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Sandborn

Boil Order effective immediately for Sandborn residents

by Greene County Daily World on Aug.16, 2010, under Sandborn

Monday, August 16, 2010
Greene County Daily World

Sandborn Clerk-Treasurer Judy Hartsburg has announced a boil order is in effect immediately for all residents of the Town of Sandborn.

Hartsburg said the reason is due to a leak in a water main.

The order will remain in effect until 7 p.m. Wednesday.

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Black Creek Festival this weekend in Sandborn

by Greene County Daily World on Aug.03, 2010, under Sandborn

Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Greene County Daily World

A long-standing summertime tradition of good food, musical entertainment, a parade, a softball tourney, fellowship and much more will be featured this weekend in Sandborn.

The Black Creek Festival, sponsored by the Sandborn Lions Club, will begin Friday afternoon and will continue throughout the weekend until 3:30 p.m. on Sunday.

The festival started in 1968 and Lions Club member Kay Sargent said the proceeds go toward several local charities.

Some of the money goes toward purchasing eye glasses for those in need, the American Cancer Society, and North Knox Social Ministries. The organization also assists with the building of handicapped ramps for individual homes in the community. …<more>

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Alcohol banned from Sandborn Community Building

by Greene County Daily World on Jun.08, 2010, under Sandborn

Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Greene County Daily World

There will be no alcoholic beverages at the Sandborn Community Building.

That was the decision that Sandborn Town Council made last Tuesday evening following suggestions that perhaps having alcoholic beverages would draw more renters. However, following much discussion, the board voted to lower rental and deposit prices hoping that would attract additional activity for the building.

Park board president Gladys Pemberton said Community Building expenses rise each month. She added that the park board is doing what it can to initiate money-making projects such as a dinner every month, but more money is needed to pay the bills. …<more>

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Sandborn water rates to be reduced by $5

by Greene County Daily World on May.06, 2010, under Sandborn

Thursday, May 6, 2010
Greene County Daily World

After two public readings, the Sandborn Town Council approved an ordinance Tuesday evening which will reduce water rates by removing the $5 debt assessment.

The ordinance will go into effect June 1, 2010.

After Sandborn Clerk-Treasurer Judi Hartsburg displayed a water chart and read a letter directed to the Sandborn Volunteer Fire Department asking that they receive payment up front prior to filling local swimming pools, the council voted that owners must place a $100 deposit with the utility clerk at the town hall before a swimming pool can be filled. Hartsburg explained that last summer several pools were filled with no remuneration for water.

Richard Freeman, a volunteer fireman, inquired as to what fire hydrants could be used during a town fire. Sewage Superintendent Cliff Pemberton, Jr. explained that there are two — one at the Community Building and one at White River Valley Produce. …<more>

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Sandborn Town Council lowers minimum water bill

by Greene County Daily World on Apr.07, 2010, under Sandborn

Wednesday, April 7, 2010
By Jo Chiparo, Staff Writer
Greene County Daily World

There was good news for Sandborn residents at the council meeting Tuesday evening when the board passed an ordinance removing the debt assessment placed on water accounts lowering the minimum water bill by $5 to $21.Due to a lack of three completed items on the Storm Water Drainage Project, Michelle Carrico from SIDC could not get a release of funds before the date of the board meeting. A special meeting will have to be held to award bids before the project can begin sometime near the end of April.

The three items that need completed include a co-sign from Jeremy Daugherty on his mother’s property, a publisher’s affidavit from Vincennes Sun-Commercial for advertisement on bid notices and a signature from Fred Morgan Roberts on a Waiver of Acquisition Rights with Full Donation.

Roberts is objecting to the wording in the waiver, and if he refuses to sign, the drainage project will have to be routed around his property.

The board hopes to have the three items cleared shortly so the contract can be awarded to the lowest bidder.

Upon Clerk-Treasurer Judi Hartsburg’s question as to the cut-off date for accepting applications for employment for the position of Street Superintendent, the board decided to accept applications through Friday, April 16 and then meet Sunday, April 18 to review applications and arrange interviews.

While discussing rent charges for the community building, Councilman Ralph Heshelman wondered if the building wasn’t rented often because no alcoholic beverages could be served.

