Ommunity onnections - a Day in the Life of hancock county - Daily Reporter
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s p e c i a l Daily Reporter s e c t i o n
community
connections
hancock county 2020
A D ay i n t h e L i f e o f H a n c o c k CO u n t y
2 FRIday, February 28, 2020 daily reporter • hancock county, indiana
co v e r a n d in s id e p h ot os b y T o m R usso
daily reporter • hancock county, indiana FRIday, February 28, 2020 3
How we chronicled a day
in the life of Hancock County
G
REENFIELD — Twenty-four
hours is a long time. Just ask
Tom Russo. david
Tom, who never turns down a chal- hill
lenging assignment, took this one editor
in stride when we first talked about
it in early January. The task: Help
chronicle a day in the life of Hancock
County. The ground rules for the project
By “day,” it was made clear, we were simple: Our goal was to simply
didn’t mean an eight-hour shift. It take a cross-section of our communi-
didn’t mean even a 12-hour one, which ties, like a strata of rock, and describe
would be a test of stamina in itself. what we saw in every layer over
No, we were going to go twice around the course of a day. I solicited ideas
the clock, a full 24 hours, sunrise to from everyone in the Daily Reporter
sunrise, telling stories and offering a building, and by the time they were
snapshot of life in our communities. finished, we had close to 75 sugges-
Tom, as always, was game. Think of tions on sticky notes pasted next to
it, I suggested by way of comparison, times — starting at 6 a.m. and ending
as an experience similar to the trans- at 6 a.m. the next day — written on
Atlantic flights you take twice a year the white board in our conference
to photograph golf tournaments in Eu- room.
rope. Just like touching down in Paris We gravitated toward ideas we
or London, your day will only be half thought would have some “gee-whiz”
over by the time you get to baggage value. That is, stories that would would lay the groundwork for our ef- called at the last minute to cancel.
claim. make you pause and say, “Wow, I had forts starting first thing on Jan. 30. Everyone was staying home that day
“Right, boss,” Tom said. no idea.” We also tried to be sure For example, we worked with Jenn because of the flu.
The idea for a day-in-the-life study every geographic area of the county Cox, the director of marketing at Five reporters worked with Tom
originated in a discussion last fall was represented and that we looked Hancock Regional Hospital, to get ac- throughout the 24 hours. Staff writers
with publisher Bud Hunt and adver- at a cross-section of society: govern- cess to the emergency department at Kristy Deer, Shelley Swift, Jessica
tising director John Senger. We were ment, business, schools, nonprofits, midnight. We also worked with Sheriff Karins and Mitchell Kirk, joined by
casting about for ways to reinvent our medicine, public safety and even pets. Brad Burkhart to arrange a ride-along ace correspondent Jim Mayfield,
tired Progress edition, which had not (We weren’t able to include agricul- for Tom and reporter Jessica Karins, fanned out with Tom in shifts that
changed in at least 20 years and so ture — a vitally important aspect of who got much more than they bar- averaged five hours. Mitch took the
was in desperate need of a reboot. Bud our communities — this time around. gained for when Deputy Gary Achor overnight shift, 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. on
suggested a concept he called “Com- We will publish a special section responded to an emergency. You can Friday, Jan. 31, which meant he was
munity Connections,” which would in March to celebrate National Ag read that story starting on Page 22. responsible for making sure Tom was
be a deep dive into the personalities Week.) We wound up with 24 time slots — OK as the hours dragged on.
that make Hancock County tick. The Some ideas sounded better than one for every hour — and completed At 5:30 the next morning, after Tom
beauty of the concept is that it could they eventually turned out. I thought 22 stories. had been at it for 23 hours, I asked
be reinvented every year. One year, a good story would be to interview Not everything went according to him how he was feeling. He giggled
we might focus on women in business; the person who opens and closes the plan. A scheduled visit to Indianapolis a lot, which I took to mean he was
the next, we might profile movers and gates every day at New Palestine Regional Airport fizzled when the pleased with how the marathon as-
shakers in the nonprofit sector. Cemetery. Alas, reporter Kristy Deer person we were to meet was called signment had gone. Later that day,
For the inaugural edition, we decided revealed after a little investigation, away unexpectedly. We missed closing after several hours of sleep, he was a
to examine a single 24-hour period in the gates are on a motor with a timer. time at Legacy 9 Cinema because Tom little more circumspect.
Hancock County. We picked Thursday, No human intervention necessary. and Jessica were still miles away with “We aren’t going to do this again,”
Jan. 30, starting at 6 a.m. The result of We narrowed the list to about 30 Deputy Achor. A family Kristy had ar- he said.
that reporting project is what you’re ideas and vetted them as carefully as ranged to visit to chronicle the chaos
holding in your hands right now. we could. Such background reporting of an early morning on a school day David Hill is editor of the Daily Reporter.
Pictured at left: The team that reported on 24 hours in the life of Hancock County, from left: Mitchell Kirk, Jessica Karins, Jim Mayfield, Shelley Swift and Tom Russo. Not pictured: Kristy Deer. // Pictured
above: In the wee hours of Friday, Jan. 31, Tom Russo grabs a few precious minutes of sleep at the Daily Reporter offices before heading out to one more assignment. David Hill; Mitchell Kirk | Daily Reporter
4 FRIday, FebRuaRy 28, 2020 daily reporter • hancock county, indiana
6 A.m.
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Jan. 30, 2020
coFFee-FueLeD RituAL
cafe helps start many mornings in new palestine
n
EW PALESTINE — She’s one a few things out, get the coffee Redmon said. “A lot of parents a couple of high school students
of the people in town who helps going and we’re ready to go.” will take their kids to and from and three full-time workers.
folks wake up. The shop is owned by three school so they’ll stop and get Redmon said they plan to turn
Kara Daugherty, a brew master families, including J.R. Redmon, donuts or a cup of coffee.” Brew 52 into a full-scale res-
at Brew 52, the coffee and food who also manages Brew 52. The shop used to be open at taurant eventually, but for now
shop located near the busy inter- Redmon, who has always been in 7 a.m., but the new owners, they’re doing well serving coffee,
section of U.S. 52 and Gem Road, the restaurant and bar business, who purchased the business in treats, and lunch selections.
is up well before the chickens had to make quite the adjustment October 2019, decided to open “We’ll remodel and do a full
rise. She and her staff brew fresh getting up early in the mornings an hour earlier to help serve the scale restaurant because it’s
coffee and put out fresh pastries to make sure everything runs community. The other owners of something this community needs,”
in time for the first customers smoothly. Brew 52 are Kenny Ball and Russ Redmon said. “I think we’re going
when the store opens at 6 a.m.. “It’s neat to see the town and Whetsel and their families, all of to surprise some people.”
