Richard Lee “Rich” Day, 79, of Frankfort, was welcomed home by his Heavenly Father, Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Wesley Manor.  Rich was born January 3, 1947, in Frankfort to Hoy Curtis and Mary Helen (O’Brien) Day.  He married Donna Kay Pugh on September 17, 1977, and she survives.

Richard began high school at St. Meinrad in 1961, and graduated from Frankfort High School, in 1965.  After high school, he became a Novitiate with the Marianist in New York.  He then attended the University of Dayton.  In 1968, he moved to Cleveland, Ohio and attended Kent State University.  Rich served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War from 1969-1971 and spent much of that time in Ethiopia.  When back he continued his education at Purdue University where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education.  He spent the majority of his working career as an educator, teaching 5^th grade and then 1^st grade for South Side Elementary School and Blue Ridge Elementary before his retirement in 2010.  He also spent some time working for JC Penney and the United Postal Service.

Rich had a passion for people and serving others.  When he wasn’t teaching the youth of Frankfort, he was giving of his time and energy to helping others.  He was one of the founders of Big Brothers and Big Sisters in Frankfort, served in the prison ministry programs in Plainfield and Frankfort, helping people earn their GED through the Learning Network, tutoring students, and mentoring men on jail release programs.

Rich was also a devoted man of faith and served his Lord God faithfully.  He was a member for much of his life of St. Mary’s Catholic Church where he played the organ, directed the choirs, taught Sunday School and helped run the Youth Ministry Program.  He was always looking to find deeper meaning and devotion in God’s word and would attend other churches to grow in his faith journey, including Frankfort Bible Holiness, Oakland Christian Church and most recently Community Christian Church.  He truly lived by the rule that he taught his son’s, “If God gave me the talent to use in the world, I also need to use the talent to serve and praise Him.”

Above all things, Richard was a man that loved deeply and unconditionally, especially his family.  He was a devoted husband to his wife, Donna, and an active participant in his son’s lives, through church activities, being a boy scout leader, and though often a man of few words, the biggest way he showed his love to his boys was simply showing up to their many concerts, plays, awards programs and other events.  His love for his family grew as his family grew as daughters-in-law and grandchildren were added to the family and he took great pride in showing up for them as well.  He was truly the epitome of what a Godly family man looked like to his family.

Along with his wife of nearly 49 years, Richard is survived by his sons, Patrick (Tashia) Day, Brian (Christina) Day and Joseph (Kelli) Day; siblings, Joyce (Dan) Houser, Margie (Mike) Roberts, and Paul (Kathy) Day; sister-in-law, Pam Day; grandchildren, Ruby and Sophie Day, Grant, Mason, Anthony and Parker Day, Connor and Keegan Day; step-grandchildren, Vander and Dane Lindvall; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Rich was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, James “Jim” Day and Robert “Bob” Day.

Visitation will be held Sunday, July 5, 2026, from 2pm until the time of the funeral service at 5pm at Community Christian Church in Frankfort.  A private family burial will be held at a later date at Green Lawn Cemetery in Frankfort.  Military rites will be performed by Clinton County Honor Guard.  Day & Genda Funeral Home is assisting with the services.  Memorial contributions in Richard’s honor may be made to Clinton County Jail Ministries.  Messages of condolence may be left at www.dayandgenda.com.

FRANKFORT — Frankfort Commons, the golf course that began as the old Frankfort Country Club a century ago, will celebrate its 100th anniversary with a community event on July 17 featuring three live bands, a night golf scramble, food, a beer trailer, and a fireworks show sponsored by the VFW and King Bird Fireworks.

The event, called “Light Up the Night,” will be held on the patio at Arborwood and on the Frankfort Commons course. Doors open at 4 p.m., with live music beginning around 4:30 p.m.

The Lineup
Three bands are scheduled to perform from approximately 4:30 to 10 p.m. The Barney Muggers Street Band will open the evening with folk-style music. The Jacks will follow and the Ribcage closing out the night with classic and heavier rock.

“We’re open to anybody to come,” Director of Golf, Patrick Corwin said during an appearance on WILO’s Party Line program. “The music will start around 4:30 and end at 10, and then to celebrate the hundred years, we’re gonna have a fireworks show right out there.”

How Night Golf Works
Immediately following the fireworks at 10 p.m., a four-man scramble night golf event will begin on the course.