Hartsburg said she would call the town’s insurance company and ask what type of charge would be added to the building’s insurance if alcoholic beverages were served.

Hartsburg also noted that there was a charge of $36 each month for a phone in the community building in a day and age where almost everyone has a cellular phone. The board agreed the phone should be cut off contingent on the 911 service still being available.

Also after discussing whether or not the rental of the community building should be placed in local newspapers, the item was tabled for further discussion at the May meeting.

Reporting for the park board, Gladys Pemberton said inmates from Carlisle would be in town the week of April 12 — 16 to paint gymnasium walls at the community building, as well as stripping and resealing the floors.

Pemberton also reported that Hartsburg would be ordering a new flag for the park to replace the old and shredded one. Pemberton also said that Tracy Cobb donated two basketball nets for the community building gym.

Other park news items included the announcement of a park board dinner on Sunday, April 25 from 11:30 a.m. — 2 p.m., baseball sign-ups on April 15 chaired by Eric Johnson and Amie Cross. The baseball program will include T-ball and machine pitch for all ages including high school.

Pemberton noted that the board would like to hold a dinner to raise funds to pay for ball league fees for children whose parents cannot afford the program.

Pemberton thanked everyone who participated in the Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 3 and reported that some of the 176 baskets were left over and would be available until the end of this week.

During citizen’s complaints, Sally Plaso said she objected to being billed monthly for sewer service in a vacated house.

Council President Russell Walls explained that it is a law (by Ordinance) that a sewer bill has to be continued if the sewer is hooked up, even if there is no water on the property.

Hartsburg explained that there are a few properties that have tanks in the ground but are not hooked into the system and that those properties are the only ones not being charged.

“Once they hook up, they will be charged like all other properties,” explained Hartsburg.

In his report, Water Superintendent Herb Hastings said that 850,000 gallons of water were pumped in March averaging 27,000 gallons a day. He stated that 10,000 gallons were used filtering the water, and there was a 20 percent loss.

Hastings also said that during March the Automatic Water Salesman malfunctioned and the town lost approximately 20,000 gallons of water that gushed onto the ground before Cliff Pemberton, Jr. could repair it.

He also reported that a few of the lower rods on the water tower are loose and that the lab made a mistake by not getting sample reports to I.D.E.M. in 2009. However, he said reports should be in by the end of the week.

Sewage Superintendent Cliff Pemberton, Jr. said 602,000 gallons of effluent were pumped in March averaging 19,429 gallons per day.

Pemberton also reported that he started UV bulbs and will need to start e-coli tests soon. He also noted that that he would have to pull weeds from sand filters because chemicals would kill the media.

Reporting on the street department, Pemberton said he patched several holes in streets through March and April where winter weather had taken its toll.

In other business, the board:

* Voted to purchase signs from Hall Signs for $30.07 that say, “No Semis Allowed — Violators Will Be Towed.”

* Decided to have Forest Greene clean the 2001 Silverado pick up truck and place an ad in the newspaper for bids. The ad will run Sunday, April 1 and bids will be accepted until 5 p.m. Friday, April, 16. There will be a bid opening meeting April 20.

* Approved Clyde’s Pools to move Traci Cobb’s above ground swimming pool from the path of the storm water drainage project for an estimated cost of $1,458.45.

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Knox County Sheriff visits Sandborn Town Council

by Greene County Daily World on Mar.03, 2010, under Sandborn

Wednesday, March 3, 2010
By Jo Chiparo, Staff Writer
Greene County Daily World

SANDBORN — Knox County Sheriff Mike Morris and chief deputy Dan Mooney visited the Sandborn Town Council meeting Tuesday evening to answer questions that have arisen at past council meetings.The first question asked by council president Russ Walls was regarding ordinances on golf carts and four-wheelers.

Morris said as long as golf carts are being operated safely he is not too concerned about them. He added that with the economy it is much cheaper to operate a golf cart than a car. However, he said it is the law for golf carts to be registered with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

As for ATVs, Morris said they are dangerous and cannot be operated on a main highway. He advised against a town ordinance for them saying there is a state statute on both golf carts and ATVs.

