Combs Road Re-Opening – No Change.  It will remain in unimproved status and can still be used by citizens.  A “Petition to Close” will be needed to permanently restrict the road from any vehicle use.

• • Dec 18, 2024. Commissioners leave Combs Road closed after residents object By Dave Stafford -December 18, 2024
  • This article and comments are posted at Brown County Matters.

• Indiana Forest Alliance – Brown Co. Commissioners Plot Combs Creek Disaster
  • • Since there has been maintenance on the trails, the gate will remain and would require a majority vote by the commissioners to remove it. Commissioner Sanders and Pittman stated they were not in favor of removing the gate.   No support from the ORV group to open.   Sheriff did not support opening.
    • Reasons for closing:  Crime, trash, remoteness of the area hampered emergency services, weapons fire, 4pm to 4am observed as popular times for parties in the area. It was a popular spot for jeeps and 4-wheelers, which contributed to the erosion, ruts, and unsafe conditions that led to the road being closed. 
    • Combs Road – Proposed Re-Opening – Forest Service Response – For the Record
    • Indiana Forest Alliance – Brown Co. Commissioners Plot Combs Creek Disaster
    • IFA – Dave Seastrom

Board Appointments.  The vote was tabled until the next meeting scheduled for the last week of the year. Date TBD.

• • County Council Appointments – Brown County Democrat
  • Council and Commissioner Vacancies – Posted at Brown County Matters

Economic Development District. Councilman Scott Rudd received support from the two outgoing commissioners for joining Owen and Monroe County to establish an Economic Development District (EDD). The intent is to increase eligibility for federal grants. 

Nov 15, 2024. County Website: Brown County Boards and Their Members

Highway Superintendent Report Dec 18, 2024

Notes: County Comprehensive Plan. Regarding the proposed Combs Road re-opening, this kind of proposed change that led to a fierce backlash can be prevented through a better County Comprehsiece Plan, which is currently under development. This is the plan that allows citizens the opportunity to identify what they want and do not want in terms of change that is protected through zoning and ordinances.

The plan will help identify the criteria to be considered before making a change. In the case of Combs Road area, preservation, natural beauty of the land, quiet space for mushroom hunting, hiking, walking, and bicycling were all identified of being of high value to citizens. This was in opposition to the desire by Commissioner Wolpert to promote Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) use and destination tourism in the Story and Elkinsville area. The ORV Group in Brown County that supported the development of the county ORV ordinance did not support re-opening Combs Road for ORV use.

Local party officers include the Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. The central committee also includes the 11 precinct committeemen. Vice committeemen can also speak up. New elections for officers are in March 2025 and are voted on by the precinct committeemen and their vices.