Bloomfield News Blog

The dwindling budget was discussed during the Bloomfield School Board meeting on Thursday.Superintendent Dan Sichting explained that the budget cut was projected to be 2.5 percent, but instead it’s 4.5 percent and totals about $300,000.

“Also because we had declining enrollment we knew we were getting a $11,000 cut — that brought the cut to about 5 percent,” he explained.

Currently there are not as many students being identified as special ed and that will also take a bite out of the budget, he noted.

“We’re expecting another cut at the beginning of February,” he said, adding the expected $32,000 cut is due to special education numbers being down.

“Because of additional incremental (salary scales) costs … our total cut will be approximately $412,000,” Sichting added.

Overall, the budget is down 6 percent from last year, he said.

“We’re looking at this very hard. This is a serious situation,” he stressed. “We’re trying to take our money and use it the most efficient way we can.”

And the cuts are here to stay.

“We’ve been told this is a total cut. It’s not just a cut for one year. This is a reduction in spending in public education that will continue on,” he said.

The Bloomfield School District has had some recent retirements which may help cut some costs.

“But there will still be cuts made,” he added. “This is not just the Bloomfield School District in this predicament. It’s every school in the state of Indiana.”

Sichting recently accessed the 2010 budget order from the Department of Local Government Finance’s Web site.

Looking at the budget, the levy appears to have increased by $167,035, but in reality the levy budget increase was only $18,944.

“The reason for that is if you look at spending, the only increases are in the transportation budget — which has an automatic levy increase,” he explained.

Although the levy increased, it’s more complicated than one might think.

“It went up not because we’re spending more money,” he noted.

The 2010 Bloomfield School District levy increased by $57,086 over the 2009 levy. But in 2009, the DGLF ordered the school district to use $148,091 from a levy excess fund for transportation costs reducing the 2009 levy.

Last year, the bus replacement plan was $113,00 and now it’s $65,000, Sichting also noted.

“It’s a complicated issue. I want the taxpayers to understand that we’re not spending more money … the debt service levy decreased … because we paid off the high school. It looks like spending has increased. But we’re keeping it at about what it was last year,” Sichting said.

Fighting back tears throughout a Friday morning sentencing hearing, Ronald A. Bohannon, 30, admitted he had a handgun in his possession and had handled it in a reckless manner causing it to discharge, which caused the death of his own young son, Travis Bohannon, on the evening of Aug. 16, 2009, near a residence in Midland.Greene Circuit Court Judge Erik C. Allen handed down a total sentence of 20 years in prison saying it was a horrifying case.

