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S E R V I N G H E N D R I C K S C O U N T Y S I N C E 1 8 4 7

Volume 140, Number 13 Thursday, April 1, 2021 Published Weekly in Danville, Indiana

Burn Season

A method of land management used by Nature for centuries is making a return, with the (controlled) assistance of Man.. This Spring, two nature parks in Hendricks County are using prescribed burns to maintain and improve areas planted with native prairie grasses and flowers.

Fire-starters Check Flames

Workers for Turner Forestry stop to check their work at McCloud Nature Park. The canisters they carry “drip” fire as they walk along the dried prairie grasses. By controlling where they start the fires, they can manage the direction the burn will take.

On Monday, a prescribed burn was made at McCloud Nature Park, where a 52-acre area has been planted with native prairie grasses that once grew in Hendricks County.

McCloud, under the management of Hendricks County Parks and Recreation, has been using burns for more than a decade to help maintain the area.

The area was burned last year, but due to it being longer than normal between burns, it was recommended to have another burn this year. Normally, burns are used about every three years.

This spring, Brownsburg Parks’ Natural Resources team will conduct a prescribed burn at the Outdoor Classroom at Williams Park. The burn will be in partnership with the Brownsburg Fire Territory and conducted as weather and site conditions allow.

“Prescribed fire is an important and cost-effective tool for restoring and maintaining our natural resources within the Brownsburg Parks system,” said Natural Resources Manager Greg Dickenson.

It normally takes about four weeks for the prairie to return to green and growing.

Hendricks County Parks and Recreation has information and video of last year’s prairie burnat https://hendrickscountyparks.org/mccloud-prairie-burn-2020/

Prior to the fire operations at Williams Park, nearby streets and trails may be posted with signs indicating areas affected by the prescribed fire. Prescribed burn times may also be announced on Brownsburg Parks’ Facebook Page, @brownsburgparks. Nearby homes will receive letter notifications.

PropertyTax Mailing

From the Hendricks County Treasurer’s Office:

The pay 2021 property taxes will begin mailing Monday April 5, 2021. To save tax dollars, both the Spring and Fall coupons are mailed in the same envelope. You will not receive a second statement for the Fall coupon in the mail.

This is a reminder the tax statements have a new format. The new form no longer has the “Tax ID” number. Instead, please use the “Duplicate” number found at the top of your statement when referencing your parcel for payment.

If you own property in more than one county, please make sure you pay the correct county by checking the top left portion of your coupon when submitting payment, to avoid delaying payment to the correct county.

This year you will find a “Total Due” has been added to the “Taxpayer’s Copy” for those wanting to pay for both installments.

If your mortgage company pays your tax you will see a watermark across the statement stating “INFORMATION- AL”. If you do not see this and your property tax is paid by your mortgage company, you will want to forward the tax statement to them immediately.

There is often a lot of confusion when a property is sold about who is responsible for the property taxes. This is an agreement made between the buyer and seller, and the Treasurer is not a party to nor has knowledge of your agreement. If you have questions or concerns regarding the responsibility of your taxes we suggest contacting the title company where you had your closing or realtor.

Operating hours for conducting business in the Treasurer’s office are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 pm. We will have extended hours on the due date, Monday May 10th from 8 a.m.–6 p.m.

Payment may also be made at the following Hendricks County banks: First Merchants Bank, First National, Hendricks County Bank and Trust, North Salem State Bank and State Bank (formerly known as State Bank of Lizton). Payments are not posted until they are received by the Hendricks County Treasurer. You must present your current tax statement coupon at the bank along with your payment. The bank is unable to accept any prior years’ tax payments. Please come in or call the office to obtain the correct amount of a past due payment.

If mailing your tax payment remember that it is considered on time if postmarked by the US Postal Service on or before May 10, 2021. If there is any question about whether a payment will have a timely postmark, we encourage you to obtain a certificate of mailing from the post office.

WE NO LONGER HAVE A P.O. BOX NUMBER. Payments should be mailed directly to the Hendricks County Treasurer, 355 South Washington Street, #240, Danville, IN 46122.

For electronic payment options, please go to www. co.hendricks.in.us. The county is prohibited by law to pay the credit card fees. Therefore, they will be added to your purchase if you choose to use that option.

Our night deposit box is located on the south side of the Government Center in Danville by the south entrance doors. Payments may be deposited in this box at any time prior to midnight on May 10, 2021 and will be considered on time. Please enclose your payment and bill coupon in an envelope when using the night deposit box.

For questions about the payment of your taxes, please call the Treasurer’s Office at 317-745-9220 or email the Treasurer’s Office at treasurerdept@co.hendricks.in.us

Fatal Crash at US 36 & SR 75

A Bainbridge man was killed in a three-vehicle crash at the intersection of U.S. 36 and S.R. 75 at New Winchester.

Hendricks County Deputies responded on March23, 2021 at 1:18 p.m.

