In case you missed it – April 11

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Problem intersection getting upgrades

NEW PALESTINE — Patty Glover was working in her garden in the backyard the first time she heard it — the unmistakable crunch of two cars colliding.

That was some 17 years ago, when she’d just moved to the home on the southwest corner of Gem Road and County Road 300S. But it was a sound that became all too familiar over the years and made her cringe every time.

While her family has filled the large brick house with memories, their front yard has collected a few stories of its own: Too many times, the lush green grass there has been littered with the debris of a car accident.

After a fatal car accident at the site last month, Hancock County officials are heeding public outcry to make the intersection safer. They have ordered larger stop signs to install in place of the standard-sized signs that are there now.

Work on new fairgrounds progressing

GREENFIELD — Work toward building a new county fairgrounds is slowly progressing, but proponents are calling for community stakeholders to get on board to make the plan a reality.

Late last year, plans were revealed to build an exposition center, new animal barns, a large show arena and more on county farmland on U.S. 40 between county roads 400E and 500E.

Now, supporters of the project are organizing public information sessions, which they say will take the planning to the next step.

Moving the fairgrounds to the new location, which is owned by the county, would allow it to double in size and could open the door to adding businesses including restaurants, inns and shops.

It’s a goal that fell short 10 years ago when a similar project, then estimated to cost $18 million, was proposed and ultimately shelved when elected officials and nonprofit leaders were unable to decide how to pay for it and who would run the site.

Mayoral debate highlights candidates’ similarities in goals

GREENFIELD — Chuck Fewell and Judy Swift share many of the same goals and visions for the city of Greenfield.

That became something of a joke Tuesday night at the Hancock County Public Library in a debate between the two, who are seeking the Republican nomination for mayor.

When asked what sets him apart from his opponent, incumbent Chuck Fewell quipped, “I’m a male, and she’s a female.”

He went on to tout his leadership skills and experience in local and state government, while Swift lauded her longtime commitment to the community.