Columbus, IN, USA / MOJO 102.9
Feb 10, 2021 4:10 AM
COLUMBUS, IND. – The Bartholomew County Council met Tuesday evening and approved a request to appropriate $268,482 in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds to be used for county COVID-19 vaccine clinics. The money has already been deposited into a county bank account.
In other business, the officials okayed a carryover from the previous year’s grant in the amount of $269,922 allotted for the family recovery court, along with an interpreter grant for $1419.
The council also heard from commissioners Tony London and Larry Kleinhenz about the formation of a committee to study areas of the county that are underserved regarding broadband access.
Saying farewell: Flohr prepares to leave public office
In the 2012 primary election, Republican voters chose Rick Flohr over Tony London by a 58% to 42% margin as a Bartholomew County commissioner.
But while celebrating his victory eight years ago, Flohr predicted voters had not seen the last of London.
Eight years later, he was proven right. London defeated two primary opponents in June, and ran unopposed last month to succeed Flohr. On Jan. 1, he will become the new county commissioner representing District 3 that includes Jackson, Wayne, Ohio, Sandcreek and Rockcreek townships.
So what advice would the outgoing commissioner give London as he becomes one of the chief executives of Bartholomew County government?
County outlines projects, expenses for 2021
Bartholomew County officials got their first look at an architectural rendering of a final design of what is to be the new Bartholomew County Court Services building.
Replacing the current facility in the former Elks Lodge at Third and Franklin streets, the one-story building is proposed to be built where the former Eynon law offices are now located at First Street and Lafayette Avenue.
Architect Steve Risting of Indianapolis, perhaps best known for his work on the 2019 St. Bartholomew Church expansion, created a design that reflects the jail and community corrections facility located on the north side of First Street from where the new structure will be built, commissioner Larry Kleinhenz said.
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New money available for rural broadband
Pence Submitted photo
Efforts to improve rural access to high-speed internet service is not only receiving support from Bartholomew County residents, but also a financial boost from Washington.
Indiana will receive $169 million through the Federal Communication Commission to improve access to high-speed internet service through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Phase I auction. The announcement was made by Rep. Greg Pence, R-Indiana.
Bartholomew County is one of 18 counties in Pence’s sixth congressional district that will share in the funding.
Hoosiers living in rural areas of his region are disproportionally impacted by the economic distress caused by COVID-19, and need access to rural broadband to work and learn from home,” Pence said.