Delphi is gearing up for a busy summer season anchored by expanded housing development, major community events, and continued investment in quality-of-life amenities, according to Community Development Director Julia Leahy.
Speaking on WILO’s Party Line program Wednesday, Leahy highlighted new housing projects and ongoing downtown revitalization as key drivers of growth, while also outlining a full slate of festivals and family activities planned in the coming months.
Housing growth and demand
Leahy said housing remains a top priority across Delphi and Carroll County, with multiple projects underway to meet demand from both new and existing residents. “We have an amazing development going now with the Bowen Estates… one more house is complete. It’s already sold,” Leahy said. “It’s fun to see how places like that are filling up quickly.”
The Bowen Estates development features higher-end homes priced roughly between $380,000 and $420,000. At the same time, officials are working on additional projects aimed at more moderate price points.
“One project we’re discussing would include about 72 units that people could own,” she said. “It’s perfect for starter families or retirees… kind of like townhomes.” Leahy added that downtown upper-floor apartment conversions have accelerated over the past decade.
“There have been more upper floors converted to housing in the last 10 years than ever before, and it continues,” she said. “It elevates the type of living, and people are moving here—even from out of state.”
Summer events and festivals
Delphi’s event calendar is also filling up, with several annual traditions returning alongside newer attractions. The “Market on Market” event runs every third Saturday from June through October, featuring approximately 20 vendors, food, and family activities.
“We’ve got several vendors already lined up… and even free popsicles,” Leahy said. “With the heat, that might be a good incentive.” The city’s Fourth of July celebration will again center on a large fireworks display at Delphi Community Schools, along with food vendors and potential live music.
“It’s a huge campus… people can bring blankets and enjoy the show,” she said. “Delphi is very proud of what we do with our fireworks. It’s always a great show.” Other major events include Canal Days, the Delphi Lions Club parade, and the Indiana Bacon Festival on Aug. 22.
“I’ve had lots of people ask if Bacon Fest is still happening—absolutely,” Leahy said. “It’s such a large committee effort, and it’s very much still a go.” The Old Settlers Festival, scheduled for Aug. 6–8, will feature live music, food vendors, and carnival activities. “We’re really working hard to make this year’s 171st annual festival bigger and better,” she said.
A caller texted during the program that the Flora Airport (5I2) will be holding its annual ‘Touch-a-Plane, Touch-a-Truck annual Fly-in from 10 to 2 on Saturday September 12.
Parks, amenities, and quality of life
Leahy emphasized Delphi’s parks and public spaces as a major draw for residents and visitors. “Our parks are amazing and they’re getting better all the time,” she said, noting new lighting being installed at pickleball and tennis courts. Free programming continues to expand, including monthly movie nights and weekly children’s playgroups.
“Every Wednesday there’s playgroup at Riley Park… and every family gets a book,” she said. “It’s a lot of fun and completely free.”
The city is also investing in connectivity and infrastructure, including near-completion of a countywide fiber internet project. “That makes us even more valuable as a place to live,” Leahy said. “You can work remote, go to school, and still enjoy small-town life.”
Countywide priorities
At the county level, Leahy said leaders are focused on housing, childcare, and agricultural industry support. “Childcare is a big deal,” she said. “Delphi Community Schools are opening a daycare for ages zero to three, which is huge for attracting families and teachers.” She added that Carroll County continues to build on its agricultural base while exploring opportunities for related industries. “We have a strong workforce with a great work ethic,” Leahy said. “That’s something we can offer businesses looking to expand.”
Skylake Adventures near Sheridan is a lagoon/lake opening in phases and has already had a ribbon cutting at phase one. The water park is located just off 31 near Sheridan in Hamilton County.
A new outdoor attraction along U.S. 31 in northern Hamilton County opened June 4, even as construction continues across much of the site.
Skylake Adventures, a more than 130-acre development near Sheridan, is debuting its first phase this summer, centered on a six-acre man-made lagoon with beaches, water slides, and a floating obstacle course. Additional features—including a high ropes course and a winter tubing hill—are expected to open in later phases through 2026.
Lagoon centerpiece opens first
Developers say the initial opening focuses on water-based activities designed for a wide range of ages. The lagoon will feature white sand beaches, floating cabanas, paddleboard rentals, and what operators describe as the largest floating obstacle course system in the United States.
An “X Tower” structure with multiple slides and jump platforms is also part of the first phase, along with splash areas and designated beach spaces, including an adults-only section.
Day passes are on sale, with pricing listed at $55 for ages 10 and up and $50 for children ages 4 to 9. Parking fees are additional.
Construction to continue during opening
Visitors traveling U.S. 31 have seen ongoing construction at the site, and developers acknowledge the park will not be fully complete when it opens.
Sky Lake’s general manager said the project is being built in “waves,” with temporary fencing planned to separate active construction zones from guest areas. While much of the property still appears unfinished, operators say the initial focus is on delivering the lagoon experience this summer.
Future phases include a high ropes course expected later this year and a snow tubing hill planned for winter use. The tubing hill, currently visible as a large dirt mound, is anticipated to open around the end of 2026. Full buildout of the park is projected by next summer.
Designed as year-round destination
Unlike traditional seasonal water parks, Sky Lake Adventures is designed to operate year-round with rotating attractions and programming. Plans include mini golf, an expanded adventure zone, and a central pavilion offering food and beverage service.
Developers say the mix of amenities is intended to attract both families and adult visitors, with options ranging from active recreation to beach-style relaxation. Private cabanas and rentable event spaces, including a small island area, are also part of the concept.