Preliminary investigation indicated that Jennifer Backus, 47, of Bainbirdge, driving a Ford pickup, had stopped in the northbound lane of S.R. 75 at the stop sign, and proceeded onto U.S. 36 into the path of an eastbound semi-tractor and trailer.

The semi was unable to avoid striking the truck that Backus was driving. After impact, the momentum of the vehicles carried them eastbound into the front of another vehicle (tri-axle dump truck) which was stopped in the westbound lane of US 36.

Ms. Backus was pronounced dead at the scene. There were no additional injuries reported during the crash.

Drugs and alcohol are not suspected to be a factor in this collision, and reconstructionists from the Hendricks County Sheriff’s Office are continuing to investigate.

Waiting for the Pup Cup

With a look than mixes patience with longing, Holly, THE Great Dane of Danville and The Republican’s rovering reporter, awaits the arrival of her pup cup of ice cream from Dips Ice Cream Shop in Danville. Holly does not claim to be a food critic. Her only comment was that the treat disappeared quickly, but left a lingering feeling of happiness and contentment.

Hearings on ACSC Projects

Expansion, efficiency, and improvement - these are the type of proposed project that Avon Community Schools will be discussing at a public hearings scheduled in April.

On Monday, April 12. A hearing will take place at 5:30 p.m., at Avon High School, 7575 E CR 150 S, Avon. The projects to be discussed include renovation, improvements and expansion of Avon High Schoool, Avon Intermediate School East, Avon Intermediate School West, and other school facilities within the corporation.

On Monday, April 26, the Board will hold a second public hearing to discuss and hear objections and support for the proposed projects and determine whether to move forward by entering into a lease and issuing bonds.

Please check the SchoolCorporation’s website (www.avon-schools.org) prior to the hearings to receive up-to-date information about meeting logistics.

Help With Installation of Child Carseats

Did you know Washington Township Avon Fire Department can help you with proper installation of child carseats?

You can schedule a 30- appointment by going to https://calendly.com/was.../ carseat-installation-appointment

A confirmation email will be sent once you sign up for a specific date and time with more information.

Local Students Are Academic All-Stars

Now in its 35th year, forty high school seniors from throughout Indiana have been named 2021 Indiana Academic All-Stars, a program of the Indiana Association of School Principals (IASP). In addition, 50 other students were recognized as Academic All-Star Regional Honorees. The students were selected from a field of 270 outstanding nominees from the state’s private and public accredited schools. Student awards will be presented in May by university partners and the Indiana Association of School Principals. Herff Jones provides the plaques awarded to the 40 Indiana Academic All- Stars and their Influential Educators.

Local students named as 2021 Indiana Academic All-Stars are:

Sriya Koganti, Avon High School

Rashad Saleem, Plainfield High School

Marlee Yancey, Brownsburg High School

Among the students named as 2021 Regional Academic All-Stars is Emily Starnes, Tri-West Hendricks Sr. High School, Lizton

Community Garden Plots

Danville Parks & Recreation has a limited number of plots available in the Community Garden, located on Mackey Road, east of South Elementary. Plots are 20’ x 15’ for $20.

First day of planting is April 17. Sign up at danvilleindiana.org/parks.

Fish Dinner At Legion Post

Can’t decide whether to fish or cut bait? Skip both and go to American Legion Post 118 for their Fish Dinner. Head out to 846 S. SR 39, Danville, on Friday, April 2, from 5 to 7 p.m. Eat in or carry out. The public is invited to attend.

SWCD Board Meeting

Please be advised, the Hendricks County Soil and Water Conservation District Board Meeting on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at 7:30 a.m. will be held via Microsoft Teams. Please email Teri Lents, SWCD Office Manager, teri. lents@in.nacdnet.net if you would like to receive a link to the Teams meeting.

Loan Medical Equipment

Hendricks County Senior Services maintains a limited supply of medical equipment available for loan for residents of Hendricks County as part of the Danville Rotary Club Foundations, Inc’s Durable Medical Equipment Loan program.

Equipment is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. There is no charge for borrowing the equipment, but donations are accepted to help offset the cost of maintaining the equipment.

The equipment includes walkers, wheelchairs, rollators, and canes.

Call the Senior Center for more information at 317-745-4303.

Yard Waste Recycling Centers Open

Hendricks County Recycling District operates two Yard Waste Recycling Centers that accept woody waste (brush, limbs, firewood, etc.), grass clippings, leaves, and other organic matter from Hendricks County households. Material collected at the centerswill be recycled into mulch.

Brownsburg Yard Waste Recycling Center is at 90 Mardale Dr. Hours are Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: 317-858- 8231.

Plainfield Yard Waste Recycling Center is at 7020 S. CR 875 E. Hours: Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: 317-838-9332.

To learn more about the Yard Waste Recycling Cneter and check out the online recycling guide, visit RecycleHendricksCounty.org.