Benton County, Indiana Community Network

Benton County

Community Network

2016

A guide to local government, resources and more

A special publication of the Indiana Spirit and Kankakee Valley Publishing

Page 2

Benton County’s Community Network 2016

Benton County’s Community Network 2016

On the Cover

INDEX

County Government

Pg. 4-5

Amazon Wind Farm

Pg. 7

Churches Town of Ambia

Town of Boswell Town of Earl Park Town of Fowler Front cover photo courtesy of Fowler State Bank, Fowler IN. The photo was taken in rural Benton County by one of the bank’s own employees to be used with a credit card promotion featuring the new EMV security chip. This security chip helps protect an individual from fraud. Contact Fowler State Bank for more information.

Fowler State Bank’s Local Landscapes Credit Cards capture the beauty of our surrounding area. Each photo was taken by one of Fowler State Bank’s own employees.

Check out the Fowler State Bank website to fill out an application.

Page 3

Town of Otterbein Town of Oxford Townships

Libraries

Schools

All Your

H OME

I MPROVEMENT N EEDS Under One Roof

Lumber • Hardware • Paint • Cabinets • Flooring • Windows

DENO HOME CENTER

705 E. 10th Street • Fowler, IN (Corner of 10th and Grant) Mon-Fri 7:30am-5:30pm; Sat. 7:30am-4pm

(765) 884-0500 • 1-800-540-8296

Pg. 6 Pg. 8

Pg. 10 Pg. 10 Pg. 11

Pg. 12 Pg. 12 Pg. 13 Pg. 13 Pg. 14

Page 4

Benton County’s Community Network 2016

Assessor

Benton County Government

Kelly Balensiefer assessor@bentoncounty.in.gov Benton County Courthouse (Second Floor) 706 E 5th Street; Suite 25 Fowler, IN 47944 PHONE:(765) 884-1205 ext. 2 FAX:(765) 884-2074 HOURS: Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 4:00 pm EST Closed on major holidays

Auditor

Patty Clouse auditor@bentoncounty.in.gov Benton County Courthouse (Second Floor) 706 E 5th Street; Suite 21 Fowler, IN 47944 PHONE: (765) 884-0760 ext. 1 FAX: (765) 884-2075 HOURS: Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 4:00 pm EST Closed on major holidays

Building Commissioner

Sally Slavens sslavens@bentoncounty.in.gov Benton County Courthouse (First Floor) 706 E 5th Street; Suite 12 Fowler, IN 47944 PHONE: (765) 884-1728 ext. 1 FAX: (765) 884-2072 HOURS: Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 4:00 pm EST

Closed on major holidays

Circuit Court

Honorable Judge Kepner Court Administrators Kathy Freeman Pam Messner PHONE: (765) 884-0370 - office FAX: (765) 884-2027 - fax 706 E. 5th Street Fowler, IN 47944

Clerk

Natalie Kidd nkidd@bentoncounty.in.gov Benton County Courthouse (Third Floor) 706 E 5th Street; Suite 37 Fowler, IN 47944 PHONE: (765) 884-0930 ext. 1 FAX: (765) 884-0322 HOURS: Monday - Friday 8:30 am. to 4:00 pm EST Closed on major holidays

Commissioners

(765) 884-0760 ext. 1 (auditor’s office) 706 E 5th Street Fowler, IN 47944 DIST. I Steve Cox 6608 S 600 E Oxford, In. 47944 DIST II Leon R. Cyr (R) (765) 884-1333

cyrleon@gmail.com DIST III Bryan Berry (R) - President (219) 474-3474 d3c@berryfarms.net

Cooperative Extension Service

410 S Adeway Suite A Fowler, IN 47944 PHONE: (765) 884-0140 ext. 2 FAX: (765) 884-0574 Staff Kelsie Muller kmuller@purdue.edu County Extension Director 4-H Youth Development Health and Human Sciences Educator Jon Charlesworth charles6@purdue.edu Extension Educator Ag & Natural Resources 4-H Youth Development Stephanie Campbell camb103@purdue.edu Office Manager HOURS: Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST Closed on Courthouse Holidays

County Council

(765) 884-0760 ext. 1 (auditor’s office) 706 E 5th Street Fowler, IN 47944

Council Members DIST I Alan J. Adwell (R)-President (765) 884-1729 alanadwell@yahoo.com DIST II Robert D. Sloniger (R) (765) 363-2513 slonny79@yahoo.com DIST III Brad Harman brad_harman@hotmail.com DIST IV James K. Schoen (R) (765) 385-5339 jschoen@hoosierassociates.com COUNCIL AT-LARGE Bruce Buchanan (R) (765) 385-5147 John (Jack) Duncan (R) (765) 884-0405 Brent Cox (765) 884-0248

Economic Development

Kelly Kepner, Director kkepner@bentoncounty.in.gov Benton County Courthouse (First Floor) 706 E 5th Street; Suite 11 Fowler, IN 47944 PHONE: (765) 884-2080 ext. 4 HOURS: Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 4:00 pm EST Closed on major holidays

Benton County’s Community Network 2016

EMA

Page 5

Benton County Government

John Fields – Director 604-B E. 2nd Street Fowler, IN 47944 PHONE: 765-884-1359 ext. 5

