Bainbridge unveils bicentennial flag

Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Bainbridge Councilmen Jerry Lents (left) and Chuck McElwee put on display a bicentennial flag to be flown throughout Indiana's 199th year. (Banner Graphic/NICK WILSON)

BAINBRIDGE -- Town council members at Bainbridge's monthly meeting commenced the state's bicentennial era Wednesday by exhibiting a new commemorative flag.

Jerry Lents, Chuck McElwee and Joel Thompson displayed the flag, saying that it will be used in various capacities throughout Indiana's 199th year.

"On this occasion, Indiana's current 199th birthday, we honor the beginning of the bicentennial year," Board President McElwee said. "Our community plans to honor this singular time in Indiana history by setting a course for our future and preparing a path for our youth. We will raise a flag ... for all who visit our fair town."

McElwee went on to proclaim Dec. 11, 2015 as Indiana Statehood Day and the official kickoff of the bicentennial, inviting all of the town's residents to note the occasion and celebrate the coming year.

In other business:

* Bainbridge Improvement Society (BIS) member Thursa Evens reported on updates for the group, including background information on the group's beginnings and its current efforts. Gleaners Food Pantry, which visited Bainbridge on Saturday, Dec. 12, will be returning to Bainbridge on Dec. 19 as well. Food distribution begins at 10 a.m. in the large social room of the Community Building. Participants are asked to bring their own boxes or food bags. Volunteers are asked to dress for the cold with 9 a.m. preparations.

* Putnam County Hospital representatives Kathy Clodfelter and Jane Littiken presented a brief report on some recent developments at the healthcare facility.

* The Park Board reported on its annual budget meeting, saying it took a "long, hard look at its numbers." McElwee said the council had approved a renewal of last year's budget.

* Utility Superintendent Troy Elless reported that some training seminars had been attended and the status a new "line" truck was given, with Elless saying it should arrive at the first of next year.

* Marshal Rodney Fenwick reported that year-end training has gone well and that the rest of the month had "been kind of quiet." Fenwick further stated that, during his recent trip to Colorado, he was "just down the street" when the latest shooting incident took place.

* The board declared (with unanimous approval) several historical items donated by various members of the community. Clerk-treasurer Jason Hartman has collected a wide array of historical documents and items over many years and generously donated the items to the town of Bainbridge to be put on display at a later date.

* Monica Bray was officially recognized as clerk-treasurer, beginning Jan. 1.

The next town council meeting for Bainbridge will be on Wednesday, Jan. 13 at 7 p.m.

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