The Brown County Voter
April 2024
The League of Women Voters of Brown County is a nonpartisan civic organization
that encourages informed and active participation in government.
The League works to increase understanding of major public policy issues through education and advocacy. Membership is open to all regardless of gender.
We never support or oppose any political party or candidate.
Educate • Advocate • Empower • Reform
| Just a Note
By Shari Frank, LWVBC President
I hope everyone enjoyed the eclipse April 8th. We were so lucky with perfect weather. I talked to a bunch of kids who got to see it and they, too, were awestruck. I’ve heard a lot of grumbling about fewer people showing up that was touted. But, I for one was never the less quite proud of the emergency responders and planners who prepared for the worst. In 2017, I had the good fortune to see the eclipse in Oregon. We drove down a rural road to the field where we would watch the eclipse. All along the road, in people’s yards, there were “wall to wall” tents of people camped out to be able to experience the eclipse. Even hours before the event, there were signs of extra crowds when we stopped for coffee at McDonalds. But we were still totally unprepared when after the eclipse, we got on the road and were stuck in a five-hour traffic jam. I was really worried, picturing what these crazy crowds could do here in Nashville and was relieved to learn about the months of preparation done before hand to keep people safe.
Why didn’t the crowds materialize as predicted? I suppose there are a lot of reasons. But I’m just glad everyone was safe and those who were here got to see the phenomenal event.
Meanwhile……Can you help us spread the word about www.Vote411.org? It was so depressing to me at the 2023 Nashville Election when voters complained they didn’t know anything about the candidates, even though there had been a forum available on YouTube, and information in Vote411.org.
We want to help make sure people know the different candidates. How can voters vote their values if they don’t know where candidates stand? Where can you find out candidates’ plans and what issues are important to them? It’s on Vote411.org so please help get the word out! Just log in with your address to see who is on your ballot and get their responses in their own words.
If you don’t see a question you want answered on Vote411, please send us a note. We’d love your input on topics of interest when we develop questions for the general election in November.
Meanwhile, plan your vote and get out and vote. Did you know you can ask for a nonpartisan ballot if you only want to vote on the School Referendum? Or, pick your party, vote for your candidates and the referendum. Vote early at Eagle Park – see hours following. OR, be sure to go to your polling precinct on Election Day. Will you vote in person early? In person Election Day? Or absentee ballot by mail? Whatever you choose, know the times and beat the deadlines. And please let us know if you have any questions and tell us how it goes.
|  | LWVBC Annual Meeting is April 29
Making a Difference in Brown County
“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of a difference you want to make.”
- Jane Goodall
The LWVBC annual meeting will be held at the Seasons Conference Center in Nashville on Monday, April 29, 2024.
The keynote speaker this year will be Cory Joy, Executive Director of Do Something.
Do Something serves as a hub between those in addiction and the resources to move people into recovery in Brown County.
The League will be inviting this year’s LWVBC Dorothy Stewart Scholarship winner as well as this year’s first-place winners of the LWVBC Janet Kramer Essay Contest.
We will hold a short business meeting after dinner, award presentations and speaker. The LWVBC Annual Meeting Program and Agenda will be emailed to League members by the week of April 15. Please look for it.
Reserve your spot now! Please register for this dinner and business meeting. Registrations will be accepted until Wednesday, April 24, 2024, 5:00 pm. Please be sure to indicate your entrée preference so we have enough for all. Dinner this year will be $25.00 per person.
If you prefer, contact Laurie Teal at teal.family@icloud.com to let us know you’ll be joining us.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Your choice of four entree options. Dinner will be served buffet-style.
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Fried chicken
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Grilled chicken
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Manicotti stuffed with cheese, covered with spinach and tomato sauce
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Vegan/Gluten-free option: Grilled portobello mushroom with basil, pesto, tomato and caramelized onions
Side dishes: garden salad; roasted red potatoes; vegetable medley; fried biscuits & apple butter
| Upcoming Events of Note
April 16: Conversation on the Brown County Schools Referendum, 7:00 pm, Cordry-Sweetwater Clubhouse, 8751 Nineveh Road, Nineveh IN. For more information, contact BCS Superintendent Emily Tracy at 260-460-7873 or etracy@browcountyschools.com
April 20: Earth Day Celebration, 11 am -1 pm at the Brown County YMCA. Thank you, Jane Mitchell and Laura Blackthorn, for volunteering to help table. This is a Purdue Extension event, and it looks like it’s growing.
