FRANKFORT, IN  Clinton County Economic Advancement Foundation (CCEAF) has purchased the former Clinton County Family YMCA building at 950 S. Maish Road in Frankfort, ensuring the longtime community facility can continue to be used for its original mission of health, recreation and child care.

Local nonprofit steps in
CCEAF closed on the YMCA Building property on Friday, June 26, 2026 acquiring the building and grounds from CORE Community Center, Inc. at Momentum Title Agency office in Frankfort.  The law firm Ryan, Moore, Cook, Triplett & Albertson LLP assisted in the transfer.

The facility, widely known locally as the YMCA building, was recently appraised at approximately $2 million and will remain pledged to community use under the foundation’s ownership.

Preserving a community-built asset
CCEAF President Stan Smith said the foundation’s board viewed the property as a major community asset that had been built entirely through private pledges rather than tax dollars or government grants. “It was truly a community asset,” Smith said. “It felt like it needed to be retained, brought back to life and give the community some place to go to meet people, exercise, socialize, etc.” Smith emphasized that CCEAF’s intent is to sustain the original purpose of the building and grounds—offering space for fitness, youth programs and social connection—while working with partners to make the operation financially viable. The building purchase is a critical step in making sure the building continues to be a community asset that fulfills its original purpose.

Closing details and local support
The transaction was finalized at Momentum Title Agency, where several local participants waived fees to support the project. Momentum Title waived its standard closing charges, and The Farmers Bank did not assess loan fees beyond third-party costs such as appraisal, environmental review and flood certification, reducing expenses for the nonprofit buyer. The law firm Ryan, Moore, Cook, Triplett & Albertson LLP and Miriam Robeson, Attorney at Law in Flora supplied legal advice.

CCEAF is assuming a loan with The Farmers Bank in the amount of about $145,380 matched to the payment terms previously used by Core Community Center.

Present at the closing were CCEAF President Stan Smith, CCEAF Vice President Russ Kaspar, commercial manager Ana Hernandez of Momentum Title, former CORE President Craig Mundell, CPA Joe Catron and Susan Ruch, representing The Farmers Bank.

The 950 S. Maish Road building, which opened as a YMCA in 1991, sits near Frankfort’s schools and residential neighborhoods and has long been recognized as a convenient location for recreation and child care services.

From CORE to CCEAF
Core Community Center, Inc. took over operations at the property in 2023 after the YMCA closed, but CORE eventually shut down amid financial pressures. Mundell, who served as CORE’s president for a little over a year, said the closing represents both an end and a new beginning. “I’m pleased that a local entity, being the Clinton County Economic Advancement Foundation, is going to be taking this over and moving forward with it,” Mundell said. “I’m glad that this is going to be something that will be open again to the community. I know it’s so needed and it was so missed once it closed down.”

Mundell also confirmed when asked, if he personally advanced more than $100,000 without any guarantee of repayment to help keep the building and its programming intact during CORE’s operation.  He described that step as an effort to “save face from an economic standpoint for the organization and also to take care of a commitment from the work that we had done to the building.”

Demonstrated community demand
Before committing to purchase the property, CCEAF commissioned a feasibility study from a nonprofit consultant based in Atlanta that specializes in YMCA and community-center operations. Smith said the analysis examined population radius, competing facilities, income and education levels, alternative sites, demand, willingness to maintain memberships and concluded that the existing 950 S. Maish Road location remains well-suited and the most popular place to serve local residents. “It came back overwhelmingly that there is a need and it can be supported by membership,” Smith said, noting that the study found the building’s proximity to schools and neighborhoods to be an asset.

Mundell said past operations showed strong interest when the facility was open. “I think there’s a huge demand for it. I hear it all the time from people who say how much they miss it,” he said. “Not only from a physical exercise component, but also the social component. People miss seeing people on an everyday basis. It became a part of their weekly routine and lifestyle.” At its peak, Mundell estimated, the facility had roughly 800 memberships, including family memberships, translating into many more individuals passing through the doors.