Regional draw anticipated
The project has generated significant local interest, particularly given its visibility along the heavily traveled U.S. 31 corridor. Developers say the park is intended to serve as a regional destination for central Indiana, drawing visitors from surrounding counties.
While some visitors may encounter ongoing construction during the initial opening period, operators emphasize that additional attractions will continue to come online in stages.
For now, the focus remains on launching the lagoon and beach experience for the 2026 summer season.
More at Skylakeindiana.com.
]]>The Historic Kilmore Bridge in Clinton County has reopened following an extensive rehabilitation project that began in early March, restoring both its structural integrity and historic character.
Bridge Reopens After Restoration
Bridge 60 over Kilmore Creek, located along County Road 0 near Kilmore, had been closed for approximately three months while crews completed metal replacement, truss repair, and repainting work. The closure lasted about half of the originally projected six-month timeline.
Clinton County Highway Superintendent Rick Campbell said the project involved removing deteriorated steel, sandblasting the structure to bare metal, sealing exposed surfaces, and applying primer and paint designed to extend the bridge’s lifespan.
“They cut all the rusted steel out of it and sandblasted everything back to bare metal,” Campbell said. “Then they sealed it and painted it. Hopefully it lasts 10 to 15 years.”
Campbell noted that the condition of the bridge was worse than initially estimated, requiring additional steel components and a change order during construction.
Project Costs and Funding
The Bridge 60 project was funded through Clinton County’s restricted bridge funds rather than a new state or federal grant. In January, county commissioners approved a change order allowing additional project costs to be covered using existing bridge-dedicated reserves.
Campbell estimated the total cost at approximately $790,000, slightly below earlier projections near $800,000 due to cost-saving adjustments in how replacement steel components were fabricated.
“It had to be done,” Campbell said. “They figured out a way to make the steel parts without replacing everything, so we should get a little bit of money back.”
The work was completed by CivilCon, with a focus on preservation rather than full replacement.
Historic Significance
The Kilmore Creek bridge is classified as a historic structure and is considered eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Dating back to the early 20th century, the bridge features a traditional exposed metal truss design that has become increasingly rare.
“There’s not very many steel bridges left,” Campbell said. “They’re replacing bridges with concrete more and more, and the historical groups are trying to save what’s left.”
Because of its historic designation, the rehabilitation followed preservation standards requiring repair and restoration rather than demolition and replacement.
Broader Infrastructure Context
While Clinton County regularly receives funding through programs such as Indiana’s Community Crossings Matching Grant Program, the Kilmore Bridge project was not tied to a specific standalone grant. Instead, it reflects the county’s broader strategy of maintaining aging infrastructure using a mix of state-supported and locally controlled funds.
Dozens of bridges across the county date back several decades, making preservation efforts like the Kilmore project a key part of long-term infrastructure planning.
With construction now complete, County Road 0 has reopened to traffic, restoring access through the area while preserving one of the county’s remaining historic bridge.
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Former Clinton County Sheriff Mike Hensley, who spent nearly five decades serving the community in law enforcement and public office, has died at the age of 78.
The Clinton County Sheriff’s Office announced Hensley’s passing with “deepest and most sincere condolences” to his family, noting his long career and lasting impact on the county.
According to information shared by his family, James “Mike” Michael Hensley passed away Friday, June 5, 2026, at Wesley Manor in Frankfort.
Hensley was born November 11, 1947, to James Leon and Elizabeth (Harland) Hensley. A 1966 graduate of Clinton Central High School, he married Pamela Prickett on June 13, 1970, at the Nazarene Church in Frankfort. The couple shared 56 years of marriage.
Hensley served his country in the U.S. Army after enlisting at Fort Knox in December 1966. He was honorably discharged in November 1972 and earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Following his military service, Hensley graduated from the Indiana Police Academy in December 1975, launching a law enforcement career that spanned 47 years in Clinton County. He served as a road deputy and later as a D.A.R.E. officer in county schools before being elected sheriff, a role he held for eight years. He continued his service as chief deputy under Sheriff Mark Mitchell for another eight years.
After retiring from law enforcement, Hensley remained active in public service as a Clinton County councilman, serving from 2013 until his passing.
Throughout his career, Hensley was involved in numerous organizations and boards, including the Indiana Sheriff’s Association, the Clinton County Step-Ahead Council, the Comprehensive Community Coalition Against Drugs, the Child Abuse Prevention Council, and the Kiwanis Club, among others.
Outside of public service, Hensley farmed part-time for more than two decades, enjoyed riding motorcycles, and spent time working in his barn. Family members say his greatest joy was traveling with his wife and spending time with his grandchildren, often teaching them hands-on skills.
He is survived by his wife, Pam; two sons, Chad (Sarah) Hensley and Chris (Megan) Hensley; and six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Steve Hensley.
In accordance with his wishes, private family services will be held. Stout & Son Funeral Home – Neptune Chapel has been entrusted with cremation arrangements.
A WILO “Party Line” discussion this week is launching a multi-part series on the origins of the United States ahead of Independence Day, with a focus on history, faith, and the concept of liberty.
WILO Talk Show Host Shan Sheridan introduced the series during Thursday’s broadcast, noting it will explore “where did America come from” as the Fourth of July approaches. The program will feature recurring guest Charles Bookwalter, a military special forces veteran, as a co-host for several upcoming segments.
Exploring America’s Origins
Sheridan said the goal of the series is to examine the philosophical and historical foundations of the nation, including the role of faith and early political thought.
