
28 minute read
Hendricks County
Hendricks County Honors Lives Lost in “Brighter Together”

Over 300 luminarias were placed in front of Avon Town Hall Park honoring those lives lost in COVID-19.
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The community, both live and virtual participated in a moment of silence.

Plainfield Police Chief Jared McKee addressed the audience: “I’ve seen ‘love thy neighbor’ played out on a daily basis; groceries delivered to those who couldn’t get out, checking on the elderly was more than just once in a while, but routine.”
By Melissa Gibson
Saturday evening the community gathered for a candlelight vigil, honoring the more than 300 lives lost during the COVID-19 crisis to date.
It’s been one year since former President Donald Trump declared the pandemic a national emergency and leaders from Danville, Plainfield, Avon and Brownsburg held a special remembrance ceremony at Avon Town Park.

Hendricks County Community Foundation CEO, William Rhodehamel welcomes the audience.
Against the backdrop of hundreds of luminarias, event host, William Rhodehamel, President and CEO of the Hendricks County Community Foundation commended the community for their response during the pandemic.
“We honor those whose lives we’ve lost and those lives that have been affected through this terrible time. There is hope. We need to be dedicated to the task before us. It seems we may be getting through this,” Rhodehamel said.
Plainfield Police Chief Jared McKee delivered the main address to those in virtual and live attendance.
“Our lives were dramatically flipped upside down in a matter of days. Of the more than 500,000 deaths and 29 million who have contracted the virus, Hendricks County has lost 323 lives,” McKee said.
He reflected on the “destructive trail” left behind and a current mental health crisis from isolation and uncertainty and asked the community to focus on the joy and peace that has emerged from the difficult time.
While fear has gripped families across the county and the world, McKee chooses to focus on the blessings that have come from the crisis.
“I’ve seen ‘love thy neighbor’ played out on a daily basis; groceries delivered to those who couldn’t get out, checking on the elderly was more than just once in a while, but routine. We’ve recognized the essentialness of our grocery workers and drivers so we could stay locked in our homes. Our first responders, health care workers and teachers became local heroes as we navigated the unknown.”
McKee reminded the audience of educators scrambling to find new ways to engage with children learning from home and police officers participating in drive-by birthday parties for kids in the community that couldn’t have the birthday party they had planned.
He reflected on the additional unrest in the world when equality, inclusion and diversity conversations hit the nation with echoes of ‘I can’t breathe’ being heard and protests caused leaders around the country to gather and unite.
“I believe there was no better time to
begin these tough conversations. Community leaders came together and spent time listening and responding with compassion,” McKee said.
Drawing a metaphor of towering redwoods, vulnerable when standing alone, McKee encouraged the community to stand together and to take the seeds that have been planted out of crisis to grow into a better tomorrow.
Speaking of those in the community lost to COVID-19, McKee said, “Their life was cut short. Be the change you want to see.”
The speech was followed by a moment
of silence as members of the community walked forward with lighted candles.
As of the March 9 meeting of Hendricks County Commissioners, Dr. Stopperich of the Hendricks County Health Department reported the 7-day positivity rate had decreased to 4.1 percent. Approximately 35,000 residents had received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 21,000 have received both doses.
Today, those 50 years old or older can receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Visit orushot.in.gov, call 211 or call your local library to register for vaccination.
County 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!


Pittsboro Local & Social
Ice on my windshield this morning, not liking that at all!
As I walked through Scamahorn Park last week, I noticed workers doing what they do best. I am curious to see what was done as our beautiful park comes to life.
I have been hearing so many good things about the play “Clue” being performed at Tri-West. We know the kids and everyone involved have been working very hard. I will be attending on March 21st and I am very excited to see this.
Kudos to whoever is in charge at the Hendricks County Fairgrounds Covid vaccines site. They are very organized and keep the line moving. Thank you.
The Shepherd’s Shelves Food Pantry of Pittsboro Christian Church will be open on Saturday, March 20th from 10 a.m. until Noon. They are located in Pittsboro at 209 N. Meridian Street, across from the Pittsboro Elementary School.
And finally, “faith and begorrah”! Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you all!
Central Indiana K9 Association Celebrates Virtual K9 Veterans Day