Greene County candidate filings through 1 p.m. on Friday:Prosecutor

Jarrod D. Holtsclaw, Bloomfield, Republican

Clerk

Jackie J. Winstead, Bloomfield, Democrat

Susan Fowler, Bloomfield, Republican

Auditor

Sue McDonald, Linton, Democrat

Matthew W. Baker, Worthington, Republican

Recorder

Rita S. Hennette, Linton, Democrat

Coroner

Brian F. Gainey, Bloomfield, Democrat

Sheriff

Terry D. Pierce, Lyons, Republican

Assessor

Nancy S. Snellenberger, Jasonville, Democrat

County Council District 1

Marvin L. Helms, Bloomfield, Republican

County Council District 2

W. Edward Cullison, Bloomfield, Republican

County Council District 3

Brent A. Murray, Linton, Democrat

County Council District 4

John A. Wilkes, Linton Democrat

County Commissioner District 3

Rick A. Graves, Switz City, Republican

Grant Township Trustee

Melonie K. Graves, Switz City, Republican

Grant Township Advisory Board

Charles Edward Hines, Switz City, Republican

Keith J. Jones, Lyons, Republican

Precinct Committeeman Wright 2

Peggy Sluder, Jasonville, Democrat

Precinct Committeeman Stockton 2

Shelby K. Meurer, Linton, Democrat

Precinct Committeeman Richland 2

Brian F. Gainey, Bloomfield, Democrat

Beech Creek 1 Township Trustee

Donald Otto Prow, Solsberry, Republican

Precinct Committeeman Taylor Township

Wm. “Butch” L. Brown, Bloomfield, Democrat

Richland Township Advisory Board

Randall L. Brown, Bloomfield, Republican

Bloomfield School District 2 Highland Township

Eric S. Moody, Bloomfield

Richland Township Trustee

Virgil O. Davis, Bloomfield, Republican

Fairplay Township Trustee

Sharon Holtsclaw, Switz City, Republican

Highland Township Trustee

Willard G. Neill, Bloomfield, Republican

State Delegate

Willard G. Neill, Bloomfield, Republican

Precinct Committeeman Center Township 2

Kermit E. Holtsclaw, Bloomfield, Democrat

Jefferson Township Trustee

Michael W. Steward, Worthington, Democrat

WRV School Board At-Large

Shari Hostetter, Lyons

Richland 3 Precinct Committeeman

Randall L. Smith, Bloomfield, Democrat

Cass Township Trustee

Jack F. Johnson, Elnora, Democrat

Stockton Township Advisory Board

Robert L. Moss, Linton, Democrat

Monty Harp, Linton, Democrat

Fairplay Township Precinct Committeeman

Terry L. Koons, Switz City, Democrat

Fairplay Township Advisory Board

Terry L. Koons, Switz City, Democrat

Cass Township Advisory Board

Dianna Brookshire, Newberry, Democrat

Jackson Township Trustee

Paul J. Trampke, Bloomfield, Democrat

Shakamak School Board

Vincent R. House, Jasonville

Jefferson Township Advisory Board

Charles A. Strickler, Worthington, Republican

James Noel, Worthington, Republican

Jeffrey W. Swedran, Worthington, Republican

Center Township Trustee

Sheila K. Workman, Bloomfield, Democrat

Cass Township Advisory Board

Rebecca Arthur, Newberry, Democrat

Taylor Township Trustee

Charles F. Crouch, Bloomfield, Republican

If you’re into song and celebration then don’t miss Winter Songfest — which is slated for Sunday.The event is hosted by the Central Greene County Ministerial Association and will kick off at 7 p.m. at Faith Christian Church in Bloomfield.

Pastor Henry Mann explained, “We try to have it (Songfest) on the fifth Sundays of the year. This is the first one this year.”

About four or five churches traditionally participate in the fellowship.

“We invite them all,” he noted.

Mann — who’s been a pastor at the local church since 2001 — also said that anyone is invited to come.

“Each church prepares music for the program,” he explained.

One of the highlights of the program is the special song performed by the church pastors, he said.

“It’s always a good thing. We enjoy it,” Mann said with a laugh.

Look for food and fellowship to follow the fun.

“The time of fellowship is designed for people to get better acquainted,” he said, noting the music program lasts about an hour.

Faith Christian Church is located just outside of Bloomfield on State Road 54 West.

For more information call 384-8031.

A committee has been formed to help make sure the U.S. Census Bureau gets an accurate count of Greene County residents this year.The Greene County Complete Census Count Committee is being chaired by Cam Trampke, director of the Greene County Community Learning Center.

At the request of the Greene County Commissioners, the Greene County Citizen’s Academy group was asked to assist with the census project. Since the Academy is not functioning this school year, Trampke called on several Academy alumni and other community and business leaders to help.

The committee will coordinate a local awareness campaign to make sure there is an accurate and complete count, according to Trampke.

“The major reason for the committee is to promote the census and try to keep it in front of the people,” Trampke said.

Members of the committee who will assist Trampke include: Jasonville Mayor Roy Terrell, Linton-Stockton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Cheryl Hamilton, Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce President Matt Miller, Greene County Citizen Academy Alumni Sophia Haywood, Nick Schneider, Steve Schantz, Jack Terrell, Richard Nichols, Ruth Rollins, and Nancy Cummings.

The committee’s role will be to coordinate a broad e-mail circulation of census facts, arrange for newspaper coverage of its activities and to be available for public presentations to area civic groups.

The data gleaned from this 10-year national count is really important to everyone.

As an initial step, Trampke said she is distributing information about the census to the various township trustees in the county, who are being asked to make the information available to the volunteer fire departments.

The census is a count of everyone living in the United States and is mandated by the U.S. Constitution.