“We’re going to be talking all things America… leading up to the Fourth of July,” Sheridan said. “We’re going to try to do our best to just present the facts and talk about it.”
The program framed the discussion around competing interpretations of the nation’s founding, particularly whether the United States was rooted in Judeo-Christian principles. Sheridan acknowledged differing viewpoints, saying, “Some say, ‘I don’t believe it.’ … We’re going to talk about it and go from there.”
Veteran Perspective on Service
Bookwalter, who joined the program in studio, shared details of his path into military service following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. He said he enlisted at age 29 after already establishing a civilian career.
“I just had this really insatiable desire to serve my country,” Bookwalter said. “It led me to pursue not just going into the Army, but going into Special Forces… and looking for the opportunity to actually serve in combat.”
Reflecting on his experience, Bookwalter said motivations in combat differ from public perception. “When you’re in the moment, it really is about survival,” he said. “Surviving and protecting the guys to the left and the right of you… that is what it’s all about.”
He added that while broader ideals such as defending freedom are important, those reflections often come after returning home.
Defining Liberty
A central theme of the discussion was the meaning of liberty, both historically and in modern life. Sheridan connected the topic to the nation’s founding documents, referencing the Declaration of Independence and its phrase “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” He suggested early debates may have reflected differing views on the role of faith in public life.
Bookwalter said his understanding of liberty has evolved over time.
“Ten years ago I might have said your individual right to choose what you want to do,” he said. “But… liberty… is choosing to live a life free of sin through the pursuit of Jesus. That’s what sets you free.”
He also emphasized that freedom does not equate to unlimited personal choice, adding, “Liberty is not being able to do whatever you want to do.”
Debate Over Founding Principles
The conversation also addressed ongoing debate about whether the United States should be considered a Christian nation. Sheridan argued that many of the nation’s founders were influenced by faith, while acknowledging disagreement on the issue.
Bookwalter said even non-religious founders were influenced by biblical principles in shaping government structures. “If you don’t like the statement that we were formed as a Christian nation, okay fine,” he said. “But you can’t deny the fact that many of them were Christian, that the concepts and principles were indeed biblical.”
He cited ideas such as separation of powers as examples of those influences, while also stressing that the founders did not intend to establish a church-run government.
Continuing the Conversation
The segment concluded with plans to continue the series in the coming weeks, including discussions on early American history and the lead-up to the Revolutionary War.
Sheridan said the goal is to encourage reflection on the nation’s founding and its future.
“Benjamin Franklin said… (We have given you) “A republic if you can keep it’” Sheridan said.
“That’s still the question for us today.”
The WILO Radio “Party Line” talk-show program airs regularly on WILO and is also available live and world-wide and archived via Hoosierland TV.
Publishers Note: Enjoy the “American Treasures” tab on Clinton, Carroll and Boone County Daily News. Just use the pull-down tab on the Masthead to explore some of the pillars of our Nation.
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Clinton, Carroll and Boone counties are heading into a busy stretch of early summer, with a full calendar of community events ranging from festivals and fundraisers to youth activities and public programs.
From library events and outdoor movies to fire department breakfasts and county fair preparations, local residents will have multiple opportunities to gather, participate and support area organizations in the coming weeks.
Early June events
Several events are scheduled immediately in Frankfort and surrounding communities. The Paul Phillippe Resource Center is hosting its annual Strawberry Festival from noon to 6 p.m. at the senior center, 401 W. Walnut Street in Frankfort, featuring strawberry shortcake with ice cream and whipped topping, along with a bake sale and puzzles for sale and optional delivery for groups and businesses.
Residents can also preview items for the City of Frankfort auction at the Street Department, 905 Burlington Avenue, during a viewing window from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the public auction set for 10 a.m. the following day at the same location.
In Boone County, the Thorntown Public Library is offering a senior luncheon, part of a series of regular programs for older adults, and preparing for a public history event titled “Our American Story: Boone County’s Revolutionary History,” scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m.
Weekend activities for families
Local families will find a full slate of activities as the weekend gets underway. The Michigantown Volunteer Fire Department will host its annual breakfast beginning at 6 a.m., offering biscuits and sausage gravy, scrambled eggs, sausage patties, pancakes, fresh fruit, and beverages for a free‑will donation that supports the department’s work.
At the Frankfort Lagoons, the Optimist Club and Lions Club are teaming up again for their annual youth and family fishing derby, with registration at 9 a.m., fishing until noon, and a light lunch and awards to follow; the event coincides with a state free‑fishing day, so no fishing license is required, and participants are asked to bring their own poles and bait.
The next day, Catching our Recovery Family Fishing events takes place the the Lagoons to take advantage of the DNR “Free Fishing Weekend” in Indiana.
Prairie Creek Park will host the season’s first “Movie in the Park” at dusk, featuring the family film “How to Train Your Dragon,” with attendees encouraged to bring a picnic or purchase food from downtown restaurants to enjoy during the show.
Additional events are planned throughout June and into early July in the tri‑county area. The Flora Hog Jog, a longstanding community running and walking event in Carroll County, is scheduled for Saturday, June 20, offering residents another way to get active and support local causes.
Communities are also preparing for Fourth of July celebrations, including a “Fourth of July in the Park” at the TPA Park, an event that will feature traditional holiday activities and fireworks for families and visitors.
