementary education.

Brayden Sayre of Brownsburg. Sayre is majoring in marketing.

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P-GTPL Adds In-House Hours

The Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library has resumed in-house service. Patrons are welcome to make brief, socially distanced visits to the library. Library hours will be: Mon - Thurs: 9a-8p Fri: 9a-6p Sat: 9a-5p Sun: 1-5p The Library will continue to monitor Executive Orders, health department guidelines, and CDC recommendations. For more information, visit www. plainfieldlibrary.net/expanded-service/.

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Avon Optimists Offer Memorial Scholarship

The Avon Optimist Club is now accepting applications for the Charles H. Schoen Optimist Memorial Scholarship.

The scholarship is open to students planning to attend a two-year (Associates degree) program or other vocational-technical training. In addition to the many two-year Associates Degree programs offered by Colleges and Universities, programs such as medical technician, A & P mechanic, cosmetology, auto mechanic, EMT training and similar vocational studies qualify for the scholarship.

One Scholarship is awarded every year for one year in the amount of $1000 per semester or $2,000 per year. Although one year weawarded two scholarships.

Who is eligible? You need not be a student at Avon High School. Seniors at private schools and home - schooled students are also eligible.

Requirements: 1.) Be a graduating senior. 2.) Be a resident of Washington Township, Hendricks County, Indiana. 3.) Intend to pursue vocational training. 4.) Maintain a C average in High School

To apply, request an application from p_grant@ fastmail.fm. Complete the application form and return via email or send to Avon Optimist Club, Scholarship Application, 8103 E. US 36 #140, Avon, IN 46123. Applications are now being accepted. Deadline is April 1, 2021.

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It’s News To Us

Birthday parties, new babies, anniversaries, visits from long-lost cousins -- these are the items that make up the kind of news you only find in the pages of The Republican.

If you have a local news item you’d like to contribute, you can call us at 317-745-2777, send by fax to 317-647-4341, e-mail to therepublican@ sbcglobal.net or drop by the office at 6 East Main in Danville. Our deadline for submitting news items is noon on Monday for Thursday’s edition.

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SERVING HENDRICKS COUNTY SINCE 1847Thursday, March 11, 2021 The Republican Page A-5

North Salem Local & Social

Jim and Barbara Oliver visited his sister, Vivian Dillman at the nursing home in Ellettsville, Ind., Friday.

Missed school bus this morning (later learned they didn’t have school today. Going to have to get their schedule to keep up with them). Did see squirrel on neighbor’s house - jumped to tree across the road and scampering about. Bet Archy would have liked this neighborhood. Still kinda cool sitting on porch waiting for bus.

Special Thank You to all for cards and notes. (They like The Republican Newspaper!).

Time out to have coffee and donut with Dottie, Leann and Bella. Got to visit with Dottie short time with promise to return soon. We could fill a whole newspaper with all our adventures and episodes in our younger days. Dottie is 91, too (will be 92 in August). We had a great time growing up in North Salem. We moved here from Jamestown in 1937 when my Dad was manager of Busenbark Grain and have been friends ever since. Lots of great memories and friends, classmates along the way. God’s blessing to you, Dottie - I will see you soon!

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Guess people do take note of my Birthday Listings as hearsay from one: No, Lynda Brackin, I didn’t forget your birthday, just stopped my calendar on March 31. So Happy Birthday to: Belated wishes to friend Tim Albron in Verna Vista, Florida on March 6. Hope you had a great one.

March 23 - Lise Portwood, Larry Campbell.

March 25 - Special Birthday to Lynda Brackin. Oh, yes, Lynda - I’ll it add it be the big 59th (Karen made me do it!)

March 29 - My little Buddy, Blake Basham’s8th birthday. He has already put in that he now likes Pokemon. Told him to save his money for the Lamborghini he wants!

March 29 - Bob Dinsmore’s birthday in Heaven.

March 30 Shelly & Kelly Buckingham, 41st birthday. Both former softball players of mine. Now a mother and teacher, they did survive our past days!

Also with all those who loved Betty Weesner - it has been five years since Betty went to Heaven. Loved you, Betty.

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Just a Friday - Saturday update on food: Veggie soup and cherry pie from Gene McCullough. Chicken salad from Linda Chaney. Bacon and tomatoes for sandwiches from Phyllis Pearcy (also donuts). Homemade cookies from Barb and Jim Oliver. So yes, this is a wonderful neighborhood to live in.

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Sympathy

The Celebration of Life service for Robert “Levi” Watkins took place Saturday, March 6, at the Eel River Township Community Center in North Salem. It was very well attended, a great tribute to a young man.

Calling for Mike Selch was Sunday at the Pittsboro Funeral Home. Mike was such a loved and active person at North Salem. Our sympathy to Betty and all the family.

Birthday Note

Received a nice birthday card and note from Bob Palma in Brownsburg. Here is a part of it:

“My wife and I thoroughly enjoy your column every week; never did know how far back you were doing it...to 1959 - wow, that’s some tenure! No wonder you do such a great job and know everyone in town.