Financial structure and safeguards
Under the new arrangement, CCEAF is assuming existing mortgages and an assignment of rents tied to the property, with a replacement note structured over seven and a half years and a balloon payment scheduled for January 26, 2034. The note carries a fixed interest rate comparable to what CORE was paying and includes 12 months of interest-only payments to allow time for programming to resume before principal payments begin. The building, property and non-leased equipment serve as collateral, with updated security agreements and insurance requirements to keep the property protected.

During the closing, participants discussed a recently filed state tax warrant related to Core’s payroll accounts, which CCEAF and its advisors plan to address through amended filings and potential refunds. Title representatives said the warrant and other assessments were accounted for at closing so that CCEAF would take ownership with clear title, aside from routine ditch assessments that will continue to be paid annually.

Next steps for the facility
While no outside operating partner is formally attached to the project at this time, Smith said the CCEAF board is moving ahead with plans to ensure the building’s original intent is sustained. A key early initiative will be a detailed study of the indoor pool by Newman Pools of Michigan, including filling the pool, replacing equipment and inspecting structural elements to determine viability for future use. “It’s an important piece of the puzzle,” Smith said. “The study said we get a lot more memberships if we have a pool.”

Board members and advisors also noted strong local interest in restoring licensed child care and youth activities at the site, along with fitness and adult programming. Smith said CCEAF expects to seek community partners to help “promote it” and sustain operations over time, viewing the facility as an important “third place” where residents can gather beyond home and work.

The Abby and Libby Memorial Park, located at 6062 N. State Road 218 in Delphi, will host a Family Fun Fest on June 27, 2026 featuring live music, family activities, and community entertainment from noon to 4 p.m.

The free event will feature performances by Zico and Madigan, along with a lineup of additional musicians including Made to Worship, Jace Day, Enlight, John Humphries, Soup Kitch3n, Shackle Free Shacky, and Kid Reborn.

Concessions will be available on site, along with other family-friendly activities throughout the afternoon.

The event is free and open to the public and is sponsored in part by the Indiana Arts Commission and The Arts Federation, helping bring community arts and entertainment to Carroll County.

Jon Greiner, detective at the Clinton County Sheriff Department is urging parents and guardians to take a more active role in monitoring children’s online activity this summer, warning that cases involving online exploitation and risky digital interactions tend to increase when school is out.

During a recent appearance on WILO/Boone 102.7 FM’s Party Line program, Clinton County Sheriff’s Office Detective Jon Greiner—who also serves on a Crimes Against Children Task Force—said the combination of increased free time and unsupervised device use can create new vulnerabilities for young people.

Summer brings added risk
Greiner said seasonal changes play a role in law enforcement trends.
“When they’re in school, they’re being monitored maybe a little bit closer, but now when they’re home, that can present more of a challenge,” he said. “We do see a little bit of a spike in some of the work that we have in law enforcement right now.”  He emphasized that while Clinton County is a strong community, online threats are not confined by geography.

“The world that we live in now is so interconnected,” Greiner said. “The danger could be 2,000 miles away… but online, that danger is present and sometimes in the pocket that you carry with your cell phone.”

Online predators not limited by location
A key concern discussed during the program was how online platforms allow predators to reach children regardless of where they live.  “Predators online can be from anywhere,” Greiner said. “They have the same goal, and that’s to get something out of people who are vulnerable.”  He noted that these threats often begin on popular platforms or games and then shift to more private forms of communication.

“That’s part of the process… they’re meeting them in a popular place like Fortnite or Minecraft, and then they’re moving them to something else where they can communicate privately,” he said. “That should be a red flag.”

Parents urged to monitor digital activity
Greiner stressed that many parents track their children’s physical location but overlook their online presence.   “You know where they physically are, but do you know where they digitally are?” he said.

He encouraged parents to use built-in parental controls, monitor app usage, and stay aware of who their children are communicating with. He also highlighted a practical tip for identifying hidden activity on devices.  “You can lie to the home screen, but you cannot lie to the battery on your phone,” Greiner said, referring to device settings that show app usage.

Other recommendations included keeping devices in common areas, limiting late-night usage, and maintaining access to children’s phones.  “If you don’t know the passcode to your kid’s device, that is a problem right now,” he said.