Meanwhile, county fair preparations are ramping up in both Clinton and Carroll counties, with local leaders estimating the fairs are about five weeks away and noting some schedule and structural changes this year due to limited volunteer availability, while emphasizing that exhibits, activities in Clinton Hall and other core fair traditions will continue.
Youth programs and FFA convention
Youth programming remains a central focus as summer begins. Local 4‑H members in both Clinton and Carroll counties are already working on projects for their respective county fairs, guided by extension staff and volunteers coordinating overlapping schedules.
Area students involved in FFA are also preparing for the Indiana FFA State Convention, which has shifted this year from its traditional Purdue University setting to facilities at Hamilton Southeastern, where organizers say the larger campus and amphitheater will better accommodate the growing statewide gathering.
Ongoing community engagement
Libraries, civic organizations, service clubs and volunteer departments continue to anchor many of the region’s events, reflecting both long‑standing traditions and new efforts to adapt to changing resources and community needs.
With opportunities ranging from breakfasts and festivals to outdoor movies and history programs, residents in Clinton, Carroll and Boone counties have multiple ways to connect with neighbors and support local institutions throughout the early summer season.
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Events in chronological order
Below is a concise list of several events mentioned on WILO’s Party Line Program, organized by date and time as described in the program.
1. Paul Phillippe Resource Center Strawberry Festival, noon–6 p.m., Senior Center, 401 W. Walnut St., Frankfort (shortcake, bake sale, puzzles, delivery available).
2. Movie in the Park – “How to Train Your Dragon,” at dusk today, Saturday Prairie Creek Park, Frankfort.
3. City of Frankfort auction, 10 a.m., Frankfort Street Department, 905 Burlington Ave.
4. “Our American Story: Boone County’s Revolutionary History,” 1–3 p.m., Thorntown Public Library. Saturday June 6th.
5. Pioneer village day Saturday June 6th for the Wabash Erie canal 1 to 4, celebrating first day of park season. Delphi Wabash Erie Canal Museum.
6. Michigantown Volunteer Fire Department annual breakfast, 6 a.m. to 10 am Saturday June 6th at Michigantown Fire Department. start, free‑will donation, breakfast menu including biscuits and gravy, eggs, sausage, pancakes, fruit and beverages.
7. Optimist Club and Lions Club Youth and Family Fishing Derby, Frankfort Lagoons: registration at 9 a.m., Saturday fishing until noon, lunch and awards to follow, no fishing license required, bring own equipment.
8. Clinton and Carroll County Rabbit ambassador contest. Register on line June 13, register by June 8.
9. June 11 at Prairie Creek Park Clinton County Community Foundation 30th year anniversary and Concert. 6:30-8:30.
10. Flora Hog Jog, scheduled for June 20 in Flora (time details announced locally). Flora park 7:30 registration.
11. Clinton County 4-H Mini 4-H Day Camp K-2nd Grade, Register on-line or call extention office. Prior registration required. June 23rd.
12. Fourth of July at the TPA Park event (Fourth of July holiday, local park venue).
13. Clinton County Fair (about five weeks from the broadcast date; exact dates in 4‑H/fair schedules).
14. Carroll County Fair (same week as Clinton County Fair; schedules available from 4‑H and fair organizers).
15. Indiana FFA State Convention at Hamilton Southeastern (dates in June 24th-27th; local interviews planned with participating students).
If you have any other events the community would like to know about, contact WILO Party line or Liz DeRosa Noon to 5 PM weekdays at the radio station. WILO would love to partner with you to help publicize your events. We can even do a LIVE remote broadcast from your event. Talk to Cindy Loveless at 765-659-3338 to help make your event “Famous” :>)
The Clock is Running out.
The Chicago Bears could soon be calling Indiana home — and a decision on where the NFL franchise will build its new domed stadium may come before the end of June, with Hammond, Indiana, emerging as a serious contender against a suburban Chicago alternative.
The Bears officially confirmed in May 2026 that Chicago is no longer under consideration. The franchise issued a statement saying the team had “pursued every possibility to remain in Chicago” and concluded there is “no suitable site within the city limits.” That leaves just two locations still in play: Hammond, Indiana — situated near Wolf Lake in Lake County — and Arlington Heights, Illinois, a northwest suburb of Chicago where the team already owns the former Arlington Park Racetrack property.
Indiana Has Made a Powerful Pitch
Indiana moved quickly to position itself as a front-runner. State lawmakers passed legislation in February 2026 creating a framework to attract the Bears, and Indiana’s offer is substantial.
Under Senate Enrolled Act No. 27, Indiana is offering $1 billion in state funding toward stadium construction, with the requirement that at least 50 percent of construction costs come from private investment. The funding would be generated through a 1 percent food and beverage tax in Lake and Porter counties, a 5 percent hotel tax increase in Lake County, and a 12 percent admissions tax on tickets at the new stadium.
Indiana also passed Senate Enrolled Act One during the 2025 legislative session, capping property taxes in a way that would make a new stadium in Hammond significantly less expensive to operate than one built in Illinois. In April 2026, Indiana’s State Budget Committee approved toll road increases throughout the state, with proceeds earmarked for infrastructure improvements in Lake, Porter, and nearby counties — a move widely seen as sweetening the deal for the Bears.
Indiana Governor Mike Braun told ABC7 Chicago in an exclusive interview on May 21, 2026, that he is “more confident than ever” the Bears will choose Hammond. “I believe they appreciate the speed and efficiency of doing business in Indiana,” Braun said.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed at NFL meetings that Hammond and Arlington Heights are the only two viable sites remaining.