April 22: Conversation on the Brown County Schools Referendum, 7:00 pm, Fruitdale Fire Department, 5200 N. SR 135, Morgantown IN. For more information, contact BCS Superintendent Emily Tracy at 260-460-7873 or etracy@browcountyschools.com
April 23: Family Fun Fest, 5:30-7:30 pm, Deer Run Park. Rain date 4/25. Any Volunteers to help table? RSVP at browncountylwv@gmail.com if you can help. It’s at Deer Run, sponsored by DCS. It’s fun! Kids vote on their favorite pets.
April 29: LWVBC annual meeting at Seasons Conference Center, 6:00 pm. Please see the article in this newsletter.
April 30: Conversation on the Brown County Schools Referendum, 6:00 pm, Southern Brown (Van Buren) Fire Department, 4040 SR 135 South, Nashville IN. For more information, contact BCS Superintendent Emily Tracy at 260-460-7873 or etracy@browcountyschools.com
May 2: 2024 PTO Concert at Brown County Schools, 5:00 pm at the Brown County High School Auditorium. Admission is free, but donations appreciated to support the PTO Council.
May 7: Primary Election. Please see the article in this newsletter.
May 23: Janet Kramer Memorial Bench unveiling at the beginning of the Friends Trail by the Brown County State Park office, 6:30 pm. All are welcome. LWVBC Secretary Pam Raider will be one of the speakers at this event.
July 27: Celebration of Life for LWVBC founder Ruth Reichmann, 3-5 pm at the Brown County History Center in Nashville.
| 2024 Primary Election: All You Need to Know
It’s time to PLAN YOUR VOTE!
Know the Candidates
Find out everything you need to know on www.Vote411.org
Deadlines, candidates, where you vote, link to where you vote, and more.
| | | To Vote in Person: Take Photo ID
Early in-Person Voting: Eagle Park, 1749 State Road 46 E, Nashville, IN 47448
www.indianavoters.com or www.browncounty-in.gov/268/Elections
- Tues to Fri, April 9 to April 12: 8:30 am-3:30 pm
- Mon to Fri, April 15-April 19: 8:30 am-3:30 pm
- Mon to Fri, April 22-April 26: 8:30 am-3:30 pm
- Sat, April 27: 9:00 am-1:00 pm
- Mon to Fri, April 29 - May 3: 8:30am-3:30 pm
- Sat, May 4: 9:00 am-1:00 pm
- Mon, May 6: 8:00 am-12:00 noon
Primary Election Day in Person Voting
- Tues, May 7: 6:00 am-6:00 pm
- Check for Your Precinct poll location –You must vote there!
- Call Brown County Clerk at 812-988-5510 or sign in to www.IndianaVoters.com
April 25: Vote by Mail Application Deadline: April 25, 2024, at 11:59 PM (local prevailing time)
ABS-MAIL: Application for Absentee Ballot
Voters with Print Disabilities, Military and Overseas Voters: See additional deadlines and applications: https://indianavoters.in.gov/MVPHome/PrintDocuments
May 6: Homebound or those with disabilities: Traveling Board Application Deadline: NOON (local prevailing time), Monday, May 6, 2024 ABS –Travel Board: Application for Travel Absentee Ballot
May 7: Primary Election Day 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. Vote in person at Your Precinct polling location. Check www.IndianaVoters.com, and www.Vote411.org for more information.
May 7: Completed Mail in Ballots must be RECEIVED by 6 pm Election Day. Return in person to the Clerk’s office or, on Election Day, you may surrender your mail in ballot at YOUR PRECINCT to vote in person.
Be sure to bring a valid photo ID to absentee vote in-person or in person election day.
| To do good requires many people to be united, valuing cooperation over personal gain.
