American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
Updated Jan 20, 2022

Misc: ARPA-Funding –  Inspired Marketing?

• • Prosperity-thru-Equity-Final-Report-1020 – Rural America Thomas P. Miller and Associates. This group develoed the Brown County Economic Development Strategic Plan . The plan was approved for payment but not content. It met the minimum requirements for the state funded grant.
  • Results were determined from a non-statistically valid survey (page 2) – anecedotes and heresay.
  • Note also County Council Scott Rudd started his own company to support funding by the Feds for expanding broadband.

    • Local Scott Rudd is bringing his broadband knowledge back home to Brown County by starting his own consulting business. Rudd recently started his own business, Rudd Consulting LLC, and one of his first clients is Thomas P. Miller and Associates. Rudd will work with TPMA as a strategic advisor.  

  • Brown County 2019 – Econ Development Strategic Plan and Timeline

Dec 8, 2021. BCD. Objectives set for how first round of relief funding will be spent, commissioners to discuss requests this week by Suzannah