Dixie the Praying Dog travels around the country, visiting veteransand encouraging others.
By Melissa Gibson
The Central Indiana K9 Association (CIK9) wants to shed light on some hard-working members of the state’s police force – K9 dogs, working alongside police and military personnel and sacrificing their health and lives for the cause.
Two days before their annual event last year, COVID caused a cancellation, making this year’s virtual and small attendance event that much more special.
Amazon’s “The Pack” stars, Brian Calvert and Dixie the Praying Dog made an appearance for those attending and passing by at Zionsville’s Hotel Tango Distillery on Saturday. The pair were featured in the reality television show this past winter and were asked to choose a charity to benefit from the $250,000 prize. Calvert chose CIK9 as a 2019 funeral for a K9 came to mind. While the two didn’t win the award, they have been able to bring attention to their charity of choice.
“It’s a perfect fit for Dixie and I,” Calvert said. “We love taking care of veterans and these K9 heroes have sacrificed limbs and lives for our safety so we want to support however we can.”

Theresa Brandon and Kyle Schaefer are co-founders and cochairs of the CIK9.
Co-founder and Co-chair Theresa Brandon said the organizations mission is three-fold. They want to financially support retired K9’s, build a permanent training site, and create a working dog monument. The CIK9 is a nonprofit
volunteer-driven organization and funded by public donations and grants.
K9 dogs have long-since assisted the military, officially joining the force in March of 1942 and eventually joining police departments across the country. Today, K9’s are trained to find drugs, missing people, explosive devices and more.
Their participation in first responder duties take a toll on their health and in retirement, it’s not uncommon to have a K9 in need of surgery, cancer treatments or other medical intervention, with the cost falling on the owner.
In honor of the sacrifice the dogs have made, CIK9 created the Shadow Fund, given in the form of a grant to families currently supporting the health of a retired K9.
“We spend more time with these dogs than we do our own family,” said co-founder of CIK9 Kyle Schaefer of the Hendricks County Sheriff’s Department. “You really bond with these guys.”
At the ceremony five Indiana K9’s killed in the line of duty in 2019 and 2020 were honored: Assuan, Barry, Cas, Harlej and Diesel.
Also part of the ceremony, two K9’s and their handlers were gifted a grant to assist in medical expenses.
Kevin Stickford and K9 Pipo worked in a large K9 unit in Central Indiana and received funds to help with his health issues and live out the rest of his days in retirement.
Officer Franklin and K9 JohnE with the Indiana State Police Swat Team also received a grant. JohnE lost a limb in a cancer battle and just completed chemo treatments. Doctors said he wouldn’t survive another 3-6 months, but he’s doing well and fighting in retirement.
“This kind of help takes stress off of our family,” Franklin said. “JohnE is a member of our family and we’re going to take care of him either way, but this teaches my children about your organization and helping others and we’re really grateful.”
Brandon told the audience, “We’ve covered these two grants, but we’ve depleted our funds for now.” She made a plea to the public to continue supporting CIK9 and the Shadow Fund.
Visit https://cik9.org to find more information on CIK9 or to donate.