Communication and example matter
Greiner emphasized that open communication and parental behavior are critical.
“More is caught than taught,” he said. “If you’re going to tell your child all of these great things and you’re not abiding by the rules… they’re not going to listen to you.”
He added that conversations about online safety should be ongoing and honest, especially as children navigate social media platforms such as Snapchat, TikTok, and gaming communities.

Reporting incidents is critical
Law enforcement officials also urged families not to hesitate in reporting suspicious activity or exploitation, even if it feels uncomfortable.  “If you, your loved one, or even if you think you may have a problem, do not delay,” Greiner said. “Contact us today.”

He acknowledged that embarrassment can prevent victims—especially young people—from speaking up, but warned that silence can allow situations to escalate.   “We’re not going to judge you,” he said. “We understand this is a whole new world… but we need to get in front of it.”

Greiner added that while some cases involve suspects outside local or even national jurisdiction, reporting still allows law enforcement to provide support and resources.

Community-wide responsibility
The discussion also touched on the broader role of families and the community in addressing digital safety.   “The things that are in our pockets that have access to the internet are some of the most dangerous things that we own,” Greiner said. “Why would we not have some rules with these things?”

He encouraged residents to seek out resources through local law enforcement agencies or national organizations such as the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
As summer continues, officials say awareness and proactive involvement remain the best tools for protecting children online.

The Clinton County & 4-H Fair is inviting community members, families, organizations and businesses to help kick off fair week by participating in the annual Clinton County Fair Parade on Sunday, July 12.

This year’s parade theme is “Mooovin’ and Groovin'” and celebrates the fun, music and community spirit of the Clinton County & 4-H Fair.

The parade begins at 2 p.m., with participants asked to line up starting at 1:30 p.m. in front of the Frankfort Public Library. The lineup will proceed down Washington Street toward Gillman’s.

No prior registration is required to participate in the parade.

Those with questions may email clintoncofair1701@gmail.com.

Indiana Conservation Officers are searching for a 54-year-old Indianapolis man who went missing after a canoe capsized in a retention pond.

The man and three family members were canoeing yesterday evening on a retention pond in The Willows housing addition on the northwest side of Indianapolis when their canoe overturned, throwing all four occupants into the water. Three of the individuals were rescued, and two were transported to local hospitals. Both have since been released. The fourth occupant remains missing.

Search crews are using side-scan sonar, underwater cameras, and scuba divers in an effort to locate him.

Responding agencies include the Pike Township Fire Department, Indianapolis Fire Department, and Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.

As Hoosiers head outdoors this summer on golf carts, ATVs, dirt bikes and other special vehicles designed for sport and leisure activities, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) is reminding buyers and sellers to check registration and titling requirements before hitting the road or trail.

Knowing which vehicles require registration or titles can help prevent fraudulent sales, ensure compliance with Indiana law and avoid unexpected issues when purchasing or operating a vehicle.

Low Speed Vehicles (LSVs) are increasingly gaining popularity in some communities and must be titled and registered. Unlike golf carts, LSVs are electrically powered vehicles that do not exceed 25 mph and are equipped with many of the same safety features required for passenger cars.

Off-road vehicles (ORVs) must be registered and, if purchased after Dec. 31, 2009, must also be titled. ORVs include:

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) which include three-wheelers, four-wheelers, and six-wheelers
Dirt bikes
Minibikes
Recreational off-road vehicles (ROVs)
Snowmobiles
Motor Driven Cycles (MDCs), commonly known as mopeds or scooters, must be registered, but they do not require a title. MDCs are defined in Indiana law by their cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters.

There are many commonly purchased vehicles for leisure activities that are exempt from being registered or titled in Indiana. These vehicles include:

Golf carts (Some municipalities require registration of these vehicles if they are operated on local roadways. Check with your county or municipality to see if such a registration is required. These registrations would not be completed with the BMV.)
Electric scooters and wheelchairs
Electric personal mobility or assistive mobility devices (like hoverboards or segways)
Go-karts
Motorized bicycles and tricycles (not to be confused with motor driven cycles)
Motorized coolers

Additionally, all watercraft operating on Indiana waterways must be titled and registered with the BMV and should display valid watercraft decals unless otherwise exempt. Find a list of exempt watercraft here. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources requires permits for watercraft for many properties. Watercraft operators can find more information on those requirements here.