“It’s not too bad for me, getting everyone kind of wake up and New Palestine.
up so early,” she said. “We put know that we’re a part of it,” They employ seven, including — Kristy Deer
Pictured: Kara Daugherty prepares for the morning rush of coffee lovers at Brew 52 in New Palestine.
daily reporter • hancock county, indiana FRIday, FebRuaRy 28, 2020 5
STELLAR WORKS!
Lizbuth Ann’s Kitchen (pictured, Greenfield) is the first complementary
project completed from our Regional Development Plan. This new event
space can accomodate groups of about 50 people and has a lovely
garden area. Schedule a museum tour today or book your next event.
In 2020 Look For...
Fortville Main Street Reconstruction
Depot Street Park in Greenfield
Concepts and designs for Trail/Park
improvements in Shirley
Greenfield’s Inclusive Playground
Regional Historic Facade Funding
Regional Homeowner Repair Funds
GET READY FOR A GAME OF CONES
Construction is coming to many of our favorite regional spots. Rule amongst
the cones by participating in special events and deals at your favorite small
businesses. Stay tuned for more on Facebook @healthandheritageregion
DR-35034692
6 FRIday, FebRuaRy 28, 2020 daily reporter • hancock county, indiana
at courthouse, a spiritual plea
7 A.m. H
ANCOCK COUNTY — He’s usually mornings. He started working under
the first person to walk inside the Judge Richard Culver in May of 2005
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Hancock County Courthouse each and remained working for Judge Scott
pRAyinG AmiD
morning. Sirk after Culver’s retirement in 2017.
Sometimes, Warren Aldrich leaves While it’s nice to beat the traffic and
home at hours some people would get a jump on the day’s work, Aldrich
consider the middle of the night. One said his early arrival helps him fulfill a
day in late January, he strolled into the bigger role.
courthouse shortly after 4 a.m. He normally starts each day by
“There’s no traffic this early,” opening his Bible and reading scrip-
ADveRsity
Aldrich said with a laugh. “You’d be ture for at least an hour. He also prays
surprised how it starts to pick up after for the people who work there and for
6 a.m.” those whose matters will go before a
Since Aldrich couldn’t go back to judge starting in a couple of hours.
sleep on this day — and since he knew “I read through the Bible about 10
times now,” Aldrich said. “Each time I
he had work ahead of him — he got an
do, it’s like reading a new book.”
early start. He was at a desk outside
On this day the first case in court
the courtrooms, folding notices to be
is scheduled around 8:30 a.m. But, as
mailed to people who have upcoming
Aldrich said, after his prayers, there’s
court dates.
always something to do in one of the
Aldrich, a retired Indiana State
county’s busiest buildings.
trooper, has worked in the courthouse
for 15 years, and he is present most — Kristy Deer
Pictured: Warren Aldrich processes paperwork at his desk outside the courtrooms at the county
courthouse.
daily reporter • hancock county, indiana FRIday, February 28, 2020 7
8 a.m.
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A smart Utility Providing
Infrastructure for
Communities to Thrive
FREE IN A GOOD HOME
Elderly dogs live out their last days at rescue
INTERNET | DIGITAL TV | PHONE | SECURITY
N
EW PALESTINE — The three like hospice care for the senior dogs.”
furry faces inside the cages at Most days start around 6 a.m. She
Frenzy Animal Rescue are eagerly gets the day going cleaning the cages POWER | WATER & SEWER
awaiting breakfast to be served by the when the dogs are let outside, followed
shelter’s owner, Betty Wilkins. For by feedings a few hours later.
years Wilkins has cared for countless “We like for them to have their
unwanted and neglected dogs in the food and water when they come in,”
area, helping them get off the streets Wilkins said.
and into forever homes. Ninja, Twinkle and Dinky are just
The rescue operates on donations three of the hundreds of dogs Wilkins
and generously discounted veterinary has rescued through the years. On this
care from Dr. Bob Barnes at Mt. day, in addition to looking after these
Comfort Animal Hospital. On this unwanted animals, she also is getting
morning, she is preparing to give a the word out about Frenzy’s upcoming
little comfort and food to three elderly fundraiser, the Spay-Getty & No-Balls
dogs she is caring for until they die, Dinner at the New Palestine Lions
since they’re too old for adoption. Club, 5242 West U.S. 52. The event will
“To tell the truth, I’m not sure I start at 5 p.m. April 17.
could part with any of them,” Wilkins The need for donations is unre-
317.326.3131
said, while hugging one of her favor- lenting, and Wilkins needs a good
ites, Ninja, a 13-year-old rescue. turnout.
By the look on Ninja’s face and the “We’re about $1,000 dollars in the
wag in his tail, he seemed to feel the hole,” Wilkins said. “But, we can’t not
same way.
ninestarconnect.com
care for the animals.”
“He’s in our senior program,”
Wilkins said. “We do that a lot, sort of — Kristy Deer
Pictured: Betty Wilkins of Frenzy Animal Rescue along with two of her dogs, Ninja and Twinkle. DR-35033027
8 FRIday, February 28, 2020 daily reporter • hancock county, indiana
9 a.m.
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MENU MASTERS
Today’s lunch guest list: 310
hungry junior high students
N
EW PALESTINE — Lunchtime district, the lunch workers still
comes early each day in a have other tasks, such as baking
school system, and for the food rolls and putting pizzas together.
preparation crew at New Pales- “Oh, there’s plenty of prep,”
tine Junior High School, it’s a fast said Charissa Igo, the district’s
pace every day. food manager with Aramark.
This morning, the staff already She’s in a district lunch room
has been serving breakfast to every day making sure students
a number of students. They are are fed and the food service runs
cleaning up and quickly turning smoothly.
around the cafeteria for lunch. The lunch workers at the junior
By 9 a.m., employees from high, including Jackie Bullard,
Aramark, with whom the school kitchen manager, have to cut up
district contracts to provide food the fresh fruits and vegetables
service, are already setting lunch every day and get them set up on
out for the first group of students, the lunch line.
who’ll head into the cafeteria The other food service workers
around 10:20 a.m. They’ll serve at the school are Mya Mullen and
food all they way up to 2 p.m. George Doyle, who on this day are
The three person crew sets up helping Bullard put nacho chips
around 310 lunches as well as 50 in individual holders. They will be
breakfasts each day. They make be covered in cheese as they are
sure all sorts of food is ready, handed to hungry students.
from walking tacos to country Mullen said each day is a chal-
fried steak with hot rolls. For Ara- lenge because the main lunch
mark, the same process plays out entree changes while they offer
in thousands of districts nation- a standard meal such as pizza,
wide every day. It serves about 2 chicken and nachos every lunch
million students a year, or about session.