Philip Gulley, from his online article “Cooperation, not Competition, as an Aspect of Community |  | 2024 Connections Now Available
The 2024 edition of Connections is out! The Brown County Democrat, working alongside the League of Women Voters of Brown County, has published this year’s Connections resource guide.
The guide contains information on all groups and entities that affect Brown County, from local government offices to veterans’ services, from Brown County Schools to arts & culture.
Realizing the time, effort, and cost necessary to develop and publish the League’s “Who’s Where” resource guide, the League reached out to the folks at the Democrat a few years ago to suggest a joint effort. The Democrat enthusiastically agreed, and now Connections has become a successful collaboration between the LWVBC and the newspaper. League members help by contacting nearly half of the entries to ask for information updates, and we distribute copies of Connections at events we host and attend.
You can find extra copies of Connections at the Brown County Democrat office and at the Brown County Library. Tell your friends and neighbors about this helpful resource. If you prefer an electronic copy, here is a pdf of Connections.
|  | BC Democrat Honors LWVBC with Cartoon
Did you read the March 27 issue of the Brown County Democrat? Did you see the very cool cartoon by long-time Democrat cartoonist Irene Olds?
League president Shari Frank had this to say: "LWVBC sincerely appreciates the opportunity to work with the Brown County Democrat newspaper. We are lucky to have a local newspaper at all, and especially lucky to have one that values the opportunity to keep the public informed on candidates running for office, critical voting information and local government actions. We love the cartoon created by Irene Olds, published in the March 27th issue of the Brown County Democrat. Meet Irene Olds.
“And thank you to Dakota Bruton, the newest Democrat reporter. Dakota's enthusiasm for the community and reporting shows, and we're thankful she takes the time to attend events evening, weekends or pretty much whatever it takes to keep the public informed. We wish Dakota and the current editor, Tim Timmons, continued success with the Brown County Democrat.
“Not long after I moved to Brown County in 2012, our LWV member Mary Perez asked if I subscribe to the BC Democratnewspaper. I said 'no'. Her response was: "How do you know what's going on?" Well, I couldn't answer that, so I started a subscription and saw that she was right! I'm still a subscriber and feel more informed - and I now ask others....’Do you get the BC Democrat? If not, how do you know what's going on?’
“Thank you, Brown County Democrat, for keeping the community informed and helping provide transparency in the many facets of local government."
| LWVBC Supports “Building Civic Bridges Act”
We received notice that Indiana US Senator Todd Young recently signed on as a supporter for the bipartisan Building Civic Bridges Act (BCBA). The LWVBC board voted to add our name to LWV Indiana and numerous other organizations in a letter encouraging support of this act. Here is a link to information about the BCBA: https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/6843. The letter follows.
Dear Honorable Member of Congress:
In an era of deepening divides, many organizations, businesses, and educational institutions are witnessing firsthand the adverse impact of conflict over social and political issues in their communities and workplaces. Such divisiveness reduces productivity, negatively impacts the economy and sense of community, and hinders meaningful relationships with those of other beliefs.
That is why the undersigned Indiana-based organizations and businesses support congressional passage of the bipartisan Building Civic Bridges Act (BCBA).
According to the Indiana Bar Foundation’s 2023 Civic Health Index, Indiana citizens have a significant gap in basic civic literacy. During a public talk at Notre Dame last fall, Senator Young spoke to the urgent need for civility in our politics and society. We agree. Repeated polls have found Americans are becoming more fractured. The result is that we are less able to solve our critical economic and social challenges. Luckily, there are solutions to address polarization, such as learning the skills to disagree in a constructive manner. Such skills are necessary to strengthen and stabilize our democracy.
The bipartisan Building Civic Bridges Act (BCBA), co-sponsored by Representatives Derek Kilmer (D-WA) and Andy Barr (R-KY), would create a new nonpartisan pilot program led by an Office of Civic Bridgebuilding within Americorps, focused on building relationships across lines of difference. The Office would allocate $25 million in federal grants on a competitive basis to bolster civic organizations and spaces that are dedicated to the revitalization of civic culture and civic bridgebuilding.