The only North Salem resident we now know is Larry Lynch, since Steve Clark and his wife moved to Danville. Larry and I go ‘way back to working at Howard W. Sams / Bobbs-Merrill Publishing together in Indianapolis in the 1970’s. He’s a good friend. In fact, when I was getting my Indiana Real Estate Brokers License in the 1970’s, Larry’s House on S. McKinley Street was the first house I ever sold... and to Larry, so he’s been there a long time.

... Keep up your interesting reports of all things North Salem: Yours, Paul Miner’s and the Obituaries (!) are interesting reads every week.”

Bob says he’s a columnist himself for the national collector - car magazine, Hemmings Classic Car. He sent along one of his columns for me to read.

Talk about connections - he said he worked at Bobbs-Merrill Publishing Co., Indianapolis, in the 1970’s. Between junior and senior years, I worked at Bobbs-Merrill office in Indianapolis. Loved it - a long way to go for a 17-year-old back then!

Thanks Bob, for the card and letter! A great birthday gift!

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Maple Syrup Days Continues at McCloud Nature Park

Visitors to McCloud’s Maple Syrup can try their hand at drilling tap holes to start the process of gathering sap to be turned into syrup.

On Saturday, March 13, McCloud Nature Park, 8518 Hughes Rd., North Salem, will continue Maple Syrup Days. Guests can watch the process of making maple syrup from tapping the tree, to the modern evaporator, to the bottle you pour on your pancakes in the morning.

A guided tour will be provided at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. but families can walk through the tour self-guided between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. if they wish.

Throughout the tour, a scavenger hunt (picked up at the Nature Center) will lead individuals on a half-mile hike, with stops at stations educating visitors on the process of syrup production.

Children can enjoy a story along the trail provided by a Curious George book on maple syrup and crafts will be offered at the Nature Center to take home and continue the discussion.

Guided tours may be limited based on the numbers interested, but with six and a half miles of trails and plenty of activities, social distancing will be easier. Masks are required inside the Nature Center and in the restrooms but not outside if groups can safely distance.

Dress for the weather - boots or waterproof footwear and layers are recommended.

For more information visit https://hendrickscountyparks.org. ______________________________________________

Kindergarten Round Up For NWH Schools

It’s time to begin NorthWest Hendricks School Corporation’s Kindergarten Round-Up process for those students who will turn 5 by August 1, 2021.

This year there will be a modified version of the Kindergarten Round-Up on March 25, 2021.

The corporation has created a video that tells all about Kindergarten roundup, a video to introduce the Kindergarten teachers to incoming students, a form that will begin the process of sign-ups and let us know you are coming, and finally, a Sign-up Genius link so that you may schedule a time to come in for a screener. All of this information can be found on the website. https://www.hendricks.k12.in.us/nses

Please share this information with anyone you know who may have a child entering kindergarten in the fall.

Even students who wish to join our school as transfer students may sign-up for the screener.

Please call the school office with any questions at 317-994-3000.

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Tri-West Scholarship

The Jackie & Larry Sparks Memorial Scholarship opened March 1, 2021.

Tri-West High School Alumni seeking an undergraduate degree who will complete at least one year of post-secondary schooling by June 1, 2021 are eligible to apply. Up to two scholarships will be awarded this summer.

This is a three-year renewable scholarship, increasingin amount each year. Applications are due May 31, 2021.

To apply, go to Tri-West. DollarsforScholars.org.

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Garden Club To Hear About Federal Election History

The Hendricks County Garden Club is pleased to welcome our own Barbara Stauch as she introduces us to her historical review of U.S. federal elections. While we will not be discussing the most current election, Barbara tells us that there is much to learn from considering the elections of the past. She’ll share interesting and sometimes contentious issues from our history of federal elections. With her degree in historic research from Butler University, Barbara has a unique talent for digging up the realities of the past. She’ll reveal interesting tidbits about the First Ladies as well. For example, do you know why John Quincy Adams’ wife Louisa was so upset with Andrew Jackson?

A native of Hendricks County, and a member of the Merritt family of early pioneers in the area, Barbara Stauch has dedicated her life to educating others. Whether teaching history and social studies during her 25-year tenure at Brownsburg High School, or teaching gardeners and floral arrangers how to improve their craft, Barbara is an engaging and knowledgeable educator. (Fun fact: Barbara’s ancestor, William Merritt is listed as a voter in the polling books for the first general election held in the county on August 7, 1826.)

As garden club members, we are dedicated to not only beautifying our community, but to being well-informed, involved citizens. We’re looking forward to learning from Barbara.

The free virtual meeting takes place on Wednesday, March 24, from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. To register, send an e-mail to seoyder@hotmail.com or call 317-908-1905.

This is a casual, free event, but you must pre-register to participate. You don’t have to live in Hendricks County Indiana to participate - everyone is welcome. We will use the virtual meeting software, ZOOM. You don’t need special software to participate, just a computer or phone. Join us on camera, or simply with audio. Once you register, you’ll receive a link and password to participate!

In these times of physical distancing, the Hendricks County Garden Club is committed to eliminating social isolation. Please join us! _____________________________________________

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