370 million meals, it says on its A couple of the crew work from
website. 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., while the other
While much of the main food person comes in from 8 a.m. to
prep is done at an Aramarkt site 2 p.m.
before it arrives at the junior high
school and other schools in the — Kristy Deer
Pictured: Jackie Bullard and a colleague set out trays of fresh vegetables and tortilla
chips for lunch, which begins in just over an hour.
daily reporter • hancock county, indiana FRIday, February 28, 2020 9
10 a.m.
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c 2019 Endowment
Grants
Awarded
Progress $44.58M
$1,171,883
$16.3M GIFT VII Scholarships
Awarded Since $1M Matching Awarded
1992 Grant Met $310,953
Babies Enrolled Women's Fund
In Imagination 275 Gifts
300+
Library: 1,689 $53,818 Funds
2019
CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH IN SIGHT
Charitable Funds Established In
Patient travels far for an annual exam
G
REENFIELD — Davon France weather, the traffic and other bits of
settles into a black leather exam small talk during the vision check,
chair at Hancock Eye Associates. as Walling clicks through screens
The Westfield woman doesn’t mind on her computer, making the letters
the 40-minute drive to the Greenfield projected on a wall several feet away
optometrist’s office, where her family smaller and smaller until they can no
has been going ever since Dr. Christa longer be read.
Walling helped her infant daughter The patient giggles as her breathing
work through some vision problems fogs up the exam spectacles that cover
when she was born prematurely 16 her face.
years ago. “Your vision has somewhat im-
Now that her kids are 11 and 16, her proved in that eye. You must be doing
family continues to go nowhere but the something right,” Walling tells her,
Greenfield office her husband Chris rolling her stool over to get a closer
visited while growing up in Hancock look into France’s eyes.
County. Armed with a clean bill of visionary
It’s not unusual for doctors at the health, France exchanges pleasant-
52-year-old practice to see generations ries with the doctor, slips back into
of patients from the same family, said her coat and heads to the lobby to
Walling, whose own family photos of schedule next year’s checkup, as
her husband and two sons adorn the Walling heads down the hall to her
walls at her practice. next patient.
DR-35034950
France and the optometrist banter
back and forth like friends about the — Shelley Swift
312 E. Main Street Greenfield, IN 46140 317.462.8870 giveHCgrowHC.org
Pictured: Davon France has her eyes examined at Dr. Christa Walling’s office.
10 FRIday, FebRuaRy 28, 2020 daily reporter • hancock county, indiana
11 A.m.
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moRe tHAn
A meALdaily reporter • hancock county, indiana FRIday, February 28, 2020 11
Drivers for nonprofit are sometimes
a lifeline for the people they serve
Shelley Swift | Daily Reporter meal,” Kosh said. “We have folks
sswift@greenfieldreporter.com from out of town who pay for their
parents to get the meals, mostly so
G
REENFIELD — As the clock ticks they can have eyes on them. For
toward delivery time, Tammy many clients, the person delivering
Andis is finishing up packing an their meal may be the only person
assortment of sandwiches, salads and they see in a week’s time.”
miniature cartons of milk into plastic Joan Moore’s eyes light up when
bags at the Meals on Wheels distribu- she opens the door to find Lorraine
tion center, in the kitchen at Hancock Clutinger standing on her front step,
Regional Hospital. with her and her husband Wayne’s
Soon, nearly a dozen volunteers will meals in her hands.
be coming in to pick up containers The Greenfield couple signed up for
of hot meals and the plastic sacks of Meals on Wheels in October, when
sandwiches to be delivered to the 70 or Joan Moore’s declining vision made it
so Meals on Wheels clients throughout increasingly hard for her to cook on
Hancock County, each one delivering her own.
seven or eight meals each day. “The service is really helpful, and
Roughly 250 volunteers take part the food is very good,” said Joan
in delivering the meals throughout Moore, who invites Clutinger into her
the year. “It takes about 230 volun- home like an old friend.
teer hours a month to deliver all the She and her husband always enjoy
meals,” said Lynda Kosh, who has making small talk and share their Pictured from left: Meals on Wheels volunteer Lorraine Clutinger loads her car for the day’s de-
served as executive director at the
thanks whenever Clutinger stops by. liveries. // Clutinger, left, talks with Joan Moore at her home after dropping off the Moores’ meals
local Meals on Wheels office since
For Clutinger, knowing she’s helping for the day.
May 2019.
others is all the thanks she needs.
The local program is part of a na-
“I’ve been saying all along, some
tionwide nonprofit that aims to serve
day it may be me on the other end,”
those who struggle to provide meals
said Clutinger, 75, who has been deliv- Now accepting
for themselves each day.
Many are seniors who no longer
ering Meals on Wheels since 2012. enrollments
“I enjoy meeting the people, making
cook, or those with disabilities. Clients
have also included new moms and
sure they’re OK,” she said. for the 2020-2021
pregnant women on bed rest, Kosh
Clutinger gets emotional when she
recalls finding one client who had
school year.
said.
died at home, but she finds peace
A nutritionist handles all the meal
in knowing she was able to notify
planning, creating menus based on
each individual client’s needs. someone as soon as possible. EASTERN HANCOCK COUNTY
Clients pay $7.50 a day for two meals Meals on Wheels drivers are trained
on what to do if a client doesn’t leave
COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION
— one hot and one cold. Subsidies are
available for those who need financial a cooler from a previous visit out- Designated an “A” School Corporation
help. There’s no age limit for clients, side their front door; or if the client by the Indiana Department of Education
but each must present a prescription doesn’t answer the door.
from a doctor. “Our volunteers see if something’s
Meals on Wheels is a national non- not right and know how to respond
appropriately,” Kosh said. A Small
profit funded solely by donations and
Years ago, a woman who was School with a
fundraising and fueled by volunteers.
Many drivers are retirees, while receiving her first meal delivery had Big Heart
others are employed by companies fallen and was able to call out to her
like Covance, Elanco and Greenfield driver to call 911.