On the question of semi trucks parking along State Road 67 (Anderson Street), Morris said as long as it is a legal parking zone nothing can be done about it, but if the trucks leak fluids or other debris they are responsible for the cleanup.

On the problem of stray dogs, Morris said a Knox County sheriff’s deputy has a special truck to pick up dogs and will answer those calls.

“We now have more coverage,” noted Morris. “I can’t guarantee that we will be here all the time, but we will be here and will always be here if called.”

In the park report, Gladys Pemberton said that Don Gregg has plans for a miniature golf course near the ball diamond.

“We are thinking about putting a donation box out for it,” said Gladys. “It (golf course) will help keep kids busy and off the streets during the summer.”

Gladys also reported that there is still open gym, but the time is going to be changed from 6-8 p.m. to 4-6 p.m.

In his street department report, Cliff Pemberton, Jr. said he cleaned drains during February and filled some holes in streets.

For the sewer department, Pemberton said there were 534,200 gallons of effluent pumped during the month of February.

Pemberton also said there has been a problem with the alarm going off on the backup generator at the sewer plant, and it could be a computer problem.

Water superintendent Herb Hastings reported that 766,000 gallons of water was used during February.

In other business, the board:

* Rejected storm water drainage project bids.

* Signed a Knox County road agreement.

* Approved the 2010 sewer budget.

* Denied a request for additional street lights.

* Tabled a request for semi trailer parking signs for one month and also tabled an ad for street superintendent.

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Cocaine found in vehicle after traffic stop

by Greene County Daily World on Feb.26, 2010, under Sandborn

Friday, February 26, 2010
By Anna Rochelle, Staff Writer
Greene County Daily World

Lee Joseph Johnson

Lee Joseph Johnson

Lee Joseph Johnson, 21, Sandborn, was arrested and booked in to the Greene County Jail early Friday. He is accused of dealing in cocaine, a Class B felony.

Johnson was taken into custody after police performed a traffic stop in Linton on a black Pontiac Bonneville driven by Johnson.

The stop came as a result of an ongoing investigation by officers of the Greene County Drug Task Force including the Linton Police Department and Jasonville Police Department.

During the stop, LPD Det. Josh Goodman and K-9 Brodie conducted an exterior sweep of the vehicle and K-9 Brodie alerted to the presence of narcotics inside.

According to a police report, inside the vehicle, officers discovered a plastic wrapper containing individual packages of a white powder-like substance which field-tested positive as cocaine.

Det. Goodman and Officer Tom Jerrels led the investigation.

Other officers who assisted during the investigation or arrest included Officer Ryan Van Horn of the Jasonville Police Department and Cpl. Paul Clark and Reserve Officers Randy Raney, Brock Garrison and Kent Medlock, all of the Linton Police Department.

Johnson’s jail booking information form lists his occupation as unemployed.

He was being held without bond pending an appearance in court.

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Sandborn Town Council gets report on storm water project

by Greene County Daily World on Feb.04, 2010, under Sandborn

Friday, February 4, 2010
By Jo Chiparo, Staff Writer
Greene County Daily World

SANDBORN — The main item before the Sandborn Town Council on Tuesday was the report from Mike Mathias from Midwestern Engineers regarding the storm water project.Mathias said plans were completed for the project, but due to easements needing a four-foot cover, especially two of the easements, the project may exceed the budget, perhaps upwards of $80,000.

Mathias said getting temporary easements may defray some of the cost or alternate routes.

The two alternate routes Mathias suggested were from Russell St. to Wagner St. or from Wagner St. to Maple St.

Jerry Hoffman from the Knox County Highway Department asked why sand removed from easements could not be used for refilling instead of buying gravel, which was most of the added cost.

“If we can do that, it would be a good savings,” noted Mathias. “I will contact soil consultants and let you know.”

Clerk-Treasurer Judi Hartsburg informed the council that Downey Insurance had inspected the water wells, and everything passed. However, the inspector was concerned about the confined space entry going into the wells.

Council President Russell Walls asked Hartsburg to contact Edwardsport Fire Department to see if they can assist with a confined space program.

In the park report, Gladys Pemberton asked if signs could be placed preventing semis from parking in the community building parking lot.