For full details on how to register and title your vehicle, visit the BMV’s website which includes an interactive walk-through guide on required documents. Plus, a quick reference guide with some information on how to operate these vehicles safely from our partners at the Indiana Department of Natural Resources is available here.

Attorney General Todd Rokita today announced that his office has played a key role in a major nationwide enforcement action against doctors, nurses and other licensed medical professionals for alleged participation in healthcare fraud schemes.

The Indiana Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit has conducted multiple criminal investigations into alleged Medicaid fraud, leading to charges in connection with the nationwide initiative. As of June 23, eight cases have been filed in various counties.

Since taking office in January 2021, Attorney General Rokita’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) has secured more than $100 million in taxpayer funds lost to provider welfare fraud through nearly 100 separate civil and criminal recoveries.

“Medicaid exists to protect our most vulnerable Hoosiers — not to line the pockets of greedy providers,” said Attorney General Todd Rokita. “When unethical professionals steal from these programs, they don’t just commit fraud — they betray taxpayers and hurt the very people who need help most. My office will continue to partner with the Trump Administration and others to hunt down these criminals, recover every dollar possible, and ensure they are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

The Indiana Attorney General’s MFCU investigated licensed healthcare professionals, medical offices, and providers where suspected illegal activity occurred.

In all the mentioned cases, Attorney General Rokita’s attorneys are prosecuting the alleged crimes with assent of the local prosecutors’ offices in the counties where the alleged crimes occurred. These investigations are part of a nationwide initiative led by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Below are summaries of the cases involving Indiana’s MFCU investigations. In each case, the fact that a person has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and these individuals are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

State v. Brandy Rifner 48C05-2606-F6-001532 

Brandy Rifner, 42 years old, of Fishers, IN, was charged by a charging instrument with Obtaining a Controlled Substance by Fraud or Deceit, a Level 6 Felony and Furnishing False or Fraudulent Information a Level 6 Felony in connection with the alleged diversion of fentanyl, a controlled substance. As alleged in the charging instrument, Rifner, allegedly diverted fentanyl and furnished false or fraudulent information or omitted information. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General, Kimberly Savoie of the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Office of Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita.

State v. Courtney Schaefer 19D01-2606-F6-000554 

Courtney Schaefer, 40, of Bristow, IN, was charged by Probable Cause Affidavit with three counts of Obtaining a Controlled Substance by Fraud/ Deceit and Failure to Make, Keep, or Furnish a Record, all Level 6 Felonies, in connection with drug diversion of 13 tablets of Hydrocodone, 3 tablets of Pregabalin, and 3 tablets of Clonazepam. As alleged in the Probable Cause Affidavit, Schaefer, a Licensed Practical Nurse, diverted the controlled substances from a Dubois County nursing home and did not make controlled substance records as required by law. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Kyle Sprunger of the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Office of Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita.

State v. Ki’Andreia James 49D23-2606-F6-017341 

Ki’Andreia James, 39, of Indianapolis, IN, was charged by Probable Cause Affidavit with Obtaining a Controlled Substance by Fraud or Deceit (Level 6 Felony) and Failure to Make, Keep, or Furnish a Record (Level 6 Felony) in connection with diverting at least 186 hydrocodone tablets. As alleged in the Probable Cause Affidavit, James, a Registered Nurse, diverted these narcotic drugs in the course of her work at a local nursing home. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Kyle Sprunger of the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Office of Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita.

State v. Mackenzie Leigh Deyer 02D04-2606-F6-000794 

Mackenzie Leigh Deyer, 26, of New Haven, Indiana, was charged by criminal charging information with Count 1: Fraud, a Level 6 Felony; Count 2: Fraud, a Class A Misdemeanor; Count 3: Fraud, a Level 6 Felony; Count 4: Theft, a Level 6 Felony; Count 5: Theft, a Class A Misdemeanor; Count 6: Theft, a Level 6 Felony; Count 7: Identity Deception, a Level 6 Felony; Count 8: Identity Deception, a Level 6 Felony; and Count 9: Identity Deception, a Level 6 Felony in connection with a series of alleged actions involving improper use of other people’s debit cards. As alleged in the charging instrument, Deyer was employed as a Home Health Aide at Evergreen Village, an assisted living facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where she allegedly obtained access to several residents’ debit card information that she used to obtain property without the residents’ consent. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Georgeanna Teipen of the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Office of Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita.