K9 JohnE and his owner Officer Franklin receive a grant to help with medical expenses.
On Dean’s List At DePauw U.
Durin Hendricks, of Avon, has been named to DePauw University’s Fall 2020 Dean’s List. The Dean’s List recognizes students who achieve a semester grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Selected as Rector Scholar At DePauw U.
Aidan Booher, of Plainfield, has been selected as a DePauw University Rector Scholar.
In 1919, Edward and Lucy Rector established a scholarship to ensure that outstanding students have access to a transformative DePauw education.
Among hundreds of excellent candidates, Booher was chosen for this award based on an outstanding record of accomplishment in high school, an essay, and an interview.
On Emerson College Dean’s List
Madison Mehringer, a native of Avon, has been named to Emerson College’s Dean’s List for the Fall 2020 semester.
Mehringer is majoring in Writing, Lit and Publishing and is a member of the Class of 2021.
The requirement to make Emerson’s Dean’s List is a grade point average of 3.7 or higher.
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.
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.
Transportation For Seniors
Hendricks County Senior Services provides transportation services to anyone, 60 or older, needing a ride within Hendricks County.
Transportation is provided for daily necessities, like medical appointments, grocery shopping, legal, social service, financial business, nutrition sites, and other life-essential service destinations. This service is provided on a donation basis. Transportation services are provided by properly licensed staff who receive regular appropriate training.
Appointments are made on a first come/first served basis for door-to-door transportation (including wheelchair transport, portable oxygen, attendants, and service animals) for destinations in Hendricks County.
Transportation is available five days a week during office hours (6 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Service is not available on holidays or when weather is inclement.
To make an appointment call 317-718-4474. It is suggested that you call as far in advance as possible.
Mark Twain
- Sarah Bolton
North Salem Local & Social
Circle of Concern
Prayers for so many - Marshall Johnston and family, Alta and Butch Trump and family, Liz Freeland, Marcia Sowders, Rita Lieske, Barbara Porter, Gerald Whiles, Mary Lou Morris, Jim and Barbara Oliver. So many on the sick list, hope we have more nice, warn weather in the days ahead. Know all will feel better when we can get out and clean our yards, take a walk, and say hello to our neighbors and friends.
God’s blessings to all.
Looking foreward to some of our usual spring and summer events.
Hope this finds John Gurnsey doing OK afterthier fire lastweek. Fire started after boiling sap caught
fire. John was trying to rescue truck, bulldozer and other equipment. John and Linda both hard workers.
Mark Your Calendars!
The North Salem Christian Church will be hosting a drive-thru Spud Dinner on Saturday, April 24, at the church from 5 to 7 p.m. There is no charge for this
What a wonderful way to start Monday morning in our small country town of North Salem, Ind. To be able to have a cup of coffee, take it outside and wave to our special Town Cop, Ron Kneeland, then wait a few minutes for out first school bus to wave to boys and girls and driver to have a good day, and watch a squirrel climb from tip top of tree, down, scamper around - can’t make up his mind. Go inside, give Buddy and Jenny a small treat, warm up coffee, go back outside for a second bus - tell them to have a good day. Go back inside make up this note - and then get busy! Hope all of you can start your day and week so peaceful. Oh yes, have to give Missy the cat a few bites, too!
Finally got through to Rita Lieske to wish her a Happy Birthday today, March 3. She sounded real good. Hope to be able to visit her one of these days.
Phyllis Pearcy and I called Mary Lou Morris Friday to wish here a Happy Birthday. Sounded great and said it was now OK to make appointment to be able to visit her in her room. Says she is reading (she loves to read) and eating well. No licorice jelly beans right now!
