Public Hearing Held on Road Work Through Greentown

   On Wednesday, April 13, 2011, at 6:00 p.m. at the Eastern Jr./Sr. High School Cafeteria, the Indiana Department of Transportation held a public hearing.  All interested persons were given an opportunity to comment on current design plans for the proposed roadway rehabilitation of US 35 from Wildcat Creek to SR 213. 
   From Wildcat Creek to Hammer Street the pavement and shoulders will be ground and removed down to the base and overlaid, with sidewalks added along the south side.  From Hammer Street to SR 213 the existing pavement and sidewalks will be replaced. 
   Parallel parking lanes will be provided for on-street parking from Green to Howard Streets.  There will be no parking lanes outside this area.  The traffic signal will be modernized. 
   Storm sewers will be reconstructed to improve drainage for the entire corridor and will outlet into Wildcat Creek near the town boat launch.
    No displacement of residents or businesses will be involved.     Local access to all residences, schools and businesses will be maintained using side streets, temporary entrances or other appropriate means. 
   The project will be constructed in phases from west to east.  US 35 will be closed to through traffic during construction.  Tentative timetables were discussed during the formal presentation.  Public statements for the record were taken after the presentation. Comments will be accepted for 2 weeks after the hearing. 
   Documents on the design plans are available for viewing at the Greentown Public Library and at the Government Center North, 100 North Senate, Indianapolis, and at the INDOT office in Greenfield.

Greentown Equipment Celebrates 50 Years

   Any business which has been around for 50 years has amassed many memories, both from owners and customers.  George and Carolyn Howell started Greentown Equipment on January 1, 1961 at the same location it is today, on East Uncle Tom Street.  They started out as an Allis Chalmers dealer and soon added Gleaner, Ford (New Holland), Bobcat and Kubota. and some other lines.     On March 15, 2011, about 250  current customers, retired farmers, and dealers enjoyed lunch and fellowship at the Community Building at the Howard County 4-H Fairgrounds. As Dan Adams, Sales Representative and employee for the past 38 years, observed, when a business has been in existence 50 years, it is serving the 3rd generation in many instances. 
   One such family is the Middlesworths of Swayzee.  Darrell Middlesworth (now deceased) bought an Allis Chalmers D-19 in 1964 from Greentown Equipment.  His sons Max and Danny and grandson Brett continue the family farm, planting corn, soy beans and tomatoes.  They continue to look to Greentown
Equipment for their equipment needs.  Their most recent purchase was a 1300 bushel auger wagon.  They comment that salesmen and service managers have become friends. Some who are retired still stop at the farm to visit.  The Middlesworths praise the business, saying, “They keep the personal touch.  You are not just a number.”  They also noted that, as they are the 3rd generation of customers, they also have worked with 3 generations of Howells, first George, then his son Brad, and now Brad’s son Zach.

Round Barn to Find New Home - from April 2011 issue

           Round Barn to Find New Home
   There is only one round barn left in Howard County and it is south of Greentown, just beyond the township line in Taylor Township and near the community of Guy.  Built in 1909 by Lawrence Armfield, it has been owned by the Armfield and Moyers families.  With the passing of Isaac Moyers, the Moyers family offered the barn to the Greentown Lions Club.  The Lions accepted the barn and intend to relocate it to the Pioneer Village.  As a part of the Pioneer Village it will be enjoyed by visitors to the Howard County 4-H Fair and to others who use the fairgrounds throughout the year.  The Lions state that, “The barn will further our goal of preserving and celebrating our shared local cultural history.”
   As much of the original structure will be used as possible, however, the barn needs some structural and roof renovation.  The best estimate of the cost of moving and renovating the barn exceeds $250,000.  Donations of any amount may be sent to the Greentown Lions Club, P.O. Box 275, Greentown, IN 46936 or taken to any First Farmers Bank & Trust location.  Donations of $500, $1,000, $2,500, $5,000 and higher will be recognized by name.  Messages may be relayed to any committee member, Bryan Kirkpatrick, Jay Freeman, David Eikenberry, Jerry Kendall, Dennis Maple, Steve Winger, Deborah Winger, Kevin Moss, Ferris Petty, Darwin Graham, or Bill Johnson, or by leaving a message at 765-628-3247.