Banking Co. that support employees Another client was evacuated from
volunteering for the program. A her home when the driver delivering
number of churches and service orga- her meal discovered a gas leak.
nizations also contribute volunteers, “It makes you feel good to know
Kosh said. you have the opportunity to watch out
The director said the food delivery for others while providing them with
Scan this code to access
program provides nourishment in a good meal,” said Clutinger, as she our Transfer Student form.
DR-35034691
more ways than one. hopped in her car to head off to her
“We say we deliver more than a next stop. 317.936.5444 | www.easternhancock.org12 FRIday, February 28, 2020 daily reporter • hancock county, indiana
1 p.m.
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labors of love
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1 p.m.
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At chocolate shop,
artists pour their
hearts into their work
G
REENFIELD — Julie Garcia has been dip-
ping toffee into melted chocolate for what
seems like hours, but she still has a smile on
her face.
The southside Indianapolis woman considers
it a privilege to be among the 10 employees who
get to prepare and package the sweet treats at
the Greenfield Chocolates shop in downtown
Greenfield.daily reporter • hancock county, indiana FRIday, February 28, 2020 13
Greenfield mayor Chuck Fewell discusses
city business at a favorite downtown spot
noon
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REENFIELD — As he does at lunch- “I can get the feeling for if they’re
LUNCH IS now
time on many days, Mayor Chuck capable and honest and trustworthy.
Fewell is holding court at Lincoln That’s the important part of having a
Square Pancake House in Greenfield. good network of people to rely on,” said
The downtown restaurant, just up the Fewell, who has lunch with various staff
block from city hall, is one of the mayor’s members and occasional guests almost
favorite spots for conducting business daily throughout the week.
over the lunch hour. “We try to move Costa Stylianou, owner at Lincoln
around to as many restaurants in town as Square, said his restaurant is a frequent
in session
we can. We try to hit them all,” he said. meeting place for city and county em-
On this particular day, the mayor is ployees, church groups, service groups
joined by the city’s police chief and and nonprofit organizations. He moves
human resources manager as they meet from table to table, flashing a broad smile
with two engineers from an Indianapolis and greeting visitors in his heavy Greek
firm, who are there to network and learn accent. He seems to know everyone.
about any upcoming city projects their “The guy there at the counter is here
firm may be interested in bidding for. almost every day. That couple over there
Chatting over lunch is a great way to comes in here four or five times a week,”
conduct business outside of the office, he said, motioning toward the regular
said Fewell, who appreciates the chance customers he’s come to know as friends.
to get to know people better while sharing
a meal. — Shelley Swift
Pictured: Greenfield Mayor Chuck Fewell, right, talks shop along with his some of his staff while at
lunch at Lincoln Square Pancake House.
February is peak season for the
8-year-old shop, where many visi-
tors over the next couple of weeks
will stop to score gifts for Valentine’s
chocolate caramels crafted for Valen-
tine’s Day, take more time to create.
“I did 210 of those the other day,
painting them by hand with colored
Character
Rich
Day. cocoa butter,” she said.
The staff had dipped 5,600 pieces Despite the meticulous work,
of toffee and truffles on a recent day. Garcia, who sells the locally made
“That was a long day,” Garcia said chocolates at pop-up shops in nearby
Smart Design
with a smile. hospitals, said she never gets burned
Truffles, turtles and toffee are out by the task. “When I see the work
popular sellers, as are chocolate- that goes into the truffles, for ex-
dipped graham crackers and caramel ample, I have a new appreciation for
wrapped pretzels. the process,” she said.
Creating such works of edible art “A lot of love and time goes into it,”
takes long hours and more than confirmed Hoadley, even when things
a little patience, said store owner don’t go according to plan.
Jayne Hoadley, as she lightly pressed The unique butterscotch liqueur
a fork into the top of freshly dipped cream caramels she recently made
caramels — piece by piece — cre- were the result of a “creative mis-
ating an intricate pattern in the top, take” that resulted when a batch of
before sprinkling a bit of sea salt cooked caramel didn’t turn out quite
onto each one. right, she said.
“We can get 6,000 to 7,000 pieces Customers snatched up the gourmet
of candy done on a shift at the max, candies, priced at $2.85 apiece. “After
working with a full staff doing con- Valentine’s Day we hardly had any-
tinuous dipping,” Hoadley said. thing left,” she said.
Other, more intricate candies,
like the hand-painted, heart-shaped — Shelley Swift
Pictured: Jayne Hoadley of Greenfield Chocolates looks over a plate of truffles.
www.JoynerHomesOnline.com14 FRIday, February 28, 2020 daily reporter • hancock county, indiana
2 p.m.
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PRESSING MATTERS
Winter is cider season at Tuttle Orchards
H
ANCOCK COUNTY — January meatloaf, chicken pot pie and Pizzano said. turns out a new batch of cider.
might slow things down a bit other farm-to-table fare in the “We make cider from the Earlier today, workers made
at Tuttle Orchards, but there’s cafe, which open weekdays 9 a.m. middle of September when we the sweet-tasting cider that will
still plenty to do when the apples until 3 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. have enough apple varieties until be “jugged” tomorrow, she said.
are off the tree. on Saturdays. the end of February or the first of The operation keeps some of
On this January day, Kathy There are greens sprouting March,” she said. the freshly made cider on site but
Pizzano is minding the orchard’s in the high-tunnel greenhouses The last of the orchard’s apples sends enough stock to the freezer
farm store, whose winter hours and plenty of farm and equip- harvested in late October are to keep inventory constant year-
are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday ment maintenance to ready the stored in moisturized coolers for round, Pizzano said.
through Saturday. Chef Kelly orchard for spring, but mid- pressing throughout the winter.
Kimpton is serving bison winter is primarily cider season, Every other week, the orchard — Jim Mayfield
Pictured: Kathy Pizzano of Tuttle Orchards surveys one of the storage areas containing apples from the fall harvest.daily reporter • hancock county, indiana FRIday, FebRuaRy 28, 2020 15
3 p.m.
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scHooL, AFteR HouRs
program helps enrich kids, even in their pajamas
m
T. COMFORT — It was Pajama course, snack time.
Day at Mt. Comfort Elementary The program is provided through
School, and students see no par- the services of Greater Indianapolis
ticular need to doff their comfy attire YMCA’s Youth Development program,
for after-school care. which currently serves more than 100
Deja Lockett, site director for the schools in central Indiana, including
school’s after-school care program, all Hancock County elementary
has been shepherding kids after schools and an intermediate school,
school in a labor of love for the past said program director Madeline Sites.
five years and watched many of them In addition to the program’s regular
sprout from kindergartners. fare, local organizations such as the
“You get to mentor the younger Girl Scouts and Hancock County
kids, and you get to watch them grow Public Library present special
up, too,” Lockett said. activities.