How good are Gene McCullough’s pineapple upside-down cakes. Well, he took one to his friend in Mooresville and the recipient gave him a new recliner chair. Isn’t that great! Well, Gene, we love all of your goodies but can’t match a new recliner! Maybe a small chair and our Thanks.
Randy Ollis and others will be putting on some pounds will all the cooking and food on Indy Style, now in its 11th year. Sure is good to see happy faces, brigh, colorful socks on Randy - especially his Birthday socks. “Do Your Dance” and keep looking on the bright side. We need it - Love all of you.
Yes, I do plan on another job - and now I know where it is - I.U. Basketball Coach. I wasn’t too wrong. Sure hope someone does their job. I keep telling my neighbor boys, practice every day, long shots, and foul shots. Looking forward to new action out of Indiana Players - Good Luck!
North Salem High School Alumni Banquet
Save the date! The North Salem High School Alumni Banquet will be held on Saturday, June 5, at the North Salem Elementary School Gymnasium, 4 to 9:30 p.m., - time for Visiting, Dinner, Program and Sock Hop.
Honor Classes will be: 1940, 1941, 1945, 1946, 1950, 1951, 1955, 1956, 1960, 1961, 1965,1966, 1970, 1971, & 1975.
We encourage you to start planning now by contacting other alumni to assure a good turnout from your class.
For questions - Contact Larry or Kay Michael at803-627-2773 or email: lkmichael@bellsouth.net
Because of the Coronavirus, the later date (5 weeks) will allow for loosening of the constraints as conditions improve. Also, the school will have finished the schoolyear and will be more flexible.
Because the 2020 Banquet was canceled, we have twice as many honor classes, twice as many awards to present, and recognition of our friends who have passed is increased.
The Banquet is still on Saturday evening; a chance to renew friendships; good food / entertainment; and still held in “Our Gymnasium.” Put it on your calendar now!
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, increasing
in amount each year. Applications are due May 31, 2021.To apply, go to Tri-West. DollarsforScholars.org.
Tox-Away Days For 2021
Hendricks Recycling District will host five Tox- Away Days in 2021.
All Household Hazardous Waste (chemicals, auto fluids, fluorescent bulbs, rechargeable batteries, pesticides, herbicides, etc.) is accepted from households free of charge. Fees are charged for the recycling of televisions, appliances and tires (over a certain number).
Only residents of Hendricks County are allowed to utilize the District’s Tox- Away Day events.
Tox-Away Days are open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The 2021 Tox-Away dates and locations are:
• Saturday, April 17, Brownsburg East Elementary School, 1250 Airport Rd., Brownsburg
• Saturday, May 22, Hendricks County Fairgrounds, 1900 E. Main, Danville.
• Saturday, July 17, Hickory Elementary School, 907 Avon Ave., Avon.
• Saturday, August 28, Hendricks County Fairgrounds, 1900 E. Main, Danville.
• Saturday, October 9, Plainfield Middle School, 985 Longfellow Ln., Plainfield.
When you arrive at a Tox-Away event, stay in your vehicle. Volunteers will unload everything for you.
Please remember that latex paint should not be brought to Tox-Away Day for disposal. Since it is water-based, it is safe to dispose of with normal household trash once it’s been solidified.
More information about the Tox-Away Day program, as well as an online recycling guide, is available by calling the District’s office at 317-858-6070 or by visiting recyclehendrickscounty.org.
HCHS Pet Food Pantry
Hendricks County Humane Society’s Pet Food Pantry is still operating. You don’t have to be an existing Pet Food Pantry recipient - just call 317-745-
3338, answer some simple informational questions, and you can receive dog or cat food (& litter) as available. Arrangements will be made for pickup.The HCHS Pet Food Pantry is part of the County Food Pantry Coalition, and also participates in three Gleaners Mobile Food
Listen to HSO Online
The Hendricks Symphony Orchestra is offering new and encore performance on their website, www.HendricksSymphony. org. Click on “Media” then on “Recordings.”
New listening options will be added from time to time, so check back often!
Donations toward thes HSO’s 2020-2021 season may be made by visiting the “Donate” page on the website.
Coveys Celebrate 25 th Wedding Anniversary