Census data is used to distribute congressional seats to states as well as more than $400 billion in federal funds to local and state governments each year. The data also helps communities make decisions about the services they will or are able to provide in the coming decade.

Population totals from the 2010 census will determine the number of seats states have in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Indiana state legislators will use census 2010 data to redraw their legislative districts.

Totals also affect funding to our local communities for things like schools, road repair and construction, hospitals, clinics, nursing facilities, adult education programs, public safety, economic development, programs for the elderly, Head Start programs for youngsters and much more.

“It (the census) does mean dollars for Greene County. The estimate is $300 per person per year for every uncounted individual in the county. That money goes for many of the services that we all have comfortably relied on. They are services for education, for healthcare, for helping the elderly,” Trampke pointed out.

“By not participating the only people we are really hurting are our own county residents.”

Residents can expect to receive their census form sometime in early to mid-March and should complete it by April 1. Two follow-up forms will be mailed to those not initially responding, according to Trampke.

After a third follow-up form that is not returned, a U.S. Census worker will personally visit the household to glean the needed information.

The 2010 Census form will be one of the shortest in U.S. history, consisting of just 10 questions, on topics such as:

* Name

* Sex

* Age

* Telephone number

* Date of birth

* Ethnic origin

* Race

* The number of people who live in your household

* Household relationship

* If you own or rent or live in an apartment

All the information is confidential and there are no income questions and a Social Security number will not be requested on the form, Trampke stressed.

To arrange for a speaker for a local group, contact Trampke at 659-3862 or my e-mail at: ctrampke@clcinfo.org

For more census information, please visit www.2010census.gov .

Biscuit and gravy breakfastThe Jasonville Senior Center will hold a biscuit and sausage gravy breakfast from 7 - 9:30 a.m. Feb. 5. Carry out and other items are also available. The center is located at 145 S. Lawton St.

Midland Alumni Association

The Midland Alumni Association will meet at 6 p.m. on Monday at the Midland Fire Station to discuss menu and price of meal.

Union High School fundraiser

The Union High School class of 2011 is sponsoring a Fazoli’s Dinner at the Coaches vs. Cancer boy-girl varsity basketball game Feb. 5 from 5-8 p.m. Proceeds go to the 2010 prom. Dinner includes pasta, salad, bread sticks and a drink, and desserts will be available at an additional cost. Entrance to the basketball game is not included in dinner ticket prices. Advance sale ticket is $8 per adult and $10 at the door. It’s $5 per child. For tickets contact Union High School at 648-2729 or any member of the class of 2011.

Alzheimer’s support group

An Alzheimer’s support group meeting will take place at 100 W. Main (Bloomfield Hi-Rise) in Bloomfield the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.

Healing service

Worthington Assembly of God will host Larry Riggle for a healing service on Sunday at 10:30 a.m.

Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce

The Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce will meet at noon Feb. 4 at the Pepperoni Grill. Guest speaker will be Norm Crampton from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Fundraiser for Easter egg hunt

A special dinner to raise funds for the annual Easter egg hunt in Sandborn will be Feb. 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sandborn Community Building. The menu will include chicken & noodles, mashed potatoes, and corn. Donations will be accepted.

4-H Horse and Pony

The Greene County 4-H Horse and Pony Club, grades 3 - 12, will have an organizational meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 10 at the fairgrounds. New safety rules will be introduced and yearly events will be planned. All past or new members should plan to attend. If you have questions e-mail taylorcreations8721@yahoo.com or contact the fairgrounds office 659-2122.

Basket bingo

Linton Gamma Tau Chapter of Tri Kappa will host a basket bingo at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 18 in the Linton-Stockton High School auditeria. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for 20 games and may be purchased from any Tri Kappa member or by calling Marsha Brown at 847-7819 or Laura Robinson at 847-9392. Additional cards may be purchased for an additional $5. Tickets purchased in advance will go into a special drawing for the 2010 Leprechaun Basket. Cutoff for advanced ticket sales is noon Feb. 18. There will also be a silent auction. Concessions will be available and this will be a smoke free environment. You must be 18 years of age to attend.