The council asked Hartsburg to check into the price of signs and report at next month’s meeting.

Pemberton said she and other volunteers had been removing Christmas lights from the park, and Linda Hancock had volunteered to remove the remaining lights.

Pemberton also announced that the chicken and noodle dinner to raise money for the Easter egg hunt would be Sunday. A spaghetti dinner is also planned for Feb. 28. The proceeds for that dinner will go towards the community building fund.

Reporting on community building activities, Pemberton announced that Girl Scout night is March 19, and the gym is being used for basketball four nights a week.

Pemberton added that the gym desperately needs new basketballs and is in the process of asking for donations.

Water Superintendent Herb Hastings informed the council that some time in the future the water tank would have to be cleaned.

“I feel it needs to be done, but my main concern is the cost.” Hastings said.

The council asked Hastings to inquire about prices for cleaning and report at next regular meeting.

Street Superintendent Cliff Pemberton, Jr. said he plowed streets and cleaned drains in January.

In other business, the council:

* Signed U.S. Census Validation Program.

* Tabled SDA Rural Development RD-42 Report until further examined and also tabled the request for a streetlight on Corbin St. until March meeting.

* Appointed Jerry Bowman as representative to SIDC.

* Announced that citizens’ opinions and requests would be at the beginning of each meeting.

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Sandborn Town Council meets

by Greene County Daily World on Dec.02, 2009, under Sandborn

Wednesday, December 2, 2009
By Jo Chiparo, Staff Writer
Greene County Daily World

SANDBORN — Rita Wampler from Knox County Community Foundation presented a check in the amount of $218 to the town of Sandborn at Tuesday’s town council meeting.

The money is to be used for Sandborn Town Park and was proceeds from a fund that was invested by Don and June Gregg.

Continuing with business, the council discussed — at length — if Sewer Superintendent Cliff Pemberton, Jr. could more efficiently make emergency calls if he had the town’s truck at his house during evenings and weekends.

Councilman Ralph Heshelman read a list of comments he had gathered after speaking with several Sandborn residents.

Most of the negative comments were financial concerns regarding the cost of gasoline.

“I don’t care either way,” noted Pemberton. “I don’t want to do it if it upsets anyone.”

However, the council unanimously voted for Pemberton to have the truck at his disposal after hours.

“We are doing this to save on the cost of emergency calls to the town,” noted Council President Russell Walls.

In the park report, Gladys Pemberton announced that Santa would arrive at the Community Building at 7 p.m. on Saturday. She said cookies, coffee and cocoa would be served.

She also announced that there would be open gym on Sundays from 6-8 p.m., and the front room of the Community Building would be open for younger children to work with crafts.

Pemberton noted that if parents want the key to the Community Building during the week so youngsters could play ball, it can be picked up at her house.

“Just put the flag out so they will know the gym is open,” she said. “As long as someone is down there (to chaperone), kids can go in and play ball and keep off the streets.”

Pemberton also told the board that the microwave at the Community Building was missing.

“I don’t know if it blew up and someone threw it away or if it was stolen,” she said.

Reporting for the water department, Herb Hastings said Sandborn used an average of 27,000 gallons of water a day during November.

Hastings also gave the board a pumping data for them to keep in their files.

Street Superintendent Cliff Pemberton, Jr. reported that he cleaned storm water drains during November.

In his report for the sewer department, Pemberton noted that there was an average flow of 19,017 gallons a day.

During the discussion of old business, no action was taken on prior discussions regarding a citizen’s patrol.

In other business, the council:

* Amended the salary ordinance for 2010.

* Moved the pay date of the water loan to MVH.

* Voted for a line 2 reduction so the town can use money from State Board of Accounts next year.

* Resolved to move pay date of general loan to CEDIT to June 30, 2010.

* Voted to buy a bingo machine.

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Sandborn Town Council has a busy meeting

by Greene County Daily World on Sep.02, 2009, under Sandborn

Wednesday, September 2, 2009
By Jo Chiparo, Staff Writer
Greene County Daily World

Several important decisions faced members of the Sandborn Town Council on Tuesday night including accepting an agreement with OCRA for the storm water drainage grant, voting on a water planning grant, approving a contract with Midwest Engineers, accepting the salary ordinance plus the water rate increase.