Currently, there are approximately Today, Stefany Boleyn and Cheryl Miller’s Jewelry specializes in providing quality diamonds, fine jewelry, watches, class rings,
50 students under the eyes of Lockett Curry of the Girl Scouts of Central In- clocks and gifts at reasonable prices. Their knowledgeable sales staff will help you select the
and her six-person staff who do much diana are supervising a table of girls perfect piece of jewelry that is right for you. Repair service is available for jewelry and watches.
more than babysit until parents engaged in the art of constructing Miller’s also offers remounting, custom gold nuggets and other creative ways to give your old
arrive. “Sit-Upons,” which as everyone knows jewelry a new look. Miller’s Jewelry looks forward to assisting you with your jewelry needs.
“We try to foster relationships is a bag stuffed with plastic shopping
through activities and provide as bags and stitched at the top.
much inclusion and diversity as pos- Not only do Sit-Upons refine one’s "Your Hometown Jeweler for Over 60 Years”
sible,” Lockett said. stitching and needlework skills, they
Between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. each keep pajama bottoms dry in the event Founded by: Gerald & Winifred Miller
day, students rotate through physical of a wet seat.
activities, STEM projects, arts and
crafts and homework help, and, of — Jim Mayfield 60 West McClarnon Drive Greenfield • 462-6365
www.millersjewelrygreenfield.com
DR-35034783
Pictured: Scarlett Prince, left, and Haven Davis sit together during an YMCA program at Mt.
Comfort Elementary School.
Hours: Mon-Thurs • 9-5 • Fri 9-6 • Sat 9-416 FRIday, February 28, 2020 daily reporter • hancock county, indiana
Simulator helps golfers compete, even in winter
4 p.m. G
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REENFIELD — Dressed in jeans “It’s fantastic,” said Matt Bricker of
A LEAGUE of
and a T-shirt on a raw, cold after- Greenfield, a former club champ at
noon, Cody Hyde lines up his tee Hawk’s Tail. “It’s become a really big
shot at Hawk’s Tail of Greenfield. draw.”
A big hitter, Hyde swings, and the Today, the ADTs are up. “All Day
ball cracks off the tee like a rifle Thursdays,” as the group is known.
shot. It slams into the computer- Playing a full nine holes on Hawk’s
generated screen in front of him and Tail’s two Full Swing golf simulators,
ricochets into two collector bags. installed six years ago by the club at
Glancing at the yardage and just a cost of about $50,000 apiece, Bricker
about every other data point a golfer said, is a lot better than being out-
their own
would want to know about his shot, side on this gray, blustery day or not
Hyde collects his ball and steps off playing at all.
the platform. The league has grown to about
While it’s less than a favorable day 100 golfers that keep the simulators
for a round outside, it’s warm and booked daily.
comfortable inside the Hawk’s Tail “It’s become very popular,” said Rob
clubhouse. Hall. “It beats not swinging a club
It’s winter league simulator golf at from mid-October to mid-March.”
Hawk’s Tail, and the linksters have The club now has simulator leagues
been at it for some time this day, get- in the fall from October to December
ting in their mandatory weekly nine and over the winter from January to
holes, sharing jokes and beer, while March.
not totally ignoring the pizza scat-
tered around the room. — Jim Mayfield
Pictured: Golfers sharpen their swings on a simulator at Hawk’s Tail of Greenfield.daily reporter • hancock county, indiana FRIday, February 28, 2020 17
5 p.m.
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READY FOR ANYTHING
911 operators occupy the
front lines of first-responders A great place to live, top schools, nearby recreation and
dining, all with a small town feel. And, it’s just a short drive
from Greenfield, Indianapolis, Fishers and Geist.
T
he glow of computer screens cuts said Greg Duda, public information of-
the darkness of the Hancock County ficer for the 911 center. “After 8 p.m., we
911 call center inside the county’s tend to see more medical runs.”
Emergency Operations Center at 640 S. Historically, statistics show the
Franklin St. heaviest call influx occurs between
Inside the squat bunker, four dis- 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., but today, things are
patchers with headsets monitor their relatively calm. Still, the center aver-
screens, prepping for what is generally ages about 227 calls daily.
the busiest time of day at the center. Last year, the center fielded almost
The work load is divided between a 25,000 911 calls, just under 56,000 non-
primary call taker/screener, the fire emergency calls and 2,410 911 calls that
desk, Greenfield city desk and a station were abandoned.
assigned to the county. Though Duda said the types of emer-
Of course, pre-determined procedures gency calls remain fairly consistent
are altered if the center receives a throughout the center’s 24-hour vigil,
number of calls at once. And that could the volume increases during the after-
happen at any moment on this shift. noon drive.
And if things really get cracking, a “Everyone is either on the road or
reciprocal back-up arrangement with just getting home,” he said. “Right
Shelby County kicks in to make sure about now, there’s probably going to be
calls are answered timely. an auto accident.” Come visit us.....you’ll like what we have to offer!
“It usually starts getting busy between
2:30 in the afternoon and 10:30 at night,” — Jim Mayfield
mccordsville.org
DR-35034693
Find us on Facebook
Pictured: 911 dispatcher Bryce Viehweg mans his station during his night shift.18 FRIday, February 28, 2020 daily reporter • hancock county, indiana
6 p.m.
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their
abiding
faith
7 p.m.
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observerdaily reporter • hancock county, indiana FRIday, February 28, 2020 19
Worshipers find comfort during an intimate Mass
A
t 5:40 p.m., the nave of St. Mi- she is engaged in something far
chael Catholic Church is empty deeper than simply sitting in a pew
and quiet. It is softly well-lit and with friends.
peaceful in contrast to the bright- Tonight, some two dozen are at-
ness of the sanctuary. tending the service, which is about
In the sacristy, the small, clois- average for weekday Mass, Davis
tered room behind the sanctuary, said.
Father Aaron Jenkins is alone as Ellen Pack is the evening’s sac-
he deliberately and soberly dons ristan, charged with seeing that all
the vestments before slipping off to is in order for this evening’s Mass.
hear confession. His demeanor is The chalice and its accoutrements,
not that of a man simply changing the books, the candles. When mass
clothes. concludes she will put things away.