The event uses specially designed golf balls activated by a magnet. “You touch a magnet to it, it turns your ball on,” Corwin explained. “It’s got like four different colors, or you can make it strobe.” Hole markers will be outlined with Christmas lights and fairways lined with glow sticks to help players navigate the course in the dark.

Players will tee off from the red tees for a nine-hole round, though Corwin noted the number of holes played could vary depending on team turnout.

Tickets and Details
Admission to the concert portion of the event is $10 at the door.  Those who wish to participate in the night golf scramble can purchase a ticket for $55 per person, which includes concert admission as well. Tickets will also be available for advance purchase at the Frankfort Commons pro shop, and online sales are expected to be posted at GolfFrankfortCommons.com within the coming days.

Food will be provided by a food truck called Food and Barbecue and A beer trailer will also be on site.

Frankfort Commons is also giving away a pack of four tickets through WILO Radio. Listen to WILO 96.9 FM, Boone 102.7 FM or WILO AM 1570 for details.

Clinton County Fair Derby Makes the Move to Saturday Night

For the first time in recent memory, the Clinton County Fair Demolition Derby will be held on a Saturday night — and organizers say the change could make the July 11 event the best-attended derby in years.

The derby for the Clinton County Fair is set for Saturday, July 11, at the Clinton County Fairgrounds in Frankfort. The 7 p.m. start is a deliberate departure from the event’s traditional Sunday night timeslot, a shift that promoter Chase Thompson says removes one of the biggest barriers to participation.

“You don’t get those people that are going to go to work on Monday,” Thompson said during a Monday morning interview on WILO’s Party Line. “Saturdays are definitely fun. I think we have a little bit of an advantage with being able to bring cars in.”

Inspection opens at noon. Grandstand and pit passes are available, with pricing unchanged from prior years.

What’s at Stake
Prize money this year is substantial across all classes. Full-size cars compete for $1,500, $500, and $200. Compact cars offer the same $1,500 top payout with places paying $500, $200, and $100. Full-size street stock and street stock compact classes also carry multi-place payouts, with top prizes of $1,000.

Youth compact drivers compete for $500 first, $200 second, and $100 third place. All payouts are guaranteed based on a minimum of five cars per class.  “I think we do a great job,” Thompson said of the fair’s prize structure. “That’s pretty common for a bigger county fair.”

More Than Bumper Cars
The derby is a far more complex enterprise than many spectators realize. Competitors in the modified full-size class can spend $1,000 or more on safety metal alone, and high-performance engines can run $10,000, with transmissions adding $3,000 to $4,000 on top of that.

“The engineering that goes into it would actually blow you away,” Thompson said. “It’s not just throw everything in, bolt it in, weld it in and pray — everything is planned out to make that car bend in particular spots.”

For those looking for a lower-cost entry point, street stock classes limit engine modifications and keep builds more affordable. Compact unibody cars are currently producing the strongest field numbers because they are easier to find.

“You can’t take anything away from the compact guys,” Thompson said. “They’re the ones bringing the most numbers right now.”

Youth Classes and Power Wheels
Youth divisions are open to drivers ages 10 through 16 who have not previously competed against adults. The popular Power Wheels class for young children returns as well. Power Wheels guardians must register their child in advance.

Thompson said the youth classes typically run first, and if a young driver is eliminated, a parent may re-enter the same car.

A Second Local Opportunity
Thompson also announced he is promoting the Boone County Demolition Derby again this year — scheduled for August 1 — giving area drivers a second event under the same rule set as Clinton County.

Drivers interested in competing can find rules and registration information at hammerincpromotions.proboards.com or through the Hammering Promotions page on Facebook.

The Saturday night format, combined with competitive prize money and multiple classes, sets up what Thompson expects to be a strong showing on July 11. “My hope is always that these cars put on a good show and give the spectators what they’re looking for,” he said.

“They’re looking for big crashes.”

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.

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.

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.

A pair of Clinton County farm boys who helped change humanity’s understanding of the universe are about to get their due in their hometown.

A new Indiana State Historical Marker honoring astronomers Vesto and Earl Slipher will be dedicated this summer during the Indiana Family Star Party on August 8th at Camp Cullom’s Prairie Grass Observatory.  The dedication program at 11:30 AM will be led by Kevin Schindler, historian and public information officer for Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, where the Slipher brothers spent their celebrated careers. Dr. Catherine (Caty) Pilachowski, Distinguished Professor of Astronomy from Indiana University will participate in the dedication and will also speak at the Astronomy gathering at Camp Cullom later that day. 