EMS

Jason Fisher, ambulance director 604 E 2nd Street Suite C Fowler, IN 47944 PHONE: 765-884-1210, Fowler Station ext. 3, Boswell station ext. 4 765-869-5132 Boswell Station

Family and Children Division

Laura Zimmerman, director 307 E 6th St. PO Box 226 Fowler, In. 47944 PHONE: 765-884-0120 FAX: 765-884-8578 HOTLINE: 800-800-5556

Health Department

Sally Slavens, administrator & sanitarian sslavens@bentoncounty.in.gov Benton County Courthouse (First Floor) 706 E 5th Street; Suite 16 Fowler, IN 47944 PHONE: (765) 884-1728 ext. 1 ext. 2 for the county health nurse FAX: (765) 884-2072 HOURS: Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 4:00 pm EST

Closed on major holidays

Highway Department

Kevin Brost, superintendent 1101 E. Lingle Ave Fowler, IN 47944 PHONE: 765-884-0420 ext. 1 FAX: 765-884-2020 Indiana Department of TransportationFowler District 765-884-1500 Indiana State Department of Transportation Link: www.in.gov/indot

Probation

Benton County Courthouse (First Floor) 706 E 5th Street; Suite 19 Fowler, IN 47944 PHONE: 765-884-1236 ext. 2 FAX: 765-884-2023 bcprobation@sbcglobal.net Chief Probation Officer: Marci Maris Probation Officer: Brett Butler Probation Officer: Chelsey Cripe

Prosecuting Attorney

John C. Wright, prosecutor Located in the Weist Building (across the street from the Courthouse) P.O. Box 101.

Fowler, IN 47944 PHONE: (765) 884-1399 ext. 3 FAX: (765) 885-5111 Child Support Phone: (765) 885-5110 bentonchildsup@sbcglobal.net HOURS: Monday thru Friday from 8:30

SHOPPING GUIDE Serving Benton & Newton Counties

NEWTON COUNTY ENTERPRISE

219-474-5532

newtoncountyenterprise.com

765-762-2411 reviewrepublican.com

am-4:30 pm EST Office is closed from 12:00-1:00 pm EST for lunch

Recorder

JAIL VISITATION:Wednesday 7pm – 8pm Sunday 1pm – 3pm

Jane Turner jturner@bentoncounty.in.gov Benton County Courthouse (Second Floor) 706 E 5th Street; Suite 24 Fowler, IN 47944 PHONE: (765) 884-1630 ext. 3 FAX: (765) 884-2013 HOURS: Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 4:00 pm EST Closed on major holidays

Retirement Village

3639 E 200 S Oxford, IN 47971 Rita Schutter, superintendent rschutter@bentoncounty.in.gov PHONE: (765) 884-0589 ext. 6 FAX: (765) 884-2089 HOURS: 24 hours /7 day service

Sheriff”S Department & Jail

105 S Lincoln Avenue Fowler, IN 47944 Don Munson, sheriff PHONE: (765) 884-0080 ext.4 FAX: (765) 884-2022 EMERGENCY: 911 HOURS: Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 4:00 pm EST Closed on major holidays

Surveyor

Dave Fisher dfisher@bentoncounty.in.gov Benton County Courthouse (First Floor) 706 E 5th Street; Suite 17 Fowler, IN 47944 PHONE: (765) 884-0095 ext. 5 FAX: (765) 884-2010 HOURS:Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 4:00 pm EST Closed on major holidays

Treasurer

Peggy Puetz ppuetz@bentoncounty.in.gov Benton County Courthouse (Second Floor) 706 E 5th Street; Suite 22 Fowler, IN 47944 PHONE: (765) 884-1070 ext. 4 FAX: (765) 884-2008 HOURS: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST Closed on major holidays

Benton County was founded in 1840 and was named after Thomas Hart Benton. He was a lawyer and a member of the U.S. Senate from Missouri.

He was a big proponet of pioneers and settlers in the West.

Freshest Seafood for 600 Miles!

RDM Aquaculture LLC Shrimp – Tilapia Crawdads 101 N. 850 E. Fowler, IN 47944 765.583.0052

rdmshrimp.com

Page 6

Benton County’s Community Network 2016

Benton County Churches

Fowler Southern Baptist Church

(765) 884-0211 1409 E 12th St Fowler, IN 47944 website: www.fowlerbaptist.yolasite.com

Tri-County Baptist Church

(765) 869-5780 307 S 3rd Street Ambia, IN 47917

Talbot Missionary Baptist Church

(765) 869-5839 6819 W 707 S Talbot, IN 47984

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

(http:/sacredheartparishfowler.weebly. com) (765) 884-1818 107 E Main St Fowler, IN 47944 Monday-Friday 8:15 AM Saturday 5:00 PM Sunday 9:30 AM

St. Charles Catholic Church

(www.stcharlesotterbein.com) (765) 583-4641 108 N Meadow St Otterbein, IN 47970 Tuesday & Thursday Mass 8:00 AM Wednesday Mass 5:45 PM Saturday Vigil Mass 5:30 PM Sunday Mass 9:00 AM

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church

(219) 474-5514 205 S Chestnut Street Earl Park, IN 47942 Sunday Mass 8:00 AM

St. Mary’s Catholic Church (765) 884-1818 2916 S St Rd 71 Dunnington, IN Sunday Mass 8:00 AM