In short order, the congregants She returned to the Catholic
begin arriving for St. Michael’s Church 12 years ago, she says. And
weekday Mass, held every eve- performing the night’s duties is
ning at this time Tuesday through pleasing to her.
Thursday and Friday morning at “I like it,” Pack said. “It’s mean-
8:30 a.m.. ingful to me to be a part of the
One by one, they dip fingers into Mass.”
the Holy Water and make the sign At precisely 6 p.m., the quiet is
of the cross, genuflecting just before broken by the deep tolling of the
entering their pew. large bell signaling the beginning
Darlene Davis and Dodie Fleming of Mass and calling the faithful to
attend multiple times each week. recall their sins and trust in God’s
They sit near the front, as peaceful mercy.
as their surroundings. Fleming “Lord, have mercy….”
passes Rosary beads through her Pictured from left: Ellen Pack lights candles for the night Mass at St. Michael Catholic Church. //
fingers. Her expression indicates — Jim Mayfield Father Aaron Jenkins, right, meditates moments before the night mass
Scorekeeper at MV game
watches excellence in motion
11
YEARS
of serving the
F HOMETOWN community!
ORTVILLE — Cheerleaders are book for about seven years, and she
warming up, Michael Jackson music also has been keeping score at Mt.
is playing over the speakers, and Vernon volleyball games for 25 years.
Comics & Games
spectators are drifting to their seats Her daughters both played sports at
with hot dogs and hot pretzels in hand. Mt. Vernon when they were in high
At Mt. Vernon High School, the girls’ school, and being part of the games
The place to be for your
varsity basketball team is about to helps her feel that she’s still involved
start playing, and a large crowd has in the school community.
gathered in the gym to support the
players.
“We’re having a great season,”
Kirby says, eight days before the
Comic, Gaming & Pop Culture needs!
On the sidelines, Janice Kirby is one Marauders, who hadn’t lost in three
of the people who keeps the system months, are upset by New Palestine Game nights every week • Your Hometown Shop
running. Serving as scorekeeper for in the sectional. “My favorite thing
the games, Kirby is equipped with about watching the games is the
paper, a pencil and a watchful eye. teamwork — not knowing who’s going OPEN 1040 North State St. (SR9),
“We keep track of the lineup, fouls, to step up. We have several different Mon. - Thur. & Sat. Greenfield
all of that. All by hand,” Kirby says. girls that can score, and that’s what’s 11am - 8pm
“You just always keep your eye on the
floor, always keep your eyes on the
fun, because it’s not always the same
Fri. 317-467-9050
person.”
players who’ve got the ball.” 11am - 9pm Don, Frances and Adrianna
Kirby has been doing the basketball — Jessica Karins Sun.
11am - 6pm
DR-35035543
hometowncomicsandgames.com
Pictured: Janice Kirby, left, keeps stats during a recent Mt. Vernon girls basketball game.20 FRIday, February 28, 2020 daily reporter • hancock county, indiana
9 p.m.
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‘I’M GOING to get out’
Young prisoner vows that
By Jessica Karins | Daily Reporter
jkarins@greenfieldreporter.com
G
REENFIELD — In the late evening at the Hancock County
Jail women’s wing, a nurse is handing out pills to many
this time, it will be different
of the inmates. There’s a long line for medication. Each
inmate’s prescription is written on an alphabetized card, and
they take their pills with small, plastic cups of water.daily reporter • hancock county, indiana FRIday, February 28, 2020 21
There’s a precision to this system, High School, and like many of the
but the crowd of women gathered in women in jail tonight, she’s here
a concrete common area is chaotic. because of drugs.
The jail is overcrowded — that’s why “I got in the wrong crowd of people,
the county government is planning to and started using drugs, and just got
build a new, larger one — and some of bored and kept using drugs and kept
the women are packed three to a tiny getting in trouble. But this time, I’m
holding cell. That means two people going to get out,” she says.
in bunk beds and one on a mattress She was initially locked up in May
on the floor. Others, those who are a on drug charges, but was part of a Pictured from left: Hancock County inmates Brianna Thompson and Sarah Wampler share a
risk for violence, are alone in locked work release program and was sober small cell. // Rebecca Jones, LPN, passes out medication to inmate Makala Cross at the Hancock
cells. for several months before relapsing. County Jail. // An inmate’s hand sticks out a jail door.
But the most noticeable thing about She’s been here, this time, for about
the jail, in the dead of winter, is that 60 days. “I get out February 29,
it’s hot. This is a constant problem. and I plan on being sober. I’ll be on
The inmates typically only put on the probation, so I want to get my life For fast, professional and
outer orange layer of their uniforms
when they have visitors.
together.”
Thompson has participated in experienced service call...
There’s a lot of overlapping chatter recovery programs in jail, including
when there are so many people in the Jail Interdiction Program estab-
a small space. Some of the women lished in 2018. The program is based
are talking about their suspicion on the 12-step approach popularized
that an inmate in another wing is an by Alcoholics Anonymous and encour-
undercover cast member on the TV
show “60 Days In.” Some are texting
ages participants to think about the
root causes of their drug abuse and
& Pump Service
— many of the women have a device how they can ask for help. Thompson
called Chirp, which allows them to hopes that what she’s experienced 246 N. Main St. • Maxwell, IN 46154
(317) 326-3675
DR-35035255
send text messages to family mem- while incarcerated will help her stay
bers. Some say they sleep during the off drugs.
day, because it’s easier or because “I think overall it made me
there’s nothing else to do. stronger. It helped me deal with
Brianna Thompson is one of three people, and I have anxiety really bad, Connecting Opportunities to
roommates in one of those tiny cells. so it’s helped with that too. I can cope Economic Success
The walls are covered in art the three with it in more healthy ways.”
of them have drawn as well as items Like a lot of the women, Thompson
from their family members. They has a daily routine. She stays up all Call us first! 317.477.7241
have a card table they made out of night and sleeps all day. Time goes by
milk cartons — this isn’t strictly al- faster that way, she says.
Hancock County Businesses--
lowed, but no one has taken it away When she’s released, she wants to HEDC is here to serve you Since 1985!
from them. get her own apartment, get a job, and
“There’s a boiler right under the have a normal life. • Site location assistance • Cost of doing business analysis
next cell,” one of Thompson’s room- “It’s hard sometimes. A lot of times • Liaison between local government & business community
I stay to myself and do what I gotta
HANCOCK ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
mates says. “It gets pretty hot.”