Greene County CAPE consortium

The Greene County CAPE consortium board will meet in executive session at 8:30 a.m. on Feb. 2 to discuss personnel issues.

Relay for Life kickoff event

Want a team in the Rockin ’50s Relay for Life of 2010? Come and sign up at the Relay for Life kickoff at 2:30 p.m. today in rooms 110 and 111 at White River Valley High School. Use the front entrance and follow signs, and refreshments will be provided.

Linton Moose

Linton Moose will have a fish and shrimp dinner at 5 p.m. and karaoke at 8 p.m. today. The public is invited, and proceeds will be given to charity.

Greene County General Hospital Auxiliary

The Greene County General Hospital Auxiliary will meet at 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 1 in the conference room. Speaker will be Linda Drew.

Fifth Sunday Sing canceled

Kentucky Ridge Fifth Sunday Sing has been canceled for January due to construction. The sing will resume in May.

Spaghetti supper fundraiser

The Odon United Methodist Church will sponsor a spaghetti supper fundraiser from 4-7 p.m. on Feb. 13 with all proceeds going to Rob Webster. The menu will include spaghetti, salad, bread, drink and dessert. Advanced tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for children 10 and under. Tickets can be purchased at First National Bank of Odon as well as the Elnora and Crane branches, Sparks Country Corner, Odon Pharmacy, or by calling Debbie at (812) 636-4179, Vickie at (812) 486-6334 or Lisa at (812) 698-0302. Tickets at the door will be for $7 for adults and $5 for children.

Bloomfield blood drive

The Bloodmobile will be at Bloomfield United Methodist Church (60 W. Main St., Bloomfield) on Feb. 8 from 3-7 p.m. You must be at least 16 years old with a photo ID, weigh at least 110 pounds, feel well, and pass a mini-physical. Call the church (between 9 a.m. and noon) for more information (384-8747).

Clergy dinner

The Linton Civitan Clubs will host the annual Clergy Dinner at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 5 at fellowship hall at Linton Assembly of God Church — 1503 State Road 54 East. Letters have been sent to churches in the county, however if you did not receive a letter you are welcome to call 847-9236 and RSVP. Pastors need only to bring their associate, youth pastors and spouses to enjoy the evening, All Civitan members are to bring large dishes of food.

CGCMA to host Songfest

The Central Greene County Ministerial Association will host a winter Songfest Sunday at Faith Christian Church in Bloomfield. The event, which begins at 7 p.m., will feature a variety of music from the CGCMA churches, the singing of favorite hymns, a special song from the CGCMA pastors, and a love offering to support the missions and ministries of the CGCMA. The service will be followed by a punch-and-cookie fellowship. For more information call 384-8031.

Movie at House of Prayer

The House of Prayer Eastern Greene, Springville, will host the movie event The Cross The Arthur Blessitt Story today at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free, though non-perishable food items are welcome. For more information call (812) 825-3033 or visit the Web site www.pastormikespage.com

Painting workshop at Bloomfield library

Experienced artist and teacher Wyatt LeGrand will use still-life to teach the fundamentals of painting from observation at the Bloomfield Public Library. Each student needs to bring their own supplies and materials. LeGrand will demonstrate with oil paint, but feel free to bring acrylic paint, watercolor or pastels, along with brushes, canvas, and optional easel. The painting workshop will take place at the Bloomfield Public Library on Feb. 20 from 1-4 p.m. The cost is $30. Contact LeGrand at 384-6505 or the Bloomfield Public Library at 384-4125 for more information.

Greene County Mini Horse and Pony

Sign-up date for the Greene County Horse and Pony Club is Feb. 10 at the Greene County Extension Building. If you are in the second grade or younger you can join. Fore more information e-mail jskzdyer@yahoo.com or call (812) 381-2177 and leave a message.