St. Patrick’s Catholic Church (stcharlesotterbein.com) (765) 385-2587 502 S Michigan St Oxford, IN 47971 Monday, Friday and Saturday Mass 8:00 AM Sunday Mass 7:30 AM & 10:30 AM Sunday Life Teen Mass 6:00 PM (AprilOctober only)

Boswell Church of Christ (765) 869-5744 310 S Clinton Street Boswell, IN 47921 Sunday School 9:00 AM Sunday Worship 10:00 AM Wednesday Youth Worship 6:00-8:00 PM (Sept-Oct and Jan-March only) Fowler Christian Church (765) 884-0219 106 N Madison Ave Fowler, IN 47944 Website: www.fowlerchristianchurch.com E-mail: fowlerchristian@yahoo.com Sunday School 9:00 AM Sunday Worship 10:00 AM Oxford Church of Christ (www.indiana-oxfordchurchofchrist.net) (765) 385-2194 402 N 5th Street Oxford, IN 47971 Oxford Federated Church (www.disciples.org) (765) 385-2863 103 S 5th Street Oxford, IN 47971 Sunday Worship 10:00 AM Tab Christian Church (765) 986-2089 8049 W Indiana Street Ambia, IN 47917

Templeton Community Church (765) 418-8693 6325 S 600 E Templeton, IN 47946

Fowler Congregation Jehovah’s Witness (765) 884-0342 807 E 12th St Fowler, IN 47944 Sunday 10:00 am Tuesday 7:30 pm Faith Lutheran Church (765) 583-4675 112 W Oxford St Otterbein, IN 47970 Sunday Worship 10:15 AM Ambia United Methodist Church (765) 869-5158 Po box 217 108 S 3rd St. Ambia, IN 47917 Sunday Worship 11:00 AM Boswell Free Methodist Church (765) 869-4176 PO Box 367 402 S Old Hwy 41 Boswell, IN 47921 Sunday Worship 10:30 AM Sunday Small Groups 6:30 PM Boswell United Methodist Church (765) 869-5158 PO Box 332 216 N Center Street Boswell, IN 47921 Fowler United Methodist Church (765) 884-1067 908 E 12th St Fowler, IN 47944 Sunday Worship 9:00 AM Sunday School 10:15 AM website: www.fowlerumc.com

Mt. Gilboa United Methodist Church (219) 866-3603 8322 E 300 N Fowler, IN 47944 Sunday Worship 9:00 AM Sunday School 10:00 AM Otterbein United Methodist Church (765) 583-4441 PO Box 156 405 E Oxford St. Otterbein, IN 47970 Sunday Traditional Worship 8:15 AM Sunday School 9:30 AM Sunday Contemporary Worship 10:45 AM website: www.otterbeinumc.org Oxford United Methodist Church (765) 385-2392 PO Box 2392 215 S Howard Oxford, IN 47971 Sunday School (all ages) 9:00 AM Sunday Worship 10:00 AM website: www.oxumc.org Raub Methodist Church (219) 474-5616 8404 N State Road 71 Earl Park, IN 47942 Earl Park Presbyterian Church (219) 474-6882 108 N Elm Street Earl Park, IN 47942 First Presbyterian Church (765) 884-1817 501 E 6th St Fowler, IN 47944 Sunday Worship 10:00 AM Hope Wesleyan Church (765) 884-0422 207 Grant Ave. Fowler, In. 47944

Benton County’s Community Network 2016

Page 7

Amazon Wind Farm Goes Online in Benton County

By GRETCHEN STONE Gretchen.stone@gmail.com The Amazon Wind Farm Fowler Ridge is another financial boon for Benton County, for both individual landowners and local townships.

The county’s newest wind farm project officially started operations Jan. 1, according to a blog post in mid-January by Amazon Web Services.

The project has a 13-year power purchase agreement with Amazon Web Services to supply electricity for its data centers.

The wind farm produces 150 MW of capacity via 65 turbines, according to information distributed by Pattern Energy Group.

The economic impact of such a large-scale wind project is far-reaching, from individual lease contracts with landowners to the tax dollars and lump sum amounts that have funded projects in townships across Benton County.

Patty Clouse, the Benton County auditor, said each new wind project generates both tax dollars and lump sum payments, after an agreed-upon abatement period.

The first lump sum payment from the Amazon Wind Farm will arrive in May 2018, in the amount of $100,000 annually. That amount increases to $200,000 each year for 2021-2022, then $300,000 for May 2023-2024 and finally $350,000 for May 2025 through May 2034.

She is still working on tax calculations for the new wind farm.

The county will receive the last lump sum payments from two of its earliest wind projects this year. Those are each split into two payments per year.

The Fowler Ridge Phase II Project will pay out $561,000 this year and Hoosier Wind will pay its last lump sum, of $298,000.

The Phase II Wind Farm began making payments in 2009 and Hoosier Wind in 2010.

“Those started out at a little higher amount and went down through the years,” she said.

In Benton County, home to Indiana’s first wind farm, a combination of farmers and absentee landowners are the primary recipients of wind turbine lease payments.

Additionally, the placement of wind turbines on land increases property values and lowers tax rates.