Illinois in a Race Against the Clock
Illinois lawmakers have been scrambling to counter Indiana’s offer, but time is running out. The Illinois General Assembly’s session was set to adjourn tomorrow, May 31, 2026, and as of that Saturday afternoon May 30th, no stadium legislation had passed.
A “Megaprojects Bill” was advancing in the Illinois House that would give the Bears a property tax cap for the Arlington Heights site — the same financial incentive Indiana has already locked in. However, Illinois Senate President Don Harmon and Governor JB Pritzker both signaled in the final days of the session that their focus had shifted entirely to the state budget. Pritzker stated plainly, “We’re focused on the budget. That is the number one thing we’re going to get done,” offering no update on stadium negotiations.
If Illinois does not act before adjourning, Indiana’s offer stands alone on the table.
What It Would Mean for Indiana Fans
For sports fans in Clinton, Carroll, and Boone counties, a Bears move to Hammond would place one of the NFL’s oldest franchises — founded in 1920 — within a roughly 90-minute drive of north-central Indiana communities like Frankfort, Delphi, and Lebanon.
Hammond sits on the Illinois-Indiana border, just south of Chicago’s skyline, making it geographically closer to downtown Chicago than Arlington Heights in some respects. The Bears have expressed a goal of opening a new domed stadium by 2030, meaning groundbreaking would need to begin soon.
Bears President and CEO Kevin Warren said earlier in May that the franchise expects to announce a decision by late spring or early summer 2026.
State Representative Kam Buckner of Illinois, a Bears supporter, told a Chicago radio station that he does not believe the McCaskey family — the Bears’ ownership group — will ultimately relocate to Indiana, and that he believes Illinois will find a way to keep the team. But with session adjourned and no deal in hand, the pressure has shifted decisively toward Indianapolis — and Hammond.
The Illinois General Assembly’s spring session is scheduled to adjourn on Sunday, May 31, 2026 — tomorrow. The Senate gavel is set for 1:00 PM and the House until 5:00 PM, with action potentially continuing until midnight.
The big item still in play is the Chicago Bears stadium megaprojects bill, which passed the House but is still in Senate negotiations. If it doesn’t clear by 11:59 PM tomorrow, it would require a special session or face a higher vote threshold if taken up later. As of today (Saturday May 30), there’s reportedly not a strong appetite for a special session among legislators.
A new display celebrates residents who have lived a century or more.
Wesley Manor retirement community unveiled a Centenarian Wall on Friday, permanently recognizing five residents who have each surpassed 100 years of age. Plaques bearing each honoree’s biography were mounted on custom-built railings installed by a Wesley Manor woodshop volunteer, and families were invited to remain after the ceremony for a group photograph.
The five centenarians honored — Martha Brallier, Shirley Catron, Florence Dorsey, Chet Mahan, and Paul Rock — represent a combined span of more than five centuries of life and reflect deep ties to Clinton County and the surrounding region.
Lives Rooted in Faith, Service, and Community
Martha Brallier, born February 3, 1926, in Washington, Indiana, spent 12 years as a missionary teacher in Kenya alongside her husband Calvin before returning to Indiana after ministries in Colorado, Washington, California, and Wyoming. Now the grandmother of 10 and great-grandmother of 14, she still sings hymns and recites poetry from memory.
“She has lived a life rooted in faith, service, and a love for others — especially the least of these,” said the ceremony’s presenter, reading from Brallier’s biography. “And she would not have lived it any other way.”
Shirley Catron, born April 5, 1926, in Burbank, California, spent 38 years behind the counter at Ellis Jewelers in downtown Frankfort, helping generations of couples select engagement rings and china patterns. A professional ballet and acrobatics dancer in her younger years, she later channeled her creativity into ceramics, knitting, and more than 30 completed quilts. When asked her greatest accomplishment, Catron’s answer is straightforward: “Marrying the right fella.”
Florence Dorsey, born June 29, 1921, in Lake County, moved to Clinton County at age 12 when her family purchased a farm. At 104, she still knits, writes weekly letters to a granddaughter in Florida, and attends church. She attributes her longevity to a simple formula: “Eating well, getting plenty of rest, and using her mind every day.”
Chet Mahan, born August 4, 1922, on a southern Indiana dairy farm, was licensed to preach at 17 and served as a pastor by 18. He later became chaplain and director of church relations at Wesley Manor, and in 2008 returned as a resident with his wife Marcia. Reflecting on a life that has spanned more than a century, Mahan said, “It does feel like a gift from God. It has been a lifetime of learning and growing, hard work and joy.”
Paul Rock, born January 4, 1926, east of Rossville, served with the 82nd Airborne Glider Division during World War II, seeing active duty in France and Germany. After the war he spent 35 years as a production supervisor at Frankfort’s Coca-Cola plant before joining the Wesley Manor maintenance staff. A lifetime member of the Frankfort VFW and St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Ross kept close ties with more than 200 nieces and nephews. His advice for a long life is concise: “Keep moving and stay connected with family.”
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What the Science Says
What makes for a long life?
Researchers studying those who lived a long life found that popular answers like “diet, exercise, and lifestyle” — were sometimes not the primary factors.
Research identified four shared traits most common in people living longer than most of us:
- Good Genetics,
- Daily laughter and humor,
- Consistent engagement in something deeply loved, and
- What a researcher called “an outsized capacity to deal with loss.”
Your mileage might vary…but here’s to all our area Centenarians!
Wesley Manor officials said the Centenarian Wall will be updated as additional residents reach the milestone, creating a living tribute to the community’s longest-lived members.