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Thompson is 23, but she looks do to get out,” she says. “It’s really
Greenfield, IN 46140
• Economic impact modeling …and much more!
younger. She’s a Hancock County na- survival in here. People should really
tive who went to Greenfield-Central try to not go to jail.” WWW.HANCOCKEDC.COM22 FRIday, FebRuaRy 28, 2020 daily reporter • hancock county, indiana
11 p.m.
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At DeAtH’s DooR
a routine patrol becomes a harrowing intervention to save a woman’s life
By JeSSica KarinS | Daily RepoRteR Hancock County sheriff’s deputy on the night held by her boyfriend’s father. He’s the one
jkarins@greenfieldreporter.com shift, has just responded to the scene. A few who made the call. He doesn’t know what
minutes earlier, he was on a standard, quiet she took, he says. Maybe heroin.
G
REENFIELD — At the scene of the over- patrol. Then he got the call and raced to Shawn Booker, a firefighter and paramedic
dose, there’s a TV show playing on mute the address at 85 miles per hour along dark with the Greenfield Fire Territory, is one of
in the living room. It’s one of those shows county roads. the first people to respond to the scene. He
about prison — something on A&E or the Dis- An ambulance and several other vehicles says paramedics found the woman uncon-
covery Channel about real life behind bars. A are already in the driveway of the small scious with agonal respiration — a kind of
lot of the people on the show are probably in home when he arrives. Inside, a woman labored, gasping breathing.
jail because of drugs. It’s the biggest cat- is lying unconscious in the kitchen. From They administer Narcan, the injectable
egory of crime in the United States. behind her is the faint sound of a baby begin- medication that can, in an emergency situa-
It’s late at night and Gary Achor, a ning to fuss — the woman’s 1-year-old child, tion, reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.daily reporter • hancock county, indiana FRIday, FebRuaRy 28, 2020 23
“It took two doses of Narcan to She denies taking anything. This
bring her out of it,” Booker says exchange repeats many times; she’s
after the fact. “She’d been clean for still repeating it outside in the am-
almost a year.” bulance, looking around with what
In fact, the family member on the seems like genuine confusion, or
scene told responders she had under- maybe fear.
gone a drug test earlier that same Achor says this is common. It’s easy
day from the Department of Child to understand why; anything said in
Services. Both the woman and her this vulnerable moment could be used
boyfriend have previous convictions, as evidence if the patient is charged
and their custody of their child was with a crime.
being monitored. That monitoring After the woman is taken to the
might have ended soon, had she not hospital, DCS is called, but she is not
relapsed. arrested. No one finds heroin or a
Perhaps, responders at the scene needle in her home.
speculate, she relapsed precisely What happened here is simple —
because she had been screened for despite her protestations and the
drugs earlier in the day, figuring missing injection method, it’s almost
she had a month or two before being certain this woman overdosed on
tested again. heroin. But the questions it raises
Achor and other responders begin are complex. What’s the best way
to search the woman’s bedroom for to help her? Is it a medication or an
drugs or for paraphernalia. It’s a abstinence-only treatment program?
small space, and it’s suffocatingly Would an arrest and a criminal
cluttered. There are clothes all over conviction do anything for her except
the floor. There are dozens of places throw her life into further disarray?
you could hide a heroin needle. Should her child stay with the family?
Achor finds what seems like an It’s a crime to possess illegal drugs,
Pictured from left: Hancock County sheriff’s deputies and paramedics discuss a woman’s con-
incredible number of bottles of but it’s also an indication of a mental
dition after she overdosed on drugs. First-responders revived her with two doses of Narcan, a
prescription drugs, but no opioids. product that reverses the effects of opioid overdoses. // Hancock County deputies Matt Kelly, left,
health problem. Many experts no and Gary Achor search a house for drugs after responding to an overdose.
He ponders the situation: If she
longer refer to “addiction,” but to
hadn’t overdosed on opioids, Narcan
substance abuse disorders.
wouldn’t have been able to revive her.
“Twenty years ago, we didn’t under-
Meanwhile, the woman’s boyfriend Far too many children
stand it as well as we do today, but a
arrives home. He says heroin is her
“drug of choice,” but that she hasn’t
relapse is often part of a recovery,”
Achor says.
suffered from abuse in Volunteer classes
been using for months. Hancock County in 2019.
In many ways, the most disturbing
Booker says this kind of call is
common — in fact, it’s almost daily. Want to help? YOU can help make
starting soon,
part of the scene is the baby, who is
Sometimes it’s too late — the patient
held in his father’s arms as the man
talks to the police and the para-
dies. That’s especially tough for re-
a difference by becoming a child
advocate. Sign up today! please call today
sponders, and they hold a debriefing
medics. The child has blond hair and
very wide eyes and isn’t crying. He’s
after those calls to talk about how it
affects them.
to help a child.
too young to understand what’s hap-
pening today.
This dynamic plays out all too
Sometimes, when paramedics re-
spond to an overdose, the patient isn’t 317-477-0034
often. According to data from the breathing. Sometimes their heart has
Department of Child Services’ Adop- stopped. The responders try to use
HANCOCK COUNTY
Hancock County CASA
tion and Foster Care Analysis and that to get through to them. DR-35035402
Reporting System, 87.1% of question- “We explain those things,” Booker
naires administered when children says. “‘You were technically dead,
are removed from their parents’ cus- and now you’re not, so you’ve got to
get some help.’” Scott McGauley Kelly Munden
tody in Hancock County indicate that Broker/Owner Broker
parental drug or alcohol abuse was a Achor says he’s often affected by 317-753-4384 317-691-7902
factor. That compares to the overall what he sees at overdose scenes, by
state percentage of 61.2%. the obvious stress and trauma of
Eventually, paramedics succeed in the family members. He knows this
reviving the woman and move her woman, like many struggling with ad-
onto a stretcher so she can be trans- diction, is trying to get help. He says
officers often ask drug users if they’re
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ported to the hospital.
“What did you take?” they ask her. ready to get help, but also that there ARE SELLING, LET US MARKET YOURS.
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DR-35034686
need to know so we can help you,” a than a deputy talking to them at the mcgauleyrealty.com
paramedic says. scene,” Achor says.24 FRIday, February 28, 2020 daily reporter • hancock county, indiana
midnight
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THIRD-
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rushdaily reporter • hancock county, indiana FRIday, February 28, 2020 25
‘NEVER SAY THE Q-WORD’
In Hancock Regional emergency room, staffers pass the time warily
G
REENFIELD — Heart moni- that may be so, it should never be de- Sugar Creek Fire Department wheel especially this time of year, along with
tors beep on computer screens clared, for fear of jinxing the moment. in a man complaining of pain all over chest pain, shortness of breath and
in the nurses’ station in Hancock “Never say the Q-word,” says Krissy due to leeches, none of which seem to other breathing problems.