Those lease payments have funded community improvements across Benton County, from a new fire department annex for the Hickory Grove Township Fire Department and cemetery renovations in the tiny township of Ambia, to the county’s efforts to pay down debts.

The county disburses funding to local township trustees based on the number of wind turbines located in each township.

The financial impact for individual landowners is also a big factor that brought wind farms to the county.

Matt Dallas, the media relations contact for the national Pattern Energy office, said the company doesn’t disclose details of landowner agreements, which is generally true across the industry.

However, a fact sheet from the North Dakota Extension Service lists basic figures meant to educate farmers and other landowners on what sort of lease payments to expect.

While different variables might exist in Indiana, a landowner in North Dakota can expect to receive $4,000 to $6,000 each year per megawatt of tower capacity in a fixed compensation package.

Some companies also negotiate royalty compensation packages, which commonly pay out three percent to five percent of gross revenue from electricity sales.

Four developers operate wind farms in the county, accounting for 560 or more wind turbines that are currently in operation and under lease agreements, according to the county website.

The Pattern Energy/Amazon wind turbines are all Siemens 2.3 MW wind turbines.

Wind turbines are generally 1.5 MW or larger countywide.

The large-scale wind power boom in Indiana has slowed, as such big projects require great funding investments and contracts into the future to get off the ground, according to Chad Martin, renewable energy Extension specialist at Purdue University.

Martin splits his job evenly between working with farmers and landowners on renewable energy efforts, and on farm energy and efficiency improvement.

As the wind industry matured and landowners became more knowledgeable

about wind power, Martin said, he and local agents spend less time fielding requests for education.

“Wind energy is about five or 10 percent of my effort currently,” Martin said.

“Back in 2008 and 2009, quite honestly, it was about 90 percent of my time.

“As the industry has gotten integrated into the communities, there has not been as much demand for knowledge.”

Landowners and farmers now ask neighbors with wind turbines about their experiences.

John Charlesworth is the agriculture and natural resources Extension educator in Benton County. Charlesworth has been in the position since Dec. 1.

He said that in his short time on the job, he hasn’t had any educational duties related to wind power, although a previous Extension educator was significantly involved when the original wind farm came to Benton County.

That farm is operated by Orion Energy Group LLC in Earl Park and began commercial operation in April 2008, according to the Earl Park website.

“I know that our economic development director has been pretty involved in doing tours of the wind farm and when other counties are interested in wind farms, she’s been able to provide information,” he said.

For more information on wind and other renewable energies, visit the Purdue Extension service’s resources on its website at extension.purdue.edu/renewableenergy.

Page 8

Benton County’s Community Network 2016

Town of Ambia

Located in Hickory Grove Township in the southwest corner of Benton County, Ambia is a small town that over 200 people call home. Founded in February of 1875 by Ezekiel and Marietta Talbot, the Town is named for their daughter, Ambia Talbot. Youth in Ambia attend Boswell Elementary School and Benton Central High School. Despite its size, Ambia is still home to two churches, a post office, and multiple businesses.

In addition, there is a newly renovated public playground and the Ambia Alumni Monument Park for a nice walk.

The Town is governed by an elected Town Council and ClerkTreasurer. The Town Council holds meetings on the 3rd Friday of every month at 8:00 AM in the Town Hall, located at 118 N. Third St, Ambia.

Michael Brost Amy Cade Drew Stephen

Ambia Water Utility

Alan Brost, Superintendent (765) 869-5636 (765) 869-4169

Ambia Fire Chief Dan Dodge Ambia Park Board

Thirza Burnett, President Pam Barron, Secretary Christine Brost, Treasurer Amy Cade, Town Council Representative

Ambia Town Council

Jesse Gonzales Ambia Clerk-Treasurer

Christine Brost (765) 869-5652 PO Box 218 Ambia, IN 47917 townofambia.clk.trs@gmail.com Office Hours Saturdays 9:00 AM -12:00 PM

Owner

102 N. Harrison Ave. Fowler, IN 47944 765.885.5033 765.426.6833 jlgonzal@hughes.net www.jlandsonscustominstallations.com

Proudly Serving Benton County For Over 30 Years!

Brouillette

Heating, Cooling & Plumbing

We work on all makes and models 24-hour Emergency Service 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed Fowler, IN • 765-884-0176 www.BrouilletteHVAC.com

“We Do It Right The First Time”

Benton County’s Community Network 2016

Serving Benton County Since 1999

Page 9

B U R T O N

Farm & Home Realty, L.L.C.

Marci Burton Managing Broker

Cell: 765.404.7048

marciburtonrealty@gmail.com

Brittany Besse Associate Broker

Cell: 765.376.3686

bburtonrealty@gmail.com

8416 N St. Rd. 55, Goodland, IN (8 miles north of Fowler) Office: 219.297.3000 www.burton-realty.com

Meet Your New & Improved Burton Farm & Home Realty LLC Team

Ashley Burton Associate Broker

Cell: 765.376.0686

aburtonrealty@gmail.com

Chad Burton Associate Broker

Cell: 765.376.6717

cburtonrealty@gmail.com

Page 10

Benton County’s Community Network 2016

Town of Boswell

Long known as the Hub of the Universe, Boswell is located along US Highway 41 in southern Benton County.