A Frankfort family can use community support to secure a wheelchair-accessible van for their 26-year-old son, who was left paralyzed from the shoulders down in a Texas traffic accident in December and is scheduled to return home June 6.
Cameron Rippy suffered a severe spinal cord injury on December 20 when he hit a loose patch of gravel while driving home from work in Texas. The accident left him a C4 incomplete paraplegic — paralyzed from the shoulders down — and set in motion a months-long rehabilitation journey that has taken his mother, Ashley Rippy, to Craig Hospital in Colorado, one of the nation’s leading centers for spinal and brain injury recovery.
“Cameron was in a serious car accident on December twentieth on his way home from work,” Ashley Rippy said during a recent interview on WILO’s Party Line program. “He had hit a loose patch of gravel, and that accident left him a paraplegic. He is paralyzed from his shoulders down.”
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Progress at Craig Hospital
Despite the severity of his injuries, Cameron has shown encouraging signs of recovery during his nearly six months of intensive rehabilitation.
“The left arm, the movement we’re getting out of it is tremendous,” Ashley Rippy said. “And his right arm — we just started getting that in the last week, so that was kind of a big surprise.”
As a C4 incomplete injury, Cameron retains some function below the injury site, and his care team continues to monitor daily changes. He has also regained enough arm strength with adaptive equipment to begin feeding himself independently — a milestone his mother described as remarkable given the timeline.
“With all the adaptive equipment, he’s been able to start feeding himself some,” she said. “It’s really amazing the things that they have available.”
Cameron is expected to return to Frankfort on June 6.
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City, Contractors Rally to Prepare the Way
While Cameron has been rehabilitating in Colorado, his family and the City of Frankfort have been quietly working to make the family home accessible before his return.
Ashley Rippy said her husband, Cody Rippy, met with city officials to coordinate the construction of a wheelchair ramp and sidewalk modifications at their residence.
“My husband and I had went and met with the city, and we’ve been working with Rob with the building inspection department and Tim Clark with ADA. They are working with Live Mobility, IMI, Campus Construction, the street department, building services, and Board of Works — they’ve all come together to make a ramp for him for when we get home,” she said. “They just completely amazed us.”
Tim Clark, who heads accessibility efforts for the city, was previously featured on WILO discussing mobility and accessibility resources in the community.
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The Van: The Remaining Obstacle
The most pressing unmet need is a wheelchair-accessible conversion van capable of transporting Cameron safely to ongoing medical appointments, including specialized physical therapy in the Indianapolis area.
Because of Cameron’s height and the dimensions of his power wheelchair, the family’s options are limited to just two vehicle configurations: a Chrysler Pacifica equipped with a BraunAbility XT extra-tall conversion, or a Toyota Sienna with a NorthStar conversion manufactured in 2020 or earlier — before the conversion specifications changed.
“We were going on Marketplace thinking, ‘Oh, this will be easy,’” Ashley Rippy said. “And it’s just not the case.”
Craig Hospital staff confirmed to the family that accessible-vehicle funding is one of the most difficult resources to obtain for patients with spinal cord injuries.
“There is such a need for them and such a lack of funding that it is very hard to get any kind of funding for vehicles,” Rippy said, relaying what hospital staff told her.
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How to Help
The Rippy family has set up a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for the van. The campaign, listed under Ashley Rippy’s name with the description “to help Cameron get an accessible van,” can be found HERE and is also linked on Ashley Rippy’s Facebook page.
Community members who want to help or need the direct link can also call WILO at 765-659-3338.
Ashley Rippy said that beyond financial assistance, the family’s greatest request is for prayer — and for neighbors to simply welcome Cameron when he is out in the community.
“When Cameron gets home and he’s out in the community, he would love for people to talk to him if they have questions,” she said. “He’s very outgoing.”
She added a broader message for the community: “Just love your family. You just never know. Everything can change at any moment.”
Cameron Rippy is expected to return to Frankfort on June 6. The family continues to accept donations toward an accessible conversion van through their GoFundMe page.
CLICK HERE to VIEW GoFundMe Page for Cameron Rippy.
The Frankfort Rotary Club awarded $1,000 scholarships to four graduating seniors from Clinton County high schools Monday, honoring students whose records of community service, academic achievement and clear-eyed ambition reflect Rotary’s core principle of “service above self.”
The four recipients — Iribiana Cervantes of Frankfort High School, Hannah Jacobs of Clinton Central High School, Brennan Smith of Clinton Prairie High School and Jacob Weaver of Rossville High School — will all attend either Purdue University or Indiana University in the fall. Now in its second year, the Frankfort Rotary Scholarship program delivered $4,000 in total scholarship funding and heard three of the four recipients address the Rotary Club in person, where students shared about their experiences and plans.
Program coordinator Lesley Miller, a Rotary member who helped organize the effort, kept her assessment of the program’s trajectory simple: “This is our second year, and we’re going strong.”
The scholarships were proposed by a fellow Rotarian and former Frankfort School Board member Karen Sutton, credited by colleagues for having “taken the bull by the horns” to launch the program. Though Karen was not present at Monday’s meeting, her initiative was evident in the caliber of students the program has attracted.
A Program Rooted in Community Values
The Rotary’s scholarship program was built around the same philosophy that defines the organization itself — the idea that service to others is not a credential to be collected but a way of living. That theme emerged in the written scholarship applications and spoken remarks each student who appeared before the club Thursday at Arborwood.