Kevin and Amy Covey will be celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary at their home in Lizton. They were married on March 23, 1996, in Avon, at the Avon Christian Church. They have been blessed with two sons: Grant, a Ball State student and Alex, a junior at Tri-West High School.
Kevin is employed as General Manager of Dealer Operations at Apache Sprayers and Amy is employed at Cornerstone Companies as an Executive Administrator. They enjoy traveling and attending sporting events.

A New Feature for Budding Artists
Want explore your talents offline? A local art teacher will be providing tips on how to draw what you see or what’s in your imagination. Pick up a pencil and start a sketchbook as you discover your hidden talents!

Hendricks County Midddle School Swimmers Make Waves!

Record-Setters Above: Averie Keating of Plainfield Middle School set a school and county record in the 100 Yd Backstroke. At right: Beniaha Glant of Tri-West Middle School broke the school 6-dive record.



Congratulations to Plainfield Middle School Boys & Girls County Champtions
By Tracie K. Startzman
There was splash of excitement on March 11, 2021 as the Plainfield Community School Corporation hosted the County Swim meet. Four middle schools, Cascade, Danville, Plainfield and TriWest, jumped off the start blocks vying for the Hendricks County title. COVID protocols in place did nothing to dampen these athletes enthusiasm as they took to the water. After two hours of events, Plainfield Community Middle School swam away with both the boys and girls County Championship titles. The PCMS Girls scored 203 and the Guys 172 to earn the trophies.
In individual events, two athletes left waves of awe by setting new records. Averie Keating, of PCMS, broke both the Plainfield Community Middle School record and the County record of 1:04.65 in the Girls 100 Yard backstroke with an astonishing 1:03.74. Benaiah Glant, of TWMS, broke the TrIWest Middle School 6-dive school record of 172.45 with a score 185.75. Best of luck to all the teams as they approach the final flip turns of their season in upcoming Conference action.
Swim Teams Succeed in Covid Year