Blessed Hope Baptist Church

Blessed Hope Baptist Church will host the Caudle family, missionaries to Canada, on Feb. 7. John and Deborah have been serving our Canadian neighbors since 1983. They present their ongoing work in Canada during Sunday School hour. Blessed Hope Baptist Church is located half a mile south of Jasonville on S.R. 59. Times of services are Sunday school at 9:30 a.m., Sunday morning preaching at 10:30 a.m., Sunday evening at 7 p.m., and Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. If you have any questions, feel free to call our offices at (812) 665-3282. On Feb. 14, Eric Miller from Advance America will be the guest speaker in the 7 p.m. service at Blessed Hope Baptist Church. Advance America fights continuously to keep the state of Indiana’s families and freedoms in accordance with God’s Word. Blessed Hope Baptist Church and School would like to invite you to their American History Fair on Feb. 26 from 6-8 p.m. in the Fellowship Center. Each young person will prepare a presentation and be dressed in character, as they have picked an important person or event in American History.

Linton City-Wide Yard Sale

Planning is under way for the Linton City-Wide Yard Sale — which is slated for May 22. Regional advertising and maps will be a part of this year’s event.

Relay for Life fundraiser

The Bloomfield Schools Relay for Life team is selling “Relay Feet” before all home boys and girls varsity basketball games. They will be set up at the library entrance and the cost is $1.

Artist lecture, demonstration

Wyatt LeGrand will present an art lecture and demonstration from 6-8 p.m. on Feb. 18 at the Linton Public Library. The event is free and open to the public.

Union Church gospel sing canceled

Union Church of Hendricksville will not have its monthly gospel sing in January or February. The sing will start in March.

Gospel music

The gospel group “We’re Standing By” will perform at the 9:30 a.m. Sunday service at the Bethel Community Church. The church is located just south of Dugger. Lunch will follow.

Hospital visitor restrictions lifted

Visitor restrictions that were aimed at preventing the spread of the seasonal and H1N1 flu virus at Greene County General Hospital have been lifted. Visitors are still encouraged to wash hands before and after visiting the hospital. Also, if you are not feeling well hospital administration asks that you not visit the hospital. Restrictions will be put back in place if there is another spike in the number of flu cases.

Restrictions on S.R. 57

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is announcing a load limit restriction has been established for the White River and White River Overflow bridges in Greene County. The bridges are located on State Road 57 (S.R. 57), 5.95 and 6.47 miles north of State Road 58. The new posted gross weight limit is 14 ton. The new posting is to preserve the structural integrity of the bridges. Vehicles rated more than 14 ton should seek an alternate route. For the latest news and information about INDOT, please visit www.in.gov/indot.

2010 Miner discount cards

The 2010 Miner discount cards are still available. Cost is $5 and will be sold at American Family Insurance, Shae Lynn, Walters and Grounds Insurance, The Watering Can, Linton Sporting Goods, Angell’s and Regions Linton Shopping Center location. For more information contact Jennifer Ringo 847-8194 or Connie Goodman at 847-7997.

Tri-Kappa nuts for sale

Linton’s Tri Kappa Chapter has pecans and specialty nuts for sale. It is a new crop of pecans. If you are interested please contact Rhea Vest (847-8271) or Laurelann Bredeweg (847-9541) or any Tri Kappa member.

Goose Pond calendars for sale

The 2010 Goose Pond photo calendars, priced at $10 each are now for sale. Calendars are available for purchase or pick-up at the following locations: Main Street Gifts, Linton; Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Barn, south of Linton on State Road 59; Heritage Cafe, North Main Street in Linton; and Casa del Muse Art Gallery and Studio in Bloomfield. The photo calendars can be shipped for an additional $2.50 fee. Orders can be placed by mail at Friends of Goose Pond, P.O. Box 34, Solsberry, Ind., 47459. The calendar depicts the beauty of the Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area and showcases the winning photographs from this year’s photo contest. Order by e-mail through mail@friendsofgoosepond.org

Homemade noodles

Linton American Legion Auxiliary Unit 22 is selling 12 ounce bags of homemade noodles for $4. For more information or to order, call Susie Brinson at 847-9373 or Renee Marquart at 847-2041.

Linton Tri Kappa selling cheese balls

Linton Tri Kappa has cheese balls available. Cheese balls with nuts are $6.50 and cheese balls plain are $6. Contact Beth Gillan at 847-2010 or any Tri Kappa member.