The Town of Boswell was founded in 1872 by Parnaham Boswell. Nearly 800 people call this small town home in Grant Township. Boswell has many advantages to offer any family or business considering a move. The town offers the ideal access to education and information with a fully accredited school system and a beautifully restored Carnegie library. A new park complements the other fine recreational and picnic areas. The Boswell utility system is second to none with plenty of capacity for expansion for business or new residences. Youth in Boswell attend Boswell Elementary School and Benton Central High School.

The Town is governed by an elected Town Council and Clerk-Treasurer.

The Town Council meets monthly on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 6:00 p.m. est. in the Boswell Community Center, located at 108 East Main Street.

Council representatives are elected to a four year term. www.townofboswell.com

Boswell Clerk-Treasurer

Donna Musenbrock Phone: (765) 869-5951

Boswell Town Council

President-Robert L. Haniford Joy Roundtree Kyle Brost

Boswell Town Marshall

Travis Thompson 765-869-5951 BoswellPolice425@townofboswell.com In case of an emergency, please dial 911

Boswell-Grant Township Volunteer Fire Department

Ryan Gillen, Chief Phone: (765) 869-5049 In case of an emergency, please dial 911

Streets and Water Superintendent

Jim Turner (765) 314-5001 bw@townofboswell.com

Wastewater Superintendent Travis Barrett

(765) 869-5088 wwtp@townofboswell.com

Town of Earl Park

Home to the long-standing Earl Park Fall Festival held each year over Labor Day weekend, the Town of Earl Park is located in the northwest corner of Benton County. Founded in 1872 by Adams Raub, the town is named for Raub’s uncle, Adams Earl. Earl Park is located in Richland Township along US Highway 41/52 and is home to over 350 residents. www.earlparkindiana.com Interested in wind energy? Earl Park is also home to Indiana’s first large wind farm. Benton County Wind Farm consists of 87 GE Energy 1.5 MW Wind Turbines that began operation in April of 2008. www.earlparkindiana.com/windfarm. html The Town of Earl Park is governed by an elected Town Council and Clerk-Treasurer. They hold regular business meetings on the 1st Monday of each month at 7:00 pm EST at the Town Hall, located at 123 W. 5th Street, Earl Park, IN Little Earl Park makes up for its size with can-do attitude and a huge fall festival.

The Earl Park’s Fall Festival is a whopper that annually attracts 45,000 people to this town of 350. Visit the Fall Festival website here: www.earlparkfestival.com.

Earl Park Town Council

Phil McGinnis – President Christopher Meding Ricky Yates Jr. Kristen Hardebeck

Fax: (765) 869-4542 E-mail: clerk@townofboswell.com 108A East Main St. P.O. Box 617 Boswell, IN 47921

Earl Park Clerk-Treasurer

(219) 474-6108 townhall@earlparkindiana.com P.O. Box 67 Earl Park, IN 47942 Town Hall Office Hours Monday 5-8 p.m. EST Saturday 8-11 a.m. EST Firehouse (219) 474-3093

Fire Chief Pat Molter

Benton County’s Community Network 2016

Town of Fowler

From the founding in 1871 The Town of Fowler has a long and varied history. From originally consisting of 583 lots, to now being the home to over 2300 individuals who are proud to call Fowler home.

The Town of Fowler has also embraced the growing concern for wind energy and stands ready for the future. The Fowler Ridge Wind Farm currently consists of three completed phases and consists of 355 wind turbines with a capacity of 600 MW. The Town is governed by an elected Town Council and Clerk-Treasurer.

The Town Council holds bi-monthly meetings on the first and third Monday of every month at 6 PM in the Town Hall. Visit Fowler’s own website at www.townoffowler.com.

Linda Brouillette Kathy Schwartz Pat Claire Steve Rettig Laura Lee

Fowler Town Council

Fowler Clerk-Treasurer

Melissa Williams (765) 884-0570 clerk@townoffowler.com 307 E Fifth St. Fowler, IN 47944

Page 11

Fowler Police Department

Dennis Rice, Chief (765) 884-0450 In case of an emergency, please dial 911.

Fowler-Center Township Volunteer Fire Department

Bill Burton, Chief (765) 884-8011 In case of an emergency, please dial 911.

107 N Washington Ave. Fowler, IN 47944 Fowler Water Works Operator Chris Keeslar (765) 884-0270 Street Superintendent John Budreau (765) 884-9680 Waste Water Superintendent Nate Besse (765) 884-0450

In Memoriam

David Dorsey July 1, 1930 – February 8, 2016 Benton County has recently said goodbye to a very special businessman in our community. David was the proud owner of Dorsey’s Hardware in Fowler since 1960 where he worked right up to his death. Let us say farewell to a great person. He will always be remembered and will forever remain in our hearts.

Page 12

Benton County’s Community Network 2016

Town of Otterbein

Otterbein is a quaint little town located in Northwest Indiana. Otterbein is uniquely located across the county lines of Benton and Tippecanoe Counties! The little town boasts three factories, two banks, an elementary school and a newly built library.

The town is governed by an elected Town Council and Clerk-Treasurer.

The Town Council holds bi-monthly meetings on the first Monday and third Tuesday at 6. Town of Otterbein website is http://otterbein.in.gov.

Otterbein Town Council

Kevin Burke, President, 404-1481 Ron Shoup, Vice-President, 337-5876 Doyle Allison, 583-9481 Dirk Studebaker, 574-551-2903 Amy Brown, 376-0366

Otterbein Clerk-Treasurer

Treeva Sarles, IAMC, CMC 765-583-0089 clerk@otterbein.in.gov

Otterbein Police Department George Frantz, Marshal 765-583-2200 In case of an emergency, dial 911 Fire chief Greg Booth Utility Supt. Lorean Johnston 765-583-3430

Town of Oxford

Located in Oak Grove Township, Oxford is home to nearly 1200 people.

Founded in 1843, Oxford was home for the first Benton County Courthouse.

Our brick-paved town square is home to the annual Farmer’s Market in the summer. We have two parks with shelter houses that can be rented for reunions, receptions and parties. Youth attend Prairie Crossing Elementary School and Benton Central Jr/Sr High School. Open to the public, Oxford is fortunate to have the Oak Grove Country Club, an 18-hole golf course.

Oxford is known as the “Home of Dan Patch”. Dan Patch was a world famous harness racing horse, whose 1906 record pace of 1:55, for the mile, stood for 32 years. The barn that housed Dan Patch still stands.

The Town of Oxford is governed by an elected Town Council and ClerkTreasurer. They hold regular bi-monthly business meetings on the 1st & 3rd Mondays of each month at 7:00 pm EST at the Town Hall, located at 105 S. Howard Street, Oxford, IN.

Oxford Clerk-Treasurer

Christie Hale 105 S Howard Street; PO Box 54 Oxford, IN 47971 Phone: (765) 385-2150 Fax: (765) 385-0673 E-mail: Oxfordct@sbcglobal.net Online Bill Payment: https://pay.paygov.us/EndUser/PaymentAgency. aspex?ttid=11372 Office Hours Monday – Friday 9:00am –4:00pm Closed: Saturday – Sunday and Holidays Charles “Tagg” Morris Russell Hoaks Tina Coffman David Freeman Randy Jones

Oxford Town Council

In case of an emergency, please dial 911.

Ambia-Hickory Grove Twp. Volunteer Fire Department Dan Dodge, Fire Chief (765) 869-4169 115 N Third St. Ambia, In. 47917 Benton County EMS (765) 884-1210 Fowler ext. 3, Boswell ext 4

Oxford Town Superintendent

Rick Robbins Phone: (765)385-2455

Oxford-Oak Grove Volunteer Fire Department

Justin Bice, Chief Phone: (765) 385-2525 In case of emergency dial 911

Oxford Town Marshal Department

Aaron May 765-385-0123 oxfordpd@sbcglobal.net In case of emergency dial 911

Emergency services

304 N. Lincoln Ave Fowler IN 47944

Boswell-Grant Twp. Volunteer Fire Department (765) 869-5049 boswellfire@indcomm.net PO Box 245 (Station located at 307 W. North St, Boswell) Boswell, IN 47921

Earl Park Fire Department Pat Molter, Chief Firehouse (219) 474-3093 Fowler-Center Township Volunteer Fire Department (765) 884-8011 107 N Washington Ave. Fowler, IN 47944

Otterbein Fire Chief Greg Booth Oxford-Oak Grove Volunteer Fire Department Justin Bice, chief (765) 385-2525 PO Box 465 (Station located at 6024 S 450 E, Oxford) Oxford, IN 47971

Benton County’s Community Network 2016

Page 13

Benton County Townships

BOLIVAR:

Boston Pritchett, Trustee (765) 585-4341 Advisory Board Members Donna Cox Richard (Rick) Moore Ted Moore

CENTER:

Angie Brunton, Trustee (765) 884-0503 Advisory Board Members Linda Brewer Julia(Judy) Bellar Janet Gretencord

GILBOA:

Russell T. Clark, Trustee (765) 910-9898 Advisory Board Members Neal E. Atkinson Gerald “Jerry” Bowley Kevin R. Pritchett

Benton County Public Library (765) 884-1720 102 N Van Buren Ave Fowler, IN 47944 Email: bcpl64@yahoo.com Hours of Operation Monday: 9 AM-5PM Tuesday: 9 AM-8PM Wednesday: 9 AM-5PM Thursday: 9AM-8PM Friday: 9 AM-5 PM Saturday: 10 AM-2:00pm www.benton.lib.in.us Boswell Public Library

GRANT:

A. Wayne Stevenson Sandra Tabert

Tracy Lang, Trustee (765) 421-9114 Advisory Board Members Janet Wolf Tracy Lang Wendy Brost

pammie5001@yahoo.com Advisory Board Members Ron Brock Kelly Minniear

PARISH GROVE:

HICKORY GROVE:

(Leona) Katie Butts, Trustee (765) 869-5311 hgtrustee@yahoo.com Advisory Board Members Keaton Foster Ronald Hines Kevin McNeil

OAK GROVE:

Alisa Noble, Trustee (765) 385-2016 always@localline.com Advisory Board Members Cecil Krebs

Jennifer Bennett, Trustee (219) 474-6309 djmjab@kentland.ffni.com Advisory Board Members James Hawkins Merle Sparenberg Ethan Stonebraker

UNION:

PINE:

Bernice Gilbert, Trustee (219) 261-2827 gilbert@ffni.com Advisory Board Members Lori Budreau Leo Marion Tasia Willeford

RICHLAND:

Pam Molter, Trustee (219) 474-5097 Advisory Board Members John Blake Sharon Garing Mark Jefvert

(Karen) Rene Adwell, Trustee (765) 884-1043 Advisory Board Members Laura Senesac Christine M Sheetz Debra Wettschurack

YORK:

Pam Ishimel, Trustee (219) 474-5977

Benton County Libraries (765) 869-5428 101 E Main Street Po Box 315 Boswell, IN 47921 Email: boswelllibrary@hotmail.com Hours of Operation Monday 12:00pm-7:00pm Tuesday 12:00pm-7:00pm Wednesday-Friday 12:00pm-5:00pm Saturday 9:00am-1:00pm Sunday Closed (www.boswellpubliclibrary.com) Earl Park Public Library (219) 474-6932

102 E 5th Street Po Box 97 Earl Park, IN 47942 Hours of Operation Monday: 1PM-6 PM Tuesday: 1PM-6PM Wednesday: 1PM-7PM Thursday: Closed Friday: 2pm-7pm Saturday: 8 AM-12PM

Otterbein Public Library (765) 583-2107 23 E 1st Street Po Box 550

Otterbein, IN 47970 Hours of Operation Monday: 11am-6pm Tuesday: 11am -7pm Wednesday: 11am -6pm Thursday: 11am -7pm Friday: 11am - 6pm Saturday: 11am -3pm Sunday: CLOSED (www.opl.lib.in.us)

Oxford, IN 47971 Hours of Operation Monday: 10 AM-6 PM Tuesday: 10 AM- 6PM Wednesday: 10 AM-6 PM Thursday: 10 AM-6 PM Friday: 10 AM-6 PM Saturday: 10 AM-2 PM Sunday: Closed www.oxford.lib.in.us

Oxford Public Library (765) 385-2177 201 E Smith Street Po Box 6

York Township Public Library (219) 474-5547 8908 West 845 North Earl Park, In. 47942

WINDLER FURNITURE • WINDLER FURNITURE • WINDLER FURNITURE • WINDLER FURNITURE • WINDLER FURNITURE • WINDLER FURNITURE

Feel-Good

WINDLER FURNITURE • WINDLER FURNITURE • WINDLER FURNITURE • WINDLER FURNITURE • WINDLER FURNITURE • WINDLER FURNITURE

WINDLER FURNITURE • WINDLER FURNITURE • WINDLER FURNITURE • WINDLER FURNITURE • WINDLER FURNITURE • WINDLER FURNITURE • WINDLER FURNITURE • WINDLER FURNITURE • WINDLER FURNITURE •

Furniture Buys Bring home the style, comfort and quality you want at a price you’ll love!

We Carry

Over 140 In Stock

YOUR CHOICE only

399

$

Queen Sets Memory Foam

599

$

FROM

ea.

Choose from 3 great recliner styles available in over 30 select fabrics at no additional charge

Sofas $

FROM

U.S. 52 N. Fowler, Indiana Toll Free 1-800-544-2645 765-884-1851 Mon.-Sat. 9-5 • Closed Thursday & Sunday

599 Since 1954 “Quality Furniture for Less” Everyday low prices!

WINDLER FURNITURE • WINDLER FURNITURE • WINDLER FURNITURE • WINDLER FURNITURE • WINDLER FURNITURE • WINDLER FURNITURE • WINDLER FURNITURE • WINDLER FURNITURE • WINDLER FURNITURE •

Page 14

Community Schools

Benton Community School Corporation School Corporation Office Superintendent: Gregg Hoover email: ghoover@benton.k12.in.us (765) 884-0850 405 S Grant Avenue Fowler, IN 47944 www.benton.k12.in.us/pages/Benton_Community_Schools Benton Central Jr.-Sr. High School Principal: Corey Robb email: crobb@benton.k12.in.us (765) 884-1600 4241 East 300 South Oxford, IN 47971 Website: bc.benton.k12.in.us Boswell Elementary Principal: Gail Lange email: glange@benton.k12.in.us (765) 869-5523 414 W Main Street Boswell, IN 47921 Website: bos.benton.k12.in.us Otterbein Elementary Principal: Richard Brown email: rbrown@benton.k12.in.us

Benton County’s Community Network 2016

(765) 583-4401 111 W Oxford Street PO Box 368 Otterbein, IN 47970 Website: ott.benton.k12.in.us

www.capwi.org Boswell Elementary Preschool (primarily focused on special needs students) (765) 869-5523 414 W Main St. Boswell, IN 47921

Prairie Crossing Elementary Principal: Tony Coleman email: tcoleman@benton.k12.in.us (765) 884-3000 2758 South 400 East Oxford, IN 47971 Website: pce.benton.k12.in.us Sacred Heart Catholic School Principal: Mrs. Tracy McPherson (765) 884-0710 607 N Washington Ave. Fowler, IN 47944 email: tmcpherson@sacredheartsite.com website: www.sacredheartschoolfowler.org

Benton County Preschools Benton County Head Start A division of Community Action Program (765) 385-0712 105 S. Howard Oxford, IN 47971

Phone 219-474-6144 • Fax 219-474-5175

www.emersonsondgerath.com

E MERSON -S ONDGERATH 127 W. Seymour • Kentland, IN 47951

Little Prairie Preschool and Daycare Contact: Brianna Weitlauf (765) 884-1600 ext. 2133 Located in Benton Central High School 4247 E 300 S Oxford, IN 47971 Otterbein United Methodist Preschool (765) 583-4441 405 E Oxford Street Po Box 156 Otterbein, In. 47970 (www.otterbeinumc.org) Sacred Heart Preschool Contact: Daphne Budreau (765) 884-0710 607 N Washington Ave Fowler, IN 47944 (www.sacredheartfowler.org)

Green-Hill Manor is here for you, when faced with the decision to turn over the care of a loved one or help with therapies to get you up to speed. *Skilled Nursing *Speech Therapy *Physical Therapy *Adult Day & Respite Care *Occupational Therapy *Long-term Care Serving Benton, Newton, Tippecanoe & White Counties 501 North Lincoln Avenue, Fowler, IN 47944

Ph: (765) 884-1470 www.ghmanor.com

10

Page 15

& CHOP B I R E L HO I M

10 0

E US

0

Benton County’s Community Network 2016

“Benton County’s Best” Established 1995

Great Menu Variety

Family Dining Room • Carryout Available • Full Bar Service Ribs - Steaks - Chops - Seafood • 24 Sandwich Selection • Prime Rib Fri. & Sat. Evenings

507 S. Grant Ave., Fowler, IN 47944 765-884-1906

Benton County’s Community Network 2016

A H SK IG A IN H B TE -S OU RN PE T ET ED !

Page 16

TIRED OF PRICE INCREASES? Introducing the

3-YEAR TV PRICE GUARANTEE JUST $49.99/MO.

3

YEAR PRICE GUARANTEE Same bill. Same price.

Every month for 3 years.

With a 2-year customer commitment.

NO

AMERICA’S TOP 120 PLUS

HIDDEN MONTHLY

FEES

No 1st Receiver Fee No Local Channels Fee No Regional Sports Fee No HD Fee

GUARANTEE

MORE

America’s Top 200 Package $15/mo. more

DVR Service $10/mo. more

Additional Receivers

INCLUDED FOR A YEAR Even if you are a current Netflix subscriber.

$7/mo. per TV All prices guaranteed for 3 years.

No need to call.

Automatically removed after 1 year.

All offers require credit qualification, 24-month commitment with early termination fee and eAutoPay.

OVER 50 FREE PREMIUM CHANNELS for 3 months.

Offer subject to change based on premium channel availability.

After 3 months, you will be billed $60/mo. unless you call to cancel.

FREE STANDARD PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION

Own a business?

Savvy owners are switching to DISH – you should, too!

Ask about our business packages!

World View Automation

(877) 728-1040

501 N Taylor Ave, Fowler, IN 47944 worldviewautomation.com Offer for new and qualified former customers only.

Qualification: Advertised price requires credit qualification and eAutoPay. Upfront activation and/or receiver upgrade fees may apply based on credit qualification. Offer ends 04/04/16.

2-Year Commitment: Early termination fee of $20/mo. remaining applies if you cancel early. Included in 3-year price guarantee at $49.99 advertised price: America’s Top 120 Plus programming package, Local channels and Regional Sports Networks (where available), and monthly 1st receiver and HD service fees. Included in 3-year price guarantee for additional cost: Programming package upgrades ($64.99 for AT200, $74.99 for AT250), monthly fees for additional receivers ($7 per additional TV, higher fees may apply for advanced receivers), and monthly DVR service fees ($15 for Hopper or $10 for other models). NOT included in 3-year price guarantee or $49.99 advertised price (and subject to change): Taxes & surcharges, add-on programming (including premium channels), Protection Plan, and transactional fees. Premium Channels: Subject to credit qualification. After 3 mos., you will be billed $60/mo. for HBO, Cinemax, Showtime, Starz and DISH Movie Pack unless you call to cancel. Other: All packages, programming, features, and functionality are subject to change without notice. After 6 mos., you will be billed $8/mo for Protection Plan unless you call to cancel. For business customers, additional monthly fees may apply.

HBO®, Cinemax® and related channels and service marks are the property of Home Box Office, Inc. SHOWTIME is a registered trademark of Showtime Networks Inc., a CBS Company. STARZ and related channels and service marks are property of Starz Entertainment, LLC. Netflix: Offer expires on April 4, 2016. Valid for twelve (12) months of Netflix Service on the $9.99 (per month) “Two Screens at a Time Streaming Plan” (for total value of $119.88). Hopper w/Sling or other Netflix compatible device and Internet required. Not available with dishNET satellite Internet. Hopper w/Sling or other Netflix compatible device and Internet required. Not available with dishNET satellite Internet. *Existing Netflix customers will return to normal billing after $119.88 credit is exhausted. Offer is not redeemable or refundable for cash, subject to applicable law, and cannot be exchanged for Netflix Gift Subscriptions. You may apply the value of the offer to a different plan, or other services offered by Netflix. Exchanges in this manner may alter the duration of the offer. Netflix service price plans subject to change. Limit one promotion toward each monthly membership fee for your Netflix account. For details, please visit www.netflix.com/termsofuse.