Danville Community Middle School
By A Swim Parent
The Hendricks County Middle School Swim Meet was exciting and fun last Thursday and did not disappoint. With our crazy Covid year of many meets without fans, Plainfield High School did an amazing job of streaming this meet for parents to watch. As parents watched the meet from home, I am sure some remained calm, while others yelled like crazy (no names to be mentioned) at their television, iPad, or phone while their children competed. You know subliminally your child can hear you, even in water.
Not going to lie, it’s one thing to send your high school child to a meet or game alone, but sending your middle school child off to a big event feels pretty weird, and we experienced this more than once. This season did have its ups a downs, with moments of teammates and entire lanes being quarantined, which made it a challenge. These kids proved their resilience of our strange times by their performance at this County Meet.
Plainfield Quaker’s came away with the County Title for both Boys and Girls. Averie Keating left it all in the pool (breaking both the school record and county record) in the 100 Backstroke with a time of 1:03.74. Congratulations to Averie for an outstanding performance!
Highlights: Tri West boys finished 2nd overall and the girls finished 3rd:
For the boys: Diver, Benaiah Glant took 1st place with a score of 185.75. Medley Relay team of Curry, Stanley, Glant and Curran won with a time of 2:10.8. 400 Free Relay team of Sullivan, Hunt, Matthews, Matthews dropping 8.52 seconds coming in at 4:43.34.
For the Girls: Lauren Stringer finished 1st in the 50 Fly with a time of 32.59. 200 Medley Relay team of Hunt, Kearney, Stinger, Scolaro dropped 2.46 seconds placing 3rd at 2:23.59. 400 Free Relay team of Scolaro, Melton, Jones, Stringer placed 3rd dropping 2.02 seconds at 4:56.77.
Danville boys finished 3rd and girls finished 4th:
For the Boys: Wil Vandagrifft placed 4th in diving with a score of 134.45. Swimmer, Ben Morton took two 1st, one in the 50 Free dropping his time by almost half a second to 25.97 and the 50 Fly in 31.08. Owen Clodfelter took 1st in the 100 Free with a time of 1:00.13, as well as the 400 Free crushing his personal record by 6 seconds and finishing at 4:40.25. 200 Medley Relay team of Morton, Hudson, Clodfelter, Clodfelter dropped 4.11 seconds placing 2nd at 2:14.23. 200 Free Relay team of Clodfelter, Vandagrifft, Snoddy, Clodfelter placed 3rd 2:00.07, and 400 Free Relay of Snoddy, Dure, Hudson, Morton placed 2nd at 4:42.25.
For the Girls: Adele Simon won the 100 Free, swimming it in 1:02.49 and placed 3rd in the 50 Free, Amelia Enslin placed 5th in the 50 Fly and 7th in the 100 Breaststroke, Madelyn Scranton was 6th in the 100 Back. 200 Free Relay team of Enslin, Scranton, Hacker, Simon placed 2nd dropping 4.18 seconds, 2:04.74. 400 Free Relay team of Hummel, Myers, Smith, Schutt placed 4th.
Cascade boys finished 4th and girls finished 2nd:
For the Boys: 200 Free Relay team placed 4th, Ellis, Marcum, VonEhrenkrook, Semski dropping 2.08 seconds with a time of 2:10.59. 400 Free Relay team of Kirk, Ellis, Semski and Stout dropping 3.11 seconds finishing at 4:53.29.
For the Girls: Molly Goff place 1st in the 400 Free with a time of 5:09.69 and Norah Market placed 2nd, 5:10.27. Marina Hiple place 2nd in the 100 Breaststroke, 1:23.49. Girls 400 Free Relay team of Trusty, Vieting, Goff and Phipps dropped a whopping 15.37 seconds, placing 1st at 4:27.45. 200 Medley Relay team of Phipps, Hiple, Market, Trusty dropped 11.40 seconds placing 2nd at 2:12.01. Plainfield 1st place County Champs for both boys and girls:
For the Boys: 1st Place in the 200 free, Aiden Guthrie swam a 2:27.74, 100 IM Jared Beasley at a crazy 1:00.20, 200 Free Relay team of Beasley, Daum, Helms, Hauck time of 1:48.90. 100 Back Jared Beasley super fast 1:00.5, placing 3rd Joshua Johnson 1:22.85, 100 Breastroke Tyler Helms 1:24.13, 400 Free Relay team of Beasley, Hauck, Felkey, Hlems 4:08.33.
For the Girls: Placing 1st, the girls Medley Relay team of Baker, Clark, Keating, Becker at 2:07.76. 200 Free, Julia Baker at 2:24.46, 100 IM: Payton Clark at 1:14.95, 50 Free Averie Keating at 26.63, Diving Audrey Brown scored 150.75, 200 Free Relay team of Keating, Baker, Anderson, Keating dropped 3.38 seconds 1:56.79. In the 100 Backstroke Quakers took 1st Keating., 2nd Mennonno, and 3rd Sims. 100 Breastroke Payton Clark swam 1:16.67. 400 Free Relay team of Keating, Bammann, Mennonno, Anderson placed 2nd 4:34.97.
Congratulations Plainfield Quakers on being the 2021 County Champs!! And Congratulations to all swimmer and teams for their outstanding performance!

Tri-West Middle School
Swimmers Show Their Skills

Averie Keating broke the Plainfield Middle School Swim Team 100 Backstroke Record as well as the Hendricks County Record.

Danville’s 6th grade, Adele Simon County Champ in the 100 Freestyle.

Jared Beasley and Averie Keating from Plainfield holding the Hendricks County Middle School Swim Team Championship Trophies. The were also County Champs in both of their individual events and relay teams.