Each application asked students to reflect on how they had impacted their school and community. The answers ranged from founding an inclusion club at Clinton Prairie to translating for non-English-speaking patients in a hospital emergency department, to discovering a path to the career of Nurse Practitioner — acts of service that were, in each case, undertaken not because they were required, but because the students felt compelled to act.
Iribiana Cervantes: From Reserved Freshman to Future Biomedical Engineer
Iribiana Cervantes arrived at Frankfort High School, by her own account, as someone who “only talked to my close friends.” She will leave it as president of both the National Honor Society and the Crash Club, and she will head to Purdue University in the fall to pursue a degree in biomedical engineering — a path shaped by experiences she couldn’t have anticipated when she walked through FHS’s doors four years ago.
Crash Club, which encourages students to pursue higher education and give back to their communities, became the turning point. Joining as a freshman set in motion a process of personal growth that Cervantes describes with characteristic specificity in her written application:
“Gaining the experience of leading peers and volunteering activities, club meetings in classroom settings is not something I ever imagined myself doing, especially at the start of my high school career. I used to only talk to my close friends, but by joining clubs such as Crash — a club that encourages students to pursue a higher education, giving back to the local community — my freshman year, and ever since then I’ve allowed myself to grow. I’m no longer as shy and timid as I used to be, as I even gained the courage at the end of my junior year to run for the role of president for two of the most well-known clubs at FHS, National Honor Society and the Crash Club. I give a high amount of credit to the community service I’ve done for the change I’ve experienced. The volunteering opportunities I’ve had range from cleaning up after football and basketball games to giving Hispanic heritage presentations at our local elementary schools during Hispanic Heritage Month during the Crash Club. We lessen the workload of school custodians, teach younger students about a culture that is a large part of our community, and overall connect with the community so that they know that the youth care about them. Willing to dedicate time and effort to me, putting service of oneself is to do community service even when it’s not required from you — that no club hours have to be completed and you do it because you genuinely want to help, to learn and teach.”
–Iribiana Cervantes, Senior at Frankfort High School–
Her service extended well beyond campus. As part of a capstone program through Ivy Tech, Cervantes volunteered at IU Health Frankfort — and found herself doing something no one had planned for her.
“In October I started volunteering at IU Health — the hospital here in Frankfort — for my clinical hours I needed to complete for my capstone, a program through Ivy Tech,” she told the Rotary Club. “While I was there, I was placed in the emergency department. Most of what I did was clean patient rooms. Occasionally they have interpreter machines for patients who don’t speak English, and sometimes that machine wasn’t working. The doctors would ask me to translate for patients. Whenever I did that, I’m just seeing the relief over patients knowing that I was in the room with them — because I understood and was able to connect with the doctor — was just something that I liked experiencing.”
Her interest in biomedical engineering crystallized during a separate experience: a bilingual cardiovascular health survey she participated in through a grassroots leadership development program for Hispanic students. Nursing students from Purdue were on site, using portable diagnostic equipment in the field.
“We were offered to be part of a bilingual cardiovascular study in the community,” Cervantes said. “It was targeted for the Hispanic population here in Clinton County. We were on foot, surveying around town, and nursing students from Purdue who were close to graduating were with us. I’m seeing this little machine do so much work for them — I thought that was just interesting.”
That spark of curiosity pointed her toward stem cell research and the 3D printing of organs — fields she intends to explore at Purdue. And the lesson she carries forward from four years of service and leadership is, at its core, about connection.
When asked what critical lessons turned out to be valuable in her experience as a student, she said “In general, it’s communication — whether we’re communicating with teachers about not understanding assignments or needing help, or within language — being around other students who may not understand English as well as I do, but knowing that I can still be there to help them because we’re all going through the same experience,” she said. “I think I’ve learned the value of communicating with those around me and understanding that we’re all going at our different paces.”
Hannah Jacobs: Showing Up, Every Time
Hannah Jacobs will be the first to tell you that service doesn’t require a grand gesture. The Clinton Central High School senior, who will study nursing at Purdue University this fall, has spent four years proving that point through steady, unspectacular presence — the kind of leadership that shows up even when it’s inconvenient.
Jacob’s path to Purdue comes with practical constraints that most of her classmates don’t face. Jacobs is a triplet, and she plans to commute to campus and work to finance her own education.
“I will be going to Purdue University this fall for nursing and I plan on working at the hospital in Lafayette, IU Health, as a lab tech,” she said Monday. “I’m a triplet, so that’s why I’m commuting to campus and working as much as I can to save as much money.”
Jacob job-shadowed at a clinic and has been inspired in part by a sister pursuing a career in cardiology. Her long-term goals include becoming a nurse practitioner, with a possible focus on women’s health or the NICU. But the foundation of her application rested less on credentials than on philosophy — a philosophy she articulates with striking clarity in her written essay:
“The phrase ‘service above self’ can sound like a grand abstract philosophy, but I’ve come to see it as something much more practical. It is a simple act of showing up for people even when you are tired or would rather be doing something else. My life is usually a blur of sports and school and there are plenty of days when I’d rather go home and sleep. However, I’ve learned that being a leader in my community — whether it is on the track or in the student council — means people look to me to set the standard. If I show up with a good attitude and give people my full attention, it does make a difference. In Clinton County, I’ve dedicated a lot of my time to Coach Kids and Youth Rise. I’ve realized quickly that people do not care about my GPA or how fast I run. They just care that I’m there. Impacting my community has not been about one heroic moment. It has been about the small actions — like consistently mentoring a child who needs a role model or being a positive presence in the classroom. Dedicating my time and energy to others has altered my perspective on my life. It stopped being about checking a box for a resume and started to be about how I want to treat people every day because it’s the right thing to do. It has made me more patient and undoubtedly more aware of what others are going through.”