Recycling Center update

The Greene County Recycling Center will not accept old paint as part of its Household Hazardous Waste program through April. County Solid Waste Management Supervisor Erek Wilson said shutdown during the winter months is necessary because the facility used to store the materials is not heated. All other hazardous household waste products will continue to be accepted. The center accepts motor oil, oil filters, anti-freeze, mercury containing items, fluorescent light tubes, other household chemicals, as well as old computer components. For more information, call the Recycling Center at 659-3788 or toll-free at 1-800-281-1930.

Cardinal discount cards

The Cardinal Discount Cards are now available for $5 each. Proceeds will support the Bloomfield High School 2010 post prom.

OJTFD offering classes

The Owensburg-Jackson Township Fire Department is now offering CPR, First Aid and Blood Borne Pathogens classes for your business or for personal education. Please contact Fire Chief Amy Wilson at 863-2310 or e-mail at wilson@bluemarble.net for more information.

Mineral Christian Men’s Group

The Mineral Christian Men’s Group meets at 8 a.m. every third Saturday of the month at the Mineral Community Building.

Clothes pantry

The Linton Church of Christ now has a clothing pantry in the church garage. The pantry allows people to trade good clothes that are no longer wanted or needed for other suitable clothes. The church has some clothes but is in need of donations, especially clothing for children. Contact the church at 847-1894 to make a donation or for more information. The church is located at 4th and C Streets NW in Linton. Call as needed for the clothes pantry.

9-1-1 addressing reminder

Greene County residents can officially start using their 9-1-1 addresses after they have received an official letter from the U.S Postal Service in Indianapolis.

Book sale in Worthington

The Worthington Public Library is having an on-going book sale. All books are 25 cents each or five for $1.

Greene County afghans for sale

The Greene County Afghans, sponsored by the Scotland Historical Society, can be purchased at Main Street Gifts, Linton; Greene County Historical Society and Mar’ Lyn’s, Bloomfield or by calling Brenda Massette 863-2874.

House of Grace

House of Grace Coffee House will offer fellowship, food, worship and youth classes. The church is located at 792 S. Section St. in Dugger.

Pleasantville food pantry

The Pleasantville United Methodist Church food pantry is now open on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month from 10:30 a.m. - noon.

GED preparation classes

Turning Point Education Center in Switz City is offering GED preparation classes. Class times are available Monday through Friday from 8:15 to 11:15 a.m. and noon to 3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays 5 - 8 p.m. Interested students may contact Misty Hunt at 659-2533 for program information and enrollment requirements.

Linton Community Share

Sign up for Linton Community Share at Linton City Hall on Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Lyons Senior Center Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Worthington Senior Center Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Lyons Senior Citizens Center

The Lyons Senior Citizens Center, 150 N. Jefferson St., now has wooden toy crafts for sale. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Lyons First Christian Church youth group

The Lyons First Christian Church youth group meets at 6 p.m. on Mondays at the church’s East Broad Street location.

E-mail complaints

Linton residents can report problems with pot holes, street complaints and drainage issues by e-mailing them to turp@minerbroadband.com.

Jasonville Senior center update

The Jasonville Senior Citizen Center, located at 145 S. Lawton, has opened a country store and gift shop. It will be open from 9 a.m.-noon on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. All proceeds will benefit the senior center. For more information, call the center at 665-9882.

Wig bank

The American Cancer Society announced its wig program is now being offered to cancer patients at Pam’s Style Shop in Bloomfield. The program is a service of the American Cancer Society and is free to cancer patients. For more information, call Dona Stewart at 384-4160 or visit Pam’s Style Shop, at 3 County Road 70 E.

Narcotics Anonymous

Narcotics Anonymous will meet Saturdays at 7 p.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church on State Road 54 East. There will be open discussion and all are welcome.

Lebanon church food pantry

Lebanon Baptist Food Pantry will only be open on the fourth Thursday of each month from 6-7:30 p.m.

Bloomfield Food pantry

The Refuge Assembly of God food pantry will be open every Wednesday from 1-5 p.m. to assist those living in Bloomfield. To donate, please contact Trina at 384-8093 during the pantry’s open hours.