Plainfield’s Payton Clark, 100 Breastroke County Champ.
Humane Society Services
While the Hendricks County Humane Society’s building is closed to public traffic during COVID-19 restrictions, its other programs are continuing:
Pet Food Pantry – Hendricks County residents needing pet food should call the Humane Society (317-745-3338) and leave a message clearly stating their name, phone #, type and number of pets and any special needs. Pet Food Pantry is available on Wednesday for porch pick up 1-6 pm. Please call 48 hours in advance with your request.
Pet Adoptions – You can view our adoptable petshere: www.petfinder.com/search/pets-for-adoption/?shelter_IN102&sort%5B0%5D=recently_added Currently,only pre-approved adopters may schedule a meet & greet with one of our adoptables. Sunday adoption events are suspended but we encourage you to visit Facebook pages of Creekside Animal Rescue, other rescues and Hendricks County Animal Shelter for pets needing homes.
Chip & Clip Clinic is held the 2nd Sunday of the month by appointment only. Please call our office at 317- 745-3338 to schedule an appointment or if you have questions.
You may call and leave a voice message at 317-745- 3338 or send an e-mail to info@hendrickshumane.org. Staff will respond to messages and emails on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
For more information, or to download adoption or assistance forms, visit HendricksHumane.org.
As a reminder, the Humane Society does not operate the Hendricks County Animal Shelter and Animal Control located at 250 E. Campus Blvd, Danville. Reports of suspected animal abuse or endangerment should always be directed to Hendricks County Animal Shelter & Control 317-745-9250. Emergency animal surrender needs should be directed to Hendricks County Animal Shelter & Control.
And lastly, if you don’t already have one, please create an emergency plan for your pet. Make sure pets are wearing identification and have crates, extra supplies and food. Also, identify a caregiver who can help take care of your pet in case you become ill.
LINK Public Transit Service
LINK Hendricks County provides public transit service to persons of any age (including wheelchair transport, portable oxygen, attendants, and service animals).
Services are available to anyone needing a ride within Hendricks County. Those under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. If your child falls under the Indiana Child Seat Law you must provide a state approved car seat.
LINK service is scheduled on a first come, first served basis, so riders are encouraged to call as soon as possible, up to three (3) months in advance. Curb to curb transportation is available Monday through Friday, during the hours of 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Service is not available on holidaysor when inclement weather prohibits safe boarding and/or travel.
This is a fee-based service, $6 round trip within a town; $8 round trip within the county. The service is scheduled by calling LINK at 317-718-4474 and requesting LINK transportation.

Hendricks County Senior Center Canned Food Drive
Donate three or more items and receive a coupon. Donations needed are canned meals, soups, canned meats, paper goods and wipes. Donations can be dropped off Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Phoenix Pest Control at 271 South Cross Street, Unit A in Danville. Donations accepted through March. 317-563-3273
Plainfield’s Vandalia Trail To Expand

ridespot.org
Governor Eric Holcomb announced Thursday the Town of Plainfield is one of 18 communities to receive Round 2 funding of the State of Indiana’s Next Level Trails Grant. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources created the Next Level Trails program to financially support the development of regionally and locally significant trails throughout Indiana. The Town of Plainfield will use the awarded $1,712,000 to extend the existing Vandalia Trail 2.3 miles.
The Vandalia Trail is part of the National Road Heritage Trail (NRHT), a cross-state trail project envisioned to stretch 150 miles from Terre Haute to Richmond using the former Pennsylvania and Vandalia rail corridors. The Trail closely follows the Historic National Road (US40/
Plainfield’s Main Street) for much of its route. The Vandalia Trail extension will complete the National Road Heritage Trail across the entire width of Plainfield. The extension will improve connectivity east of the Township Line Road trailhead to the Hendricks
County/Marion County line, where the new Raceway Road monument sits.
“The Town of Plainfield is excited to make this final connection of the Vandalia Trail within the Town’s limits,” said Town Manager, Andrew Klinger. “We look forward to working with Hendricks County in the future on our shared vision for connecting Plainfield’s trail to sections of the National Road Heritage Trail built by the County.”
This newly constructed portion of the Vandalia Trail will not only enhance
the recreation and alternative transportation opportunities for residents, but it will also intersect with an existing path along the Ronald Reagan Parkway that connects Plainfield to the Town of Avon and the Town of Brownsburg.
“On behalf of the Town Council, we are grateful the State saw the value in investing in our trails masterplan,” said Robin Brandgard, the Town of Plainfield Town Council President. “Plainfield is known regionally for our trails, parks and our Splash Island Waterpark, and we are eager to expand our trail network to create a more accessible community for those who live, work and play here.”
Planning and design for the project is set to begin immediately with construction activity targeted to get underway in 2022.
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