–Hannah Jacobs, Senior at Clinton Central High School–
Jacob’s work with Coach Kids and Youth Rise represents that “showing up” ethic in practice — sustained mentorship of younger students in Clinton County athletics and youth programs. Active in student council throughout high school, Jacobs closed her remarks to the Rotary with a message aimed at the students who will follow her.
“Do not be afraid to ask for help, especially as you get into harder classes,” she said. “For me it was chemistry. Everything builds, so you don’t want to get stuck and get behind. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your teachers or your administration.”
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Brennan Smith: Building Inclusion — and a Path to Wrigley Field
Brennan Smith had two goals coming out of Clinton Prairie High School: make his small school more welcoming for students with special needs and eventually run the front office of the Chicago Cubs.
He seems to be making progress on both.
Smith founded ‘Buddy Club’ at Clinton Prairie during his junior year, creating a structured program in which general education students spend time alongside peers with special needs — a concept he developed with special education teachers after years of serving informally as a classroom aide.
“I created this during my junior year,” Smith told the Rotary Club. “My freshman and sophomore year I was already in special needs classes — I was an aide for them. I did coffee shops with them. One of the things I learned about was HOBY — the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Program — during the summer. I actually met someone else that created a similar program at another school, so they were able to help me create that at our school.”
The response exceeded anything Smith had anticipated.
“Our first year we had over 40 people sign up, which is pretty big for our school sense we have less than 300 students freshman through senior,” he said.
Buddy Club also sells autism awareness shirts to raise visibility for special needs students within the broader school community. In his written application, Smith describes not only what he hoped to give others through the club, but what it gave him in return:
“I believe I’ve impacted my school and community in a positive way through hours of volunteering with clubs such as Coach Kids, National Honor Society, Learning to Lead, Youth Rise, Key Club, Science Club, and Buddy Club. Buddy Club is a club that I created with special needs teachers where students spend time with special needs students. People are sometimes unsure how to interact with students who have special needs because they may look or act differently. One of my goals with Buddy Club is to help spread awareness and create a more welcoming environment for these students. One way we are doing this is by selling autism awareness shirts that members of the school and community can purchase. This helps raise awareness about special needs students while also encouraging people to support inclusion. Through this club, I hope to help others understand that students with special needs deserve the same friendships, opportunities, and respect as anyone else. Buddy Club has also had a major impact on me as a person and changed my life in a positive way. I believe I have become calmer, more patient, better with kids, and a stronger communicator. I have also gained an understanding of the importance of kindness and inclusion.”
–Brennan Smith, Senior at Clinton Prairie High School–
Smith’s other passion — baseball — has taken him to 12 stadiums and more than 15 games, and it is the reason he chose Indiana University Bloomington, where he will study data science with a minor in sports analytics this fall. Kaspar Media has invited Smith to shadow Kaspar Media Sports Director Sam Wort to be exposed to the commercial broadcast side of Sports and Athletics.
“I’ve loved baseball through my whole life,” he said. “I’ve gone to over 15 games, 12 stadiums. When the Cubs sucked a few years ago, I said I could do better than that… So I Googled what you needed, and data science and sports analytics were the main majors needed for that kind of work.”
Smith’s blueprint for the future is detailed: start in scouting analytics, work his way up, and eventually reach the top of the organization.
“I want to eventually work for the Cubs as a sports analyst, pretty much doing scouting reports of their teams and future team prospects, and then after that hopefully being president of baseball operations, which is pretty much a general manager in NFL terms,” Smith said.
Jacob Weaver: Rossville’s Representative
Jacob Weaver of Rossville High School also received a $1,000 scholarship from the Frankfort Rotary Club. Weaver was unable to attend Monday’s meeting — he was participating in graduation practice and a senior lunch — and his checks, like those of the other three recipients, were distributed prior to the meeting.
‘A Very Special Pocket’: What This Class Says About Clinton County
Taken together, the four recipients represent something larger than four individual success stories. They come from four different schools across Clinton County, and yet the common thread of their applications is remarkably consistent: a sense of obligation to the people around them, a willingness to act on it, and — as Jacobs put it — the understanding that showing up matters more than any single achievement.
That coherence did not go unnoticed. A Rotary member offered closing remarks that captured what the room seemed to feel.
“You’ve given us a lot of hope in our future,” the Rotarian Lesley Miller said. “It’s nice to hear — I can’t say I was this driven and knew what I wanted to do at your age. There just seems to be a very special pocket here in Clinton County — with so many clubs and opportunities as our kids have in all four corporations in terms of volunteer opportunities. We’re very thankful for you being here today and we’re excited about the future you’re about to bring.”
That “special pocket” — built over years through Rotary clubs, school organizations, youth programs and community health initiatives — is precisely what each of these students absorbed and, in their own ways, expanded. Cervantes gave it a voice in hospital hallways. Jacobs gave it consistency in gyms, on the field and in the classrooms. Smith gave it a name and a meeting time in a school with fewer than 300 students.
All four Rotary Scholarship winners will carry it with them when they leave Clinton County this fall — to lecture halls, labs and, eventually, careers they have already begun to imagine in specific detail. The ‘Service Above Self’ has already started and taken root.
The Frankfort Rotary Club will be watching.
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