Supporting heroes

Another community has joined the Hometown Heroes Project.

Redkey Town Council agreed Tuesday to contribute $1,152 toward hardware needed to install banners honoring local veterans downtown.

Krista and Troy Muhlenkamp launched the Jay County Hometown Heroes Project more than three years ago in honor of their late son, Jake, who died at the age of 15 in October 2020 after an off-road vehicle he was driving hit a utility pole. 

    A Jay County Hometown Heroes banner is hung in Portland in 2023. Redkey Town Council on Tuesday approved funding to purchase brackets for banners as the organization expands to the town. The initial purchase will accommodate banners displaying 24 veterans. Jay County Hometown Heroes currently has banners in Portland and Dunkirk. (The Commercial Review/Ray Cooney)
  

Banners can be made for any veteran who was honorably discharged and who at any time has lived in Jay County. A different veteran will be placed on each side of the banner.

In June 2022, Krista Muhlenkamp approached Redkey Town Council requesting it pay for the hardware to hang the banners in the downtown area. The board at that time verbally agreed to factor in the cost to the next year’s budget, but action was never taken on the matter.

Redkey resident Bill Hall shared the project Tuesday with council members, none of whom were in office when Muhlenkamp first gave a presentation to Redkey. 

Hall explained towns involved typically pay for the brackets, which cost about $48 apiece. Two brackets are needed to hang a double-sided banner on each light pole. He suggested allocating funds to hang banners on a dozen poles for $1,152. That would allow for displaying 24 veterans.

Banners are $45 and are typically paid for by veterans’ family members.

Hall shared plans to post applications around town. Heather Grady of Redkey Community Development Corporation said her organization would help with coordinating efforts.

“I love these, they put these up in other towns,” said council president Brenda Beaty.

Portland, Dunkirk, Pennville and Bryant also participate in the Hometown Heroes program. Krista Muhlenkamp said via text Tuesday that adding Redkey to the list is a win.

Council member “Watermellon” Jim Phillips pointed to various veterans’ photos he already owns. He said he would like to hang them at Redkey Town Hall at no cost. He also questioned whether the banners would survive the winter outdoors, with Hall pointing out the banners are displayed during warmer months and are made to withstand the elements.

Council agreed to pay for the brackets, with Phillips dissenting.

Also Tuesday, town marshal Alex Heath informed the public about a state investigation into issues with the evidence room at Redkey Town Hall.

Heath had been attending Indiana Law Enforcement Academy until recently. He worked weekends in Redkey when he wasn’t in training.

“When I came back, I did an initial inventory of the evidence room, and there is some discrepancies,” he said. “I’m not going to point any fingers at all, I just want the board and the townspeople to know that state police is investigating it, and that will come through.”

Heath said he would be open to discussing the issue in more detail with council in an executive session with the town attorney present, who he said is aware of the incident.

Relatedly, council tabled a decision on purchasing evidence software for the room to keep it secure moving forward.

Heath received a $3,450 quote from PMI Evidence Tracker, saying its product could help secure the room. He said that cost would be a one-time fee to install the software.

“It holds all the officers responsible,” he said.

Council members decided to hold off on the purchase until they’re able to look into the town’s available finances. They plan to revisit the topic next month.

Relatedly, council also OK’d spending up to $1,000 for uniforms and equipment to send officer Jonathan Filameno to Indiana Law Enforcement Academy from Jan. 5 through March 9.

Also Tuesday, council introduced an ordinance that would allow the town to fine those who are found in Redkey Morgan Park after posted hours. Fines would be given in $50 increments, with the cost not to exceed $500. Beaty explained the ordinance aims to address loiterers and issues with vandalism. The town is working to install new signs around the park listing its regular hours.

Council also introduced next year’s salary ordinance. Clerk-treasurer Gloria May said 3% raises were incorporated into the budget. Beaty cautioned council, suggesting the town hold off on raises in light of the impending tax effects of Senate Enrolled Act 1. Council member Byron Daugherty said he would like more time to look into whether the town could make cuts to give employees raises, and he dissented.

Council will consider adopting both ordinances at its next meeting.

In other business, council members Jenny Staver, Byron Daugherty, Floyd Life, Phillips and Beaty:

•Expressed support for starting in-fill housing efforts in Redkey. Jay County Development Corporation executive director Ceann Bales noted Jay County Commissioners on Monday approved donating 19 Dunkirk properties that have gone through multiple tax sales without being purchased, with plans for Dunkirk Industrial Development Corporation to rehabilitate the properties. 

•Approved the following: renewing employee insurance rates for next year, with the cost increasing $122 per month; and interlocal fire response agreements with Redkey Fire Department and surrounding townships.

•Decided not to sign up for TextMyGov, a paid messaging service to deliver notifications to residents via cell phone. Beaty said many residents in town don’t have access to phones and pointed to the town’s website and Facebook page.

•Were reminded Staver has applications available for folks interested in joining the newly formed Redkey Park Board.

•Heard a request from Beaty for a town employee to become Pavement Surface Evaluation and Rating (PACER) certified in order to continue applying for Community Crossings grants through the state.

•Discussed issues with minors operating all-terrain vehicles around town, with Heath saying he takes action when laws aren’t followed. A Redkey resident later in the meeting expressed issues with a neighbor’s teenage son causing a ruckus on his four-wheeler as well as problems with the alley next to her home.

•Talked about enforcing the town’s animal ordinance, with Beaty noting she has received calls about roosters waking up residents. (Per the town’s ordinance, hens are allowed, but roosters are not.) Heath noted in the ordinance’s current form he may fine residents and take the matter to court.

•Recognized Amy and Heather Grady for their volunteer efforts, including recent work to establish nonprofit organization Redkey Community Development Corporation.

•Made $111.70 in water bill adjustments.

•Paid $131,288.48 in claims.