The council voted unanimously to accept the OCRA agreement for the storm water drainage grant of more than $9,800.

However, questions were posed to SIDC representative Matt Sword from resident Fred Roberts, who is part of the five-person evaluating committee, asking if a citizen could be appointed to represent the town during the project.

Sword answered saying that SIDC would work with the engineers.

“That’s not what was decided (during the evaluation meeting),” noted Roberts. “It was decided that a Sandborn representative would meet with contractors if there were problems during the project.”

Sword said, “If there is a problem, we want to know about it, and we will work with all parties.”

The contract with Midwest Engineers for the drainage project was tabled until the October meeting in order to reword the contract regarding overtime payments to the engineers.

Clerk-Treasurer Judi Hartsburg announced that the water planning grant had been submitted.

Continuing with business, the council passed the 2010 salary ordinance, which has no changes from the 2009 ordinance except the allowance for a town marshal.

Hartsburg read the proposed water rate, which would increase the rate from a minimum rate of 8.40 per thousand gallons to $12.40 with a minimum bill of $31.

Hartsburg explained that the water department borrowed $10,000 from the town that had to be repaid by June 2010; plus one of the wells needed to be cleaned, which would cost $8,000.

After much discussion and many suggestions including implementing a debt tax on water bills until the debt was paid and taking part of the wage paid to Cliff Pemberton, Jr. from the sewer account, Hartsburg asked for a vote for three different water increases: an increase for a minimum of $26, a minimum increase of $28.50 and a minimum of $31.

Each councilman voted for a different increase. Jerry Bowman voted for the $26 minimum, Russell Walls opted for an increased minimum of $28.50, and Council President Jon McKee voted for the $31 minimum.

The discussion for a water rate increase was tabled until the October meeting, which would allow time for councilmen to discuss the situation with their constituents.

Hartsburg said she would also call Dunbar and Associates and ask if the town could charge the sewer department for meters and for reading the meters, which would generate extra money for the water department.

In his report from the Knox County Water Department, Councilman Bowman said he learned that Knox County could not pipe water to Sandborn due to the size of the pipes.

However, a representative from Knox County said the county would be interested in buying all of Sandborn’s equipment and operating the water department. There was also assurance that Water Superintendent Cliff Pemberton, Sr. would remain in his position. The charge of water from Knox County would amount to $14.64 for 2,000 gallons.

The next item on the agenda was the question of paying Cliff Pemberton, Sr. overtime pay.

Hartsburg explained that for the past two years Pemberton had opted to take the extra hours in comp time instead of salary.

However, she said two weeks ago Pemberton asked that the verbal agreement be rescinded and that he be paid $1,921.60 in overtime wages.

McKee said he was in agreement of paying Pemberton the overtime amount; however, he said he had a problem with a town employee being on salary and also hourly.

It was explained that Pemberton was on salary, but during the sewer project he worked many extra hours, many times during the evening, to help people clean property.

The vote to reimburse the overtime pay to Pemberton was 2-1 with Bowman voting against the request.

“We need to have a contract for all town employees,” noted McKee, “so everyone (employee) has the same type. It would protect the town to keep this from happening again. We should also have an evaluation report for each employee.”

Councilman Wells reported he had received concerns from constituents regarding the suggested solar system for the town and asked if belligerent citizens could be removed from town meetings.

All councilmen agree on the third request of a Ward meeting prior to town hall meetings to listen to suggestions and requests of constituents on common ground.

Walls also gave each councilman a guideline that he found on the Internet for town council meetings.

Hartsburg noted that she would gladly open the town hall for Ward meetings and post the time and date.

Gladys Pemberton, acting park board president, reported that the Back to School party was a huge success. Shoes, socks, under clothes and school supplies were distributed to children as well as some other clothing.

In upcoming events, she said the park board is having a flea market in October and would have a children’s coat drive in November.

Pemberton also said two more people are needed on the park board to help with special events and the concession stands at the ball park need cabinets.

“I applaud the park board for all of their work,” noted Walls.

Cliff Pemberton, Jr. reported on street repair and announced that the sewer flow for August was 551,800 gallons.

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