Regional Hospital’s emergency depart- Golden, patient care technician. be apparent The ER gets about 60 to 80 pa-
ment. A persistent cough rattles from About six or seven work the over- The staff concludes his troubles are tients a day, Golden said. Sometimes
down the hall. night shift in the ER, Golden says, probably a psychiatric issue. patients can’t be seen right away and
Staff in scrubs work at their com- including nurses, radiology employees, Beyond the nurses’ station are 14 are addressed based on the severity of
puters, some with office phones a secretary and a doctor. regular rooms and four trauma rooms, their illness or injury.
pressed against their ears. They’re currently looking after nine one of which holds a woman recov- “It’s not like a restaurant, where it’s
There’s a business to the atmo- patients, soon to be 10, as an ambu- ering from a drug overdose. first-come, first-serve,” Golden said.
sphere, but it’s calm and collected. lance has just pulled up outside. Golden said typical ailments
Other than that, it’s quiet. And while Moments later, paramedics with the during the overnight shift are the flu, — Mitchell Kirk
Pictured: John Heald, Sugar Creek paramedic, cleans his gurney after a run to the Hancock Regional Hospital’s emergency room.
Thank you to all of
Restaurant is a popular overnight stop our customers and
community for 29
G MOORE’S
REENFIELD — Eggs and sausages Jaylynne Flannagan, a server at years of support!
sizzle and silverware clinks against Waffle House, says business usually
REPAIR SERVICE
plates as orange juice swirls in picks up when local factory shifts “More For Less”
We look forward
a clear tank at the Waffle House in end.
Greenfield. It’s the only place in town open 24/7 317-462-7734 to serving you in
A gaggle of men at the counter sip where you can sit down and eat, she 2980 N. STATE STREET
the future. From all
GREENFIELD, IN
from mugs and make small talk with adds. (1/2 MILE NORTH OF I-70)
a pair of apron-appareled employees “I love all my regulars,” Flannagan www.mooresrepair.net of us at Moore’s
working before a backdrop of stainless says.
DR-35035256
Repair Service
steel commercial kitchen equipment. During slow times, she squeezes
Steven Westerfield, third shift in some schoolwork for her business
supervisor, says Thursdays, Fridays administration and human resources
and Saturdays are the busiest days studies at Ivy Tech Community Col-
to work overnight, a time when the lege in Lawrence.
restaurant’s All-Star Breakfasts and Business also tends to pick up Since 1981
Breakfast Bowls are its hottest sellers. around 2:30 a.m., when bars are
Activity ebbs and flows throughout 39 YEARS, OVER 10,000 CUSTOMERS,
getting ready to close, ushering in a
the wee hours, Westerfield says. AND STILL GOING STRONG!
clientele Westerfield and Flannagan
“It’ll be like a ghost town,” he says, say can be “entertaining.”
Thank you Hancock County for keeping us busy with
work all these years! As we’ve been blessed, we hope
“then, boom! They’ll all come in at to be a blessing back.
once.” — Mitchell Kirk If you have a home improvement project coming up
this year, give us a call for a FREE estimate.
We’ll work to give you a great product with superior
Pictured: Jaylynne Flannagan works the night shift at the Waffle House in Greenfield. When not service, making your project as stress-free as possible!
clearing tables or taking orders she works on her homework for her degree at IvyTech College.
ROOFING SIDING WINDOWS DOORS DR-35034687
317-894-0152
WWW.CUSTOMEXTERIORS.COM26 FRIday, February 28, 2020 daily reporter • hancock county, indiana
2 A.m.
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LIGHTS OUT
Hope House has a reason for its nighttime curfew hours
G
REENFIELD — Steve Ramsey, twice a week. Ramsey hangs out Hope House enforces its lights- of days they’ve stayed. Residents
night shift monitor at Hancock in the office, keeping an eye on out rule as a way to help get can remain at Hope House for
Hope House, sits in the glow of the security monitor. If residents residents into a routine. about 35 days. If things go ac-
the security monitor in an office of need anything, they come up to “We don’t want people staying cording to plan, residents in their
the homeless shelter. his window. up all night and trying to work,” new lives will be able to keep
On this night, the facility is Residents aren’t supposed to Ramsey says. regular hours and develop posi-
housing about 30 people. be out and about between 11 p.m. A large chart covers a wall in tive routines — things they will
That’s pretty full, Ramsey says, and 5 a.m., Ramsey said, but one the office indicating when and have learned at Hope House from
adding there are two open beds has an infant and has to get up where residents are working; nights like this.
for men and one for women. occasionally throughout the night when they have visits; their
He volunteers to work overnight to feed. release dates; and the number — Mitchell Kirk
Pictured: Steve Ramsey of the Hope House works the night shift.daily reporter • hancock county, indiana FRIday, FebRuaRy 28, 2020 27
3 A.m.
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A wAypoint
in tHe niGHt
truck stop is an epicenter
of cargo and caffeine
s
HIRLEY/WILKINSON — What’s he hauling in his trailer
Patrick Payne pulls his emblazoned with “USF Holland”?
semitrailer truck into the He doesn’t know, and he doesn’t
Speedway truck stop just east care.
of the Hancock-Henry county “We haul everything from bul-
border. lets to snow shovels,” he said.
Beyond him stretch long lines Inside the truck stop, a mi-
of rigs with drivers resting in crowave hums while a traveler
their cabs. Every once in a awaits a quick meal.
while a hiss of brakes will join Brooke Stewart monitors sev-
the chorus of chugging engines eral shelves of coffee pots during
filling the cold air with the sour her overnight shift.
smell of diesel. The hot, caffeinated beverage
Payne regularly makes the trip along with soda and cigarettes
from Edwardsville, Illinois, to are the biggest nocturnal sellers,
the Indiana truck stop, where he she said.
unhooks his trailer for a fellow Stewart added business is
driver to pick up and haul back pretty slow until around 5 a.m.,
to Akron, Ohio. The million- when the day starts to begin for
mile driver says the spot serves many in the area.
as a midpoint for a lot of truck
drivers. — Mitchell Kirk
Pictured: Patrick Payne, who has logged a million miles as a truck driver, prepares to 332 E. Main St., Greenfie
DR-35034682
ld
transfer his trailer to another driver. 317-462-3401
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