Vesto (1875–1969) and Earl (1883–1964) Slipher grew up in Clinton County and graduated from Frankfort High School before continuing their studies at Indiana University, then heading west to join Lowell Observatory near Flagstaff, Arizona.  From those small-town beginnings, their work would reshape modern astronomy.

At Lowell, Vesto Slipher was among the first astronomers to systematically measure the spectra of spiral nebulae—what we now know are distant galaxies. His careful measurements of galactic redshifts in the 1910s and 1920s provided the first strong observational evidence that most galaxies are racing away from us, laying the groundwork for the modern theory of an expanding universe later associated with Edwin Hubble. Vesto also confirmed the existence of interstellar gas and dust and discovered reflection nebulae, proving that space between stars is far from empty.

Earl Slipher became one of the world’s leading experts on the planet Mars. Over more than five decades, he led major observing campaigns and photographic expeditions, including trips to observatories in South Africa to capture high-quality images of Mars at opposition. Earl’s  pioneering planetary photography produced some of the earliest and best color images of Mars, helped document seasonal changes such as polar caps, clouds, and dust storms, and culminated in an influential volume often cited by later planetary scientists.

CLICK HERE for information about Crater on Mars Named after Sliphers.

CLICK HERE for information about Lunar Crater Named after Sliphers.

Together, the Slipher brothers’ work provided crucial evidence that the universe is expanding, revealed the nature of the material that fills interstellar space, and advanced our understanding of the planet that would become a prime target for space exploration. For astronomers around the world, their names are woven into the story of modern cosmology and planetary science.

The new two-sided historical marker, now delivered to Frankfort, summarizes that story and ties it back to the community where it began. One side highlights the brothers’ Clinton County upbringing, their Frankfort High School and Indiana University educations, and their long careers at Lowell Observatory. The reverse side explains Vesto’s spectroscopic work that provided observational evidence for an expanding universe and the existence of interstellar gas and dust, as well as Earl’s groundbreaking Mars photography and international observing expeditions that produced some of the earliest color images of the Red Planet.

A site near the Frankfort City Building “Old Stoney”  has been selected so residents and visitors can easily see the marker and learn how a story that stretches from Indiana cornfields to Arizona mountaintops and South African observatories began in Frankfort and Clinton County. The Slipher Brothers attended High School at Old Stoney before it became home for the City of Frankfort administration.  The marker will stand as a daily reminder that world‑class science can grow from small Midwestern communities.

Bringing the Slipher marker to Frankfort has been a collaborative effort involving local, regional, and statewide partners. The project was carried out in cooperation with Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets and the Frankfort Board of Works; Camp Cullom’s Prairie Grass Observatory and the Wabash Valley Astronomical Society; the Clinton County Historical Society and Nancy Hart; Clark Slipher and the Slipher family; Indiana Astronomical Society: Tom Borlik (IAS’ Gothe Link Observatory Historian); the State of Indiana; and Kevin Schindler and Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Schindler, who has written extensively about Lowell Observatory’s legacy, notes that without Vesto Slipher’s radial‑velocity measurements of galaxies and Earl Slipher’s meticulous Mars observations, key chapters of twentieth‑century astronomy would look very different. His appearance at the Indiana Family Star Party at Camp Cullom August 8th will connect today’s amateur astronomers and local residents directly to that history.

Details about the exact date and time of the dedication program at the Indiana Family Star Party will be announced soon.

Organizers say they hope the new marker will inspire students, stargazers, teachers and community members to see Frankfort and Clinton County not just as a place on the map, but as the starting point of a story that helped the world understand the cosmos in a new way.

Vesto and Earl Slipher were honored as posthumous inductees in the Frankfort Hot Dog Alumni Hall of Fame’s 2023 class. Vesto (Frankfort High Class of 1897) later became director of Lowell Observatory, and Earl (Class of 1902) became known for his photographic studies of Mars and the brighter planets, achievements cited in their Hall of Fame recognition.

The induction ceremony took place at Frankfort High School on July 29, 2023, during the sixth annual Hall of Fame event. 

FRANKFORT, Ind. — The Eyes of Freedom exhibit is a traveling memorial dedicated to the 23 fallen heroes of the Columbus, Ohio based Lima Company who were killed during a fateful 2005 deployment in Iraq.