State v. Paula McCarthy 32C01-2606-F6-000402 

Paula McCarthy, 50, of Mooresville, IN, was charged by Probable Cause Affidavit with Obtaining a Controlled Substance with Fraud/Deceit, Furnishing False or Fraudulent Information, and Forgery, all Level 6 Felonies, in connection with drug diversion of oxycodone. As alleged in the Probable Cause Affidavit, McCarthy, a Registered Nurse, diverted this narcotic drug from a Hendricks County nursing home and then forged the signature of another nurse on a controlled substance record in an attempt to cover her tracks. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Kyle Sprunger of the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Office of Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita.

State v. Tamara Smart 29D04-2606-F6-005237 

Tamara Smart, 51, of Indianapolis, IN, was charged by Probable Cause Affidavit with Obtaining a Controlled Substance by Fraud or Deceit (Level 6 Felony) and Failure to Make, Keep, or Furnish a Record (Level 6 Felony) in connection with drug diversion of oxycodone. As alleged in the Probable Cause Affidavit, Smart, a Licensed Practical Nurse, diverted the narcotics from a Hamilton County nursing home and did not make Controlled Substance Records as required by law. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Kyle Sprunger of the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Office of Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita.

State v. Pecola Simpson 65C01-2606-F6-000355 

Pecola Simpson, 50, of Evansville, IN, was charged by Probable Cause Affidavit with Obtaining a Controlled Substance by Fraud or Deceit (Level 6 Felony) and Failure to Make, Keep, or Furnish Records (Level 6 Felony) in connection with drug diversion of over 30 units of hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxycodone, and lorazepam. As alleged in the Probable Cause Affidavit, Simpson, a Licensed Practical Nurse, diverted the narcotics from a Posey County nursing home and did not make legally required Controlled Substance Records. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Kyle Sprunger of the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Office of Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita.

State v. Teresa Waltz 65C01-2606-F6-000356 

Teresa Waltz, 54, of Newburgh, IN, was charged by Probable Cause Affidavit with Obtaining a Controlled Substance by Fraud or Deceit (Level 6 Felony) and Failure to Make, Keep, or Furnish Records (Level 6 Felony) in connection with drug diversion of over 60 units of hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxycodone, lorazepam, and tramadol. As alleged in the Probable Cause Affidavit, Waltz, a Registered Nurse, diverted the narcotics from a Posey County nursing home and did not make legally required Controlled Substance Records. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Kyle Sprunger of the Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Office of Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita.

Attorney General Rokita expressed gratitude to the investigators and attorneys of his Indiana MFCU team, as well as federal partners, for their hard work on these important cases.

The Indiana Medicaid Fraud Control Unit receives 75 percent of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a federal grant. The remaining 25 percent is funded by the State of Indiana.

One of Boone County’s favorite summer traditions is back as the 2025 Ole Hickory Days Festival returns to downtown Colfax on Friday and Saturday, August 1–2. This year’s theme, “A Stroll Down Memory Lane,” celebrates the community’s rich history while bringing together residents and visitors for two days of family-friendly entertainment, food, and hometown fun.

A full schedule of activities is planned, including a community parade, fish fry, truck and tractor pull, live entertainment, and events for all ages.

Festival highlights include:

• Friday, August 1
  • Festival activities begin with food, entertainment, and community events.
  • The popular Truck and Tractor Pull returns, drawing competitors and spectators from across the region.
• Saturday, August 2
  • The annual Ole Hickory Days Parade takes center stage, with parade registration beginning at 1 p.m.
  • Visitors can enjoy festival food, games, local vendors, historical exhibits, and family activities throughout the day.
  • Community favorites, including the traditional fish fry, help make the weekend a memorable hometown celebration.

Local organizations and businesses, including the Colfax Historical Society and Colfax Pizza King, help make the festival a special community tradition.

Whether you’re returning to relive cherished memories or visiting Colfax for the first time, the 2025 Ole Hickory Days Festival offers a weekend filled with small-town hospitality, community pride, and summer fun.