The undersigned Indiana-based businesses and organizations are eager to do their part to help reduce polarization in our workplaces and communities. However, the problem requires Congress to also engage. Now is the time for action.
We ask your office to support this most important piece of legislation. Doing so will provide the resources to help secure Indiana’s stability and economic success.
| Candidate Meet & Greet at the History Center
On March 27 the League of Women Voters of Brown County hosted an in-person Meet and Greet with candidates on the ballot in the 2024 primary election. Moderated by LWVBC Vice President Sunny Leerkamp, attendees had the opportunity to hear from – and speak directly to – candidates for local and state offices. Candidates each spoke about their respective candidacies, then met with groups of voters to have a deeper discussion of issues.
LWVBC heartily thanks the 13 candidates who participated in the Meet & Greet event: All candidates were invited. Some indicated prior commitments, and some did not respond.
Brown County Commissioner, District 1: Attended: Tiffany Ardnt, Kevin Patrick
Brown County Commissioner, District 3: Attended: Tim J. Clark, Jerry Lee Pittman, Justin P. Schwenk
Brown County Council at Large: Attended: Patrick Nielander, Scott Rudd. Also invited: Diana McDonald Biddle, Michael J. Magner, Judith “Judy” Swift Powdrill
Brown County Recorder: Attended: Mary E. Smith. Also invited: Sandra Pool
Brown County Surveyor: Attended: Tim Allen. Also invited Aaron Harden, David Kimberly Harden
Judge of the Brown County Circuit Court: Attended: Mary Wertz
State Representative, District 62: Attended: Thomas Horrocks. Also invited: Dave Hall
State Senator, District 44: Also invited: Eric Koch
US Representative Ninth District: Attended: Timothy (Tim) Peck. Also invited: D. Liam Dorris; Hugh Doty, Erin Houchin
Indiana Farm Bureau provided cookies and water for attendees, and the Indiana History Center generously provided the meeting space and technical for a reduced fee. Thank you! |  | Photo courtesy of Shari Frank | April 6 Candidate Forum
The League sponsored a Zoom forum for the Democrat candidates for US State Representative for District 9 on Saturday, April 6. Timothy (Tim) Peck and D. Liam Dorris, the two Democrat candidates for this position, attended the forum. Issues were discussed regarding public education, the environment, health, affordable housing and much more. Efforts were made to set up a comparable forum for the Republican candidates - Hugh Doty and Erin Houchin - but they declined. You can view a recording of this forum by going to the Community Access Television website https://catstv.net/ and search for the recording LWV Democrat Candidate Forum: US House Representatives Indiana District 9; 4/6/24. | Report of April 2, 2024 Election Equipment Public Test
Election Equipment must be tested before every election. All equipment is tested in its secured location. The State of Indiana then randomly designates specific equipment to be tested in a Public Test. For the 2024 Primary Election, the Public Test was held April 2 in the Salmon Room. The test included a pre-marked “deck” of approximately 20 ballots. These ballots are run through the optical scanner and the totals are checked to make sure they match.
A BCHS high school class attended the test last year before the Town of Nashville Municipal Election. A class had planned to attend this year, but school was cancelled due to inclement weather, so they weren’t able to attend. If you missed it too, be sure to attend the Public Test before the General Election at least 29 days before Election Day. The County Clerk will announce the date as we get closer to the General Election, and The Brown County Voter will add to Events of Note once the date is announced. | |
Janet Buchanan (l) from RBM equipment vendor, and Julie Cauble (r), Election Worker, test the Freedom Vote machine during the April 2024 Public Test of election equipment in Nashville. | | | April Month-Long Recognitions
World Autism Awareness Month https://www.autismspeaks.org/world-autism-month. From the Autism Speaks website: “Today, misconceptions of autism and the frequency in which people are excluded, threaten access to the vital information, resources and support autistic people and their families need. This World Autism Month and beyond, join Autism Speaks to fearlessly stand for a world where autistic people are recognized and have the opportunities they deserve.”
National Arab American Heritage Month. From the Arab America Foundation: During the month of April, the Arab America Foundation formally recognizes the achievements of Arab Americans through the celebration of National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM). Across the country, cultural institutions, school districts, municipalities, state legislatures, public servants, and non-profit organizations issue proclamations and engage in special events that celebrate our community’s rich heritage and numerous contributions to society.