The Eyes of Freedom exhibit and TPA park activities will anchor this year’s Fourth of July activities in Frankfort, as city officials continue a broader push to boost community engagement and economic development.

Kimberly Black, Frankfort’s community development director, said the “Eyes of Freedom” exhibit will be open July 2–5 at Prairie Creek Park’s Encompass Event Center, offering residents and visitors a chance to honor veterans while participating in a week of local events.

“We have tried … the last year or two to figure out how to bring it to Clinton County and to Frankfort, and this year being the 250th, I was like this is a great opportunity,” Black said during a June 22 appearance on WILO and Boone 102.7 FM’s Party Line program.

Weeklong celebration planned
The Eyes of Freedom exhibit will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Organizers are seeking volunteers for setup on July 1 and teardown on July 6.

The exhibit is part of a broader slate of events leading up to Independence Day, including Main Street’s Thursday Thunder, a community movie night, and the annual Fourth of July celebration at TPA Park.

Black said the holiday draws large crowds and provides measurable economic benefits.
“I love when the weather’s nice because that means people are going to be in Frankfort,” she said. “They’re hopefully shopping at our stores or eating at our restaurants. … Even pumping your gas in Frankfort helps our local economy grow.”

Black added that TPA Park’s size—about 88 acres of green space—sets the city apart and serves as a key asset in attracting visitors and improving quality of life.

Summer events build community
Beyond the holiday, the city continues to expand its lineup of free public events, including block parties and the summer concert series at Prairie Creek Park.   Black said the neighborhood block parties, organized by the parks department, are designed to bring residents together across the city.  The Frankfort Board of Works on June 22 approved Wednesday, July 8th for the rescheduled Block Party at Dorner Park.  Board of Works also approved the closure of Clay Street in the Park area during the Block Party.

“It’s a great opportunity to highlight our park system and then just bring people together,” she said. “We encourage anyone across Frankfort or Clinton County to come and enjoy.”
The summer concert series continues Friday evenings with live music and food trucks. Performances begin at 6:30 p.m. and are free to attend.

Business growth and planning efforts
Black also pointed to ongoing changes in Frankfort’s downtown, with new businesses opening and others evolving.   “There’s a lot of movement in the downtown district,” she said. “Over the next couple weeks you’ll see some businesses shifting and changing and bringing in new ideas.”

She highlighted the importance of a new comprehensive plan now in development, which will guide future growth based on community input rather than solely city leadership priorities.    “It’s not necessarily what I want or what this administration wants … but what this community would like to see Frankfort look like,” Black said.

Public meetings and engagement opportunities are expected as part of that process, alongside continued work on infrastructure and a “Safer Streets for All” initiative.

Supporting local economy, youth engagement
Black emphasized that attracting new amenities—such as entertainment venues often requested by residents—depends on local support for existing businesses.
“We can have these things … but we as consumers, we as residents, we as community members have to support those things,” she said.   The city is also investing in youth-focused initiatives, including its “lemonade stand squad,” which encourages young entrepreneurs. Plans are underway to expand those efforts into youth-oriented markets next year.
“Being able to champion their entrepreneurship and their new innovative ideas—it’s a fun idea,” Black said.

As summer progresses, city officials say the combination of events, business development, and long-term planning reflects a coordinated effort to strengthen Frankfort’s economy and community identity.

North-Central Indiana residents from miles around will have a front-row seat to the night sky Saturday June 20th at Prairie Grass Observatory as Camp Cullom opens its doors for “Moon Night” at the community stargazing open house. Weather permitting, telescopes will begin slewing toward the heavens as soon as the sky is dark enough, likely between 8:30 and 9 p.m. at the rural observatory just northwest of Frankfort.

Reminder:  Park east of the Nature Center/Museum, not at the observatory.  This will reduce car light pollution at the observatory site throughout the evening and increase safety for attendees.

Unlike a full moon, which can wash out fainter objects, Saturday’s crescent moon will be just right for showing off mountains, craters and long shadows along the “terminator” – the line between lunar day and night that you can clearly see in the attached image. That sharp boundary is where the low angle of sunlight makes the Moon’s rugged surface pop into view, a favorite target for both beginners and seasoned observers.

“People are always surprised by how three‑dimensional the Moon looks through the eyepiece,” Russ Kaspar at Prairie Grass Observatory said ahead of the event. “You can see crater rims, mountain chains and lava plains that humans first explored during the Apollo missions, all in one field of view.”

Visitors will be invited to look through the observatory’s large telescopes as well as smaller instruments like a Seestar imaging scope and giant binoculars, with volunteers on hand to point out features on the Moon and answer questions.

Located at Camp Cullom, 6815 W County Road 200 N between Mulberry and Frankfort, Prairie Grass Observatory sits under some of the darker skies left in central Indiana. That makes it possible not only to study the Moon in detail, but also to swing over to bright planets, star clusters and galaxies once twilight deepens and if weather permits.

Open houses at the observatory are family-friendly, and organizers encourage guests to dress for the evening, bring a red-filtered flashlight if you have one (not required), and arrive with plenty of questions.

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“Fun Facts” to keep in mind when coming to moon night at Camp Cullom:

• The Moon is Earth’s only natural satellite and the brightest object in our night sky after the Sun.
• On average, the Moon orbits about 238,855 miles (384,400 kilometers) from Earth – you could fit about 30 Earths in the space between our planet and the Moon.
• The Moon is roughly one‑quarter the diameter of Earth and only about 1 percent of Earth’s mass.
• It takes the Moon about 27.3 days to orbit Earth and the same 27.3 days to spin once on its axis, which is why we always see nearly the same face.
• Many of the dark “seas” on the Moon are ancient lava plains formed billions of years ago when huge impacts cracked the crust and allowed molten rock to flood the surface.
• The craters you’ll see along the crescent’s terminator were carved by asteroid and comet impacts, preserving a record of our solar system’s early history.
• The Moon’s gravity helps drive Earth’s ocean tides and also stabilizes our planet’s tilt, which keeps our seasons reasonably steady over long periods.

FRANKFORT, Ind. — The Farmers Bank marked its 150th anniversary this week with a look back at its roots in Frankfort and a look ahead to its future as part of First Bank Midwest, President and CEO Chris Cook told members of the Frankfort Rotary Club.

Cook said the bank was founded June 17, 1876.  

Ulysses S. Grant was President of the United States.  150 years ago this week, local businessmen gathered at a Frankfort law firm and signed papers creating The Farmers Bank in a town of about 2,500 people. Cook said the anniversary was celebrated all week with themed staff events, culminating in Wednesday’s 150th anniversary observance.

The bank also hosted a staff gathering, a retiree brunch and an evening celebration, Cook said. He noted retirees, former bank presidents and community leaders were part of the anniversary events, and he said the bank is creating a 150-year history book to preserve its story.

Cook said community support has been central to the bank’s success for generations. He told Rotarians that customers, employees, directors, spouses and other local supporters all played a role in shaping the local institution over the past century and a half.

As part of the anniversary, Cook announced creation of  The Farmers Bank Charitable Foundation, established in 2026 with an initial $25,000 gift. He said the foundation’s primary focus will be support for not-for-profits and community efforts in Clinton County.

Cook said the foundation is intended to extend the bank’s legacy of local giving rather than compete with existing philanthropic organizations. He said bank leaders discussed the move with the Community Foundation before launching the new effort.

Cook also spent much of his remarks discussing the bank’s pending merger with First Bank Richmond. Publicly announced plans call for the combined bank to operate as First Bank Midwest, with the bank headquartered in Frankfort and the parent company, Richmond Mutual Bancorporation, remaining headquartered in Richmond.

Cook said the merger is scheduled to close July 1, and that from a customer standpoint, little will change immediately beyond the new name beginning to appear. He said a larger customer conversion is planned for Nov. 9, 2026 but customers should still be able to use existing checks and automated transactions during the transition.

The combined bank’s new branding has already been unveiled, including the First Bank Midwest name and logo. The organizations previously said the new bank will include locations from First Bank Richmond, The Farmers Bank and Mutual Federal, creating a 26-office network across Indiana and Ohio.

Cook told Rotary members he supports the merger because he believes it will help the bank preserve community banking values while gaining the scale needed for better technology and future growth. He said the goal is not to erase The Farmers Bank’s legacy, but to protect it while building a stronger institution.

He also emphasized that community banking will remain central to the organization’s identity. Public merger materials state customers should continue to expect local relationships, responsive service and a community-first approach as the transition unfolds in phases from July 2026 into early 2027.

Cook said local accountability remains important to him and invited community members to speak up if they believe service levels or the bank’s local focus begin to slip after the merger. He said the success of the transition will be measured not just by size, but by whether it produces a better outcome for customers, employees, shareholders and the community.