Everyone is invited to visit Colfax on August 1–2 and take “A Stroll Down Memory Lane” during one of central Indiana’s most beloved community festivals.

HOWARD COUNTY, Ind. — The Indiana Department of Transportation announces alternating lane closures are planned next month on U.S. 31 for concrete patching in Kokomo.

Alternating lane closures will begin on or after Monday, July 6 on northbound and southbound U.S. 31 between County Road 600 N. and State Road 18. Work is expected to continue through the end of August.

Crews began concrete repairs on U.S. 31 in Kokomo last summer, reopening the road in the late fall. The remaining work will be performed this summer under alternating lane closures to minimize the impacts to traffic.

INDOT reminds drivers to slow down, avoid distractions, and use extra caution while traveling in and around work zones. All work is weather-dependent, and schedules are subject to change.

Frankfort’s signature summer event is set to return with new attractions, expanded entertainment, and continued emphasis on safety, according to Frankfort Main Street Director Kim Stevens.

The 2026 Frankfort Hot Dog Festival will be the weekend of July 24,25,26 rain or shine.  The festival is typically scheduled for the last full weekend in July.

Speaking on WILO and Boone 102.7 FM’s Party Line program, Stevens highlighted several additions to this year’s Hot Dog Festival, including a large-scale dinosaur exhibit designed to attract families and younger attendees.  “We’ve got some really great, exciting things happening for the Hot Dog Festival,” Stevens said. “We are bringing in the dinosaur takeover, and there will be a dinosaur museum. There will be a 50-foot dinosaur that will be appearing, and there will be some that will be roaming around.”

New Attractions and Family Focus
The dinosaur exhibit is part of a broader effort to expand free, family-friendly activities at the festival. Stevens said organizers are prioritizing experiences that are both engaging and accessible.   “It’s not only fun and exciting for the kids, but it’s also educational,” she said. “We’re really kind of looking at how we get the young people involved and things that are not going to be costing them anything to do.”

Additional new features include live wood carving demonstrations and a glass blower performing throughout the weekend. Traditional favorites such as dock diving dogs will also return, drawing participants from across Indiana and beyond.   “That’s going to be a staple of the Hot Dog Festival for years to come because they just bring so much fun and excitement,” Stevens said, noting that some participants travel long distances to compete.

Expanded Entertainment and Participation
Organizers are also expanding the festival’s entertainment footprint. Two stages will be active throughout the event, including the Farmers Bank Performance Center and a secondary stage on Clinton Street.   “Both of those will be full of activity and fun for the entire family,” Stevens said.

The full entertainment schedule is expected to be released soon, with additional acts still being accepted in the coming weeks.  “If there’s something that you want to see, please don’t hesitate to give us a call,” she said. “We still add some things up to about two weeks before.”

Safety Planning a Top Priority
With large crowds expected, Stevens emphasized that safety planning remains a central focus. Volunteers undergo regular training, including coordination with local law enforcement and emergency services.   “We spend a lot of time on the training of our volunteers,” she said. “You cannot be too prepared for that.”

The festival operates under a detailed emergency action plan that covers scenarios ranging from severe weather to lost children. Stevens pointed to last year’s storms as an example of preparedness in action.

“We were able to get people to the emergency shelters as quickly as we could,” she said. “Everybody was safe, nobody got hurt, and we were able to go right back to the festival.”
She added that volunteers are trained to respond calmly and prioritize public safety rather than take unnecessary risks.

“You’re not there to be the hero,” Stevens said. “You’re there to get as many people out of the way as possible.”

Broader Downtown Efforts
Stevens noted that the Hot Dog Festival is just one part of a larger effort to bring people downtown and support local businesses. Events like Thursday Thunder concerts and movie nights are designed to showcase the community while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere.
“We are inviting folks to come to our community—we want to show you what our living room looks like,” she said.

An upcoming Thursday Thunder event on July 2 will help kick off Independence Day celebrations and the nation’s 250th anniversary, featuring live music, food vendors, and a veterans memorial display at Prairie Creek Park.

How to Participate
Stevens encouraged community members, performers, and vendors to get involved as planning continues.   “They can give us a call at the office… or reach out to us on either our social media site or our FrankfortMainStreet.org website,” she said.