For those who were skeptical about the continuing success of job creation in the WestGate at Crane Technology Park in the midst of tough economic times for the state and the nation, the employment numbers are encouraging.The good news is a total of 753 jobs have been created in the three neighboring counties where the park is located.

Greene County residents lead the way with 372 jobs created in the tech park since its founding.

Martin County has 211 and Daviess County 170 jobs, according to figures recently compiled by Ron Arnold, who serves as executive director of the tech park.

WestGate began as a dream and moved into the talking stage with representatives from the three counties about eight years.

Arnold says things continue to look bright for WestGate.

“I am very excited about the potential for WestGate this coming year,” he said.

Among the major projects that are expected to provide additional impetus for the tech park is the establishment of $8 million conference and training facility.

The WestGate Academy Conference Centre is a 60,000 square feet, two-story building that will feature 10,000 square feet of conference and multi-function space along with 22 training classrooms and about 8,000 square feet of office space, according to developer Dale Ankrom of Carmel.

The building will be located on WestGate Drive, immediately north of the Crane Federal Credit Union complex in Daviess County.

Ankrom, who is one of the principle partners in the development project and the head of DEA Architecture, Inc., said the project will provide more than 450-500 parking spaces.

The year 2010 is expected to be a year of growth in new facilities for the WestGate at Crane Technology Park, including the construction of a multi-use 60,000 training center that will be capable of hosting national and international technology conferences associated with the Naval Surface Warfare Center.

Ankrom said that company interest and contract expansion at NSWC Crane is fueling the drive to construct at least two more buildings in the tech park in 2010.

“The region has been very fortunate in these tough economic times to actually see job growth and expansion as a result of NSWC Crane’s growth in contract acquisition,” Ankrom said. “WestGate offers a singular advantage for defense companies who need to be close to their customer, and as a result we expect to continue intelligently planned growth throughout the year.”

Arnold said financing details are still being worked out for the conference center/training academy.

“We are waiting on the (federal) EDA (grant) announcement so at this point it is not a done deal as it relates to the Academy,” Arnold said.

Funding for the WestGate Academy is expected to be achieved through a combination of funding from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce and local and state funds. About $20 million in private and public funding has been committed to infrastructure growth and development in the WestGate over the past five years.

“The region has long needed a central and convenient facility in which to host training and technology conferences associated with the base,” Arnold added. “We expect that this two-story facility will find many uses for companies and communities in the area.”

WestGate Tech Park has expanded over the last 36 months to include more than 100,000 square feet of new construction, according to Arnold.

“I would anticipate the success the Authority has achieved would continue through the coming years,” Arnold stressed.

“2009 will probably be regarded in the future as the year when the WestGate reached its strategic ‘tipping point’ and gained sufficient critical mass to be attractive to technology companies and commercial defense groups across the board,” said Vic Lechtenberg, vice provost of engagement for Purdue University.

Purdue engineering and technology faculty have long been active in serving NSWC Crane through various collaborative research agreements and projects. The WestGate Academy is expected to present new opportunities for Purdue, the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and other universities to participate in defense technology-focused symposium and NSWC-related training programs.

“Certainly the new WestGate Academy will open fresh opportunities for defense technology symposiums and needed space for training, which will bring new attention to the region,” Lechtenberg continued.

WestGate at Crane Development Company, LLC contracted with the WestGate Authority in 2007 to take the lead role in the park’s design, development and marketing.

Rutherford Construction Company is heading up the general construction team.

A “village” campus concept has been designed that will feature retail, commercial, industrial as well as residential development. It will be surrounded by a picturesque southern Indiana landscape that will retain the existing wooded areas.

Nature walking paths and trails, parks, retail shops, a hotel-conference center, a business center, an array of offices, classrooms, manufacturing and warehousing space will be available.

WestGate is qualified as a state Certified Technology Park (CTP) by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC). EG&G, a division of the $2 billion URS Corporation, and SAIC, the nation’s seventh largest defense contractor, in addition to ITT, CACI, CSC, Raydar & Associates, Novonics, NAVMAR, Stimulus Engineering and Technical Services Corporation (TSC), already maintain operations in the park.

For more information, visit www.westgatecrane.com.

Michael Snyder from the MEK Group in Indianapolis contributed to this report.