Arab America and the Arab America Foundation launched the National Arab American Heritage Month initiative in 2017, with just a handful of states recognizing the initiative. Each year, our grass-roots network of over 250 Arab American volunteers in 26 states gathers hundreds of proclamations from their states, counties, municipalities, and local school districts. Click here for President Joe Biden's proclamation. | Here’s How to Contact Your State, Federal, Local Legislators
A list is provided below of the legislators who serve Brown County. For contact information on other state representatives and state senators, go to https://iga.in.gov/information/find-legislators. For information about your Congressional Representative, go to https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative.
For information on your County Representatives and meetings for Boards, County Commissioners and County Council:
State Senator Eric Koch
Website: https://www.indianasenaterepublicans.com/koch
Email: Senator.Koch@iga.in.gov
Legislative Assistant: Lucy Lynch lucy.lynch@iga.in.gov 317-234-9425
Phone: 800-382-9467 or 317-232-9400
Address: Indiana State Senate, 200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis IN 46204
State Representative District 62 Dave Hall
Website: https://www.indianahouserepublicans.com/members/general/dave-hall/
Legislative Assistant: Drew Sellers 317-232-9863 drew.sellers@iga.in.gov
Address: Indiana House of Representatives, 200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis IN 46204
9th Congressional District U.S. Representative Erin Houchin
Website: https://houchin.house.gov/
Phone: 202-225-5315
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RepHouchin
Address: 1632 Longworth House Office Building, Washington DC 20515
U.S. Senator Mike Braun
Website: https://www.braun.senate.gov
Phone: 202-224-4814
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikebraunforindiana
Address: 404 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington DC 20510
U.S. Senator Todd Young
Website: www.young.senate.gov
Phone: 202-224-5623
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SenatorToddYoung
Address: 185 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington DC 20510
Governor Eric Holcomb
Website: https://www.in.gov/gov/
Phone: 317-232-4567
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GovHolcomb/
Address: Office of the Governor, Statehouse, Indianapolis IN 46204-2797
Brown County Council
Gary Huett (President) David Redding (Vice-President)
Darren Byrd Jim Kemp
Joel Kirby Scott Rudd
Judy Swift-Powdrill CountyCouncil@browncounty-in.us
Brown County Commissioners
Jerry Pittman, President (District 3) 317-966-1724 pittmanj@browncounty-in.us
Blake Wolpert (District 1) 317-371-5091 wolpertb@browncounty-in.us
Ron Sanders (District 2) 812-947-3504 SandersR@browncounty-in.us
Town of Nashville Council
Andi Wilson, President awilson@townofnashville.org
Dave Rudd, Vice President drudd@townofnashville.org
Lance Miller lmiller@townofnashville.org
Rex Watters III rexwatters@townofnashville.org
Scott Dick sdick@townofnashville.org |  | Making Democracy Work
Grassroots Leadership since 1920
Educate • Advocate • Empower • Reform
We cordially invite you to join us.
We encourage you to learn more about the League by attending our meetings and other events,
including legislator forums and Meet the Candidates.
Membership is not required to attend these meetings and events.
Annual Membership Dues*:
$50/Individual $85/Couple $20/Friend of the League (non-voting)
Your dues include membership in the national, state, and local leagues.
*Membership Scholarships available. Email us for more information: browncountylwv@gmail.com
To join or to send a donation, mail your check payable to LWVBC, PO Box 74, Nashville IN 47448
Please include your name, address, phone, and email
| LWVBC Meeting Schedule
LWVBC business meetings are held virtually the second Monday of each month. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 13, 6:00 pm (via Zoom). League Members, Friends, and the public are welcome to join the meeting.
To participate in the meeting, contact League President Shari Frank at browncountylwv@gmail.com to receive the zoom link.
| The deadline for submission of articles for the May newsletter is 5:00 pm Friday, May 17.
The Brown County VOTER is published monthly. Please send your articles and/or suggestions to LWVBC at browncountylwv@gmail.com.
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