JOURNALPRESS
THE
2018
THEDCREGISTER.COM
Dearborn County register
TUESDAY, OCT. 16, 2018
156TH YEAR ISSUE NO. 42 $1
G’dale slates meeting over proposed increases in sewer and water costs By Chris Mchenry Contributor
Greendale City Council will hold a public hearing Wednesday, Nov. 14, to discuss proposed increases in sewer and water utility rates Sewer rates are slated to increase by 22.75 percent the first year and by about 2.5 percent each of the following four years. A little over half of the increase is due to vastly greater charges by the South Dearborn Regional Sewer District, which is facing
Habitual offender convicted on meth charges A Dearborn County jury convicted Robert Judd Jr., after a four-day trial last week, of meth possession and intent to deliver, a Level 5 felony; possession of Meth, Level 6; and unlawful possession of a syringe, also a Level 6, which is the highest felony degree in the state. The jury also determined Judd to be an habitual offender based on his prior felony record, said Dearborn County Prosecutor Lynn Deddens. Judd was arrested on May 29, when Lawrenceburg police officers Troy Cochran and Bill Lynam responded to suspicious activity near a vacant Lawrenceburg house. Judd was spotted trying to cancel a syringe on the floorboard of his vehicle, and also found to have three-fourths of a gram of meth, packaged in several bags, in his pocket, said Deddens. Detective Carl Pieczonka, Dearborn County Sheriff’s Department, performed a cell phone analysis. Detective Nicholas Beetz, Lawrenceburg Police Department, completed the investigation, resulting in charges filed about June 29. The phone contained several texts to prospective meth buyers, and a text asking Judd to provide her with meth, said the prosecutor. Deputy Prosecutor Blaine Burgess and Chief Deputy Prosecutor M. Joseph Kisor handled the case, said Deddens, who thanked the jury for its hard work sifting through evidence. Sentencing is set for Tuesday, Nov. 13, before Dearborn Circuit Court Judge James D. Humphrey.
Robert Judd Jr.
Sewer rates would jump 22.75 percent first year
huge expenditures to meet federal requirements. It is expected to cost Greendale an additional $189,000 a year, according to Mayor Alan Weiss. He adds the remainder will offset increases in operational costs, and will make the utility more self-sufficient and less dependent on riverboat and TIF funds. The increase would mark the first to Greendale customers in more than 10 years.
Staff Report Lowe’s Lawrenceburg location most recently partnered up with the Town of Dillsboro by creating an outdoor space at the Friendship Gallery. After contacting store manager, Frank Hamelin, the local volunteers agreed to build an 18-foot-by28-foot deck addition to the exterior of the art gallery. The “Heroes” from Lowe’s completed the deck Friday, Oct. 5. The deck includes an ADA ramp that will provide access for everyone to the facility. About 25 volunteers have devoted more than 40 hours to the project. Annually, the local volunteers select a project in a neighboring community. Past projects include community gardens in Lawrenceburg, concession stand at the Aurora Soccer Fields, walk-in cooler for the Dearborn County Clearinghouse, and a playground at Moores Hill Elementary School. Each project typically is headed by a Pro, and other volunteers contribute their individual talents. Lowe’s provides all materials and equipment. On completion, this space provides a place for the community to gather, share, and continue the conversation. The Town of Dillsboro thanks its Lowe’s community partners for gifting this public space. Everyone was encouraged to enjoy the celebration Friday, Oct. 12. “Through charitable giving and the help of Lowe’s Heroes volunteers, Lowe’s works to transform community spaces, improve educational opportunities and provide relief to communities impacted by disaster.” is the Heroes’ motto. “We’re so grateful for their generosity and dedication to our community. They donated the materials
See GALLERY, Page 8
Rates would increase by less than $1 per gallon over a total of five years. Weiss pointed out that even after the increase Greendale still will have among the lowest sewer and water utility rates in Indiana. The last increase in water rates was in 2006. Member Vince Karsteter explained that, over the years, most high ticket projects already have been completed and large expen-
ditures are not expected The fund now stands at about $5 million, and the city is required to save 25 percent of its riverboat income. Councilman Scott Libbert voted against the budget, which passed five to one. Libbert also opposed a “re-TIF” of undeveloped land in the current TIF area, pointing out that 12 years still remain on the area, and
See COSTS, Page 8
Art ‘decko’ project frames up nicely for gallery SUBMITTED PHOTOS
The new deck at Heritage Pointe, Dillsboro, will provide a venue for future events.
A group of employees from Lowe’s Lawrenceburg location work on a new deck for the Town of Dillsboro.
Ferry fully operational Staff Report Full House Resorts, Inc. CEO Dan Lee was joined by Boone County Judge Executive Gary Moore and Rising Sun Mayor Brent Bascom for the Wednesday, Oct. 3, official launch of Rising Star Casino’s MS Lucky Lady maiden voyage. The $1.7 million project provides vehicular ferry boat service from Rabbit Hash, Ky., to Rising Sun to shorten travel between Boone County and Rising Sun. Currently the trip takes approximately one hour by roadway. The ferry ride decreases the time to only a few minutes. Contact Register Publications
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“We’re excited to see the ferry in full-time operation. This is a win-win for both Boone and Ohio counties,” said Kendal Miller, executive director of Ohio County Tourism. Miller explained the Visitors Center in Rising Sun has received frequent telephone calls about the ferry, along with an increase in inquiries about property for sale in Rising Sun. Now open to the public, the ferry runs every 15 minutes, seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from KENDAL MILLER PHOTO 8 a.m. until midnight Friday and Vehicles roll off the MS Lucky Lady after the ferry’s official launch at the Burlington, Ky., ferry landing Wednesday, Oct. 3. See FERRY, Page 8
INSIDE TODAY: OBITUARIES : Page 3 SPORTS: Page 6,7
WEATHERforecast
Today: High: 55 Low: 38 Wednesday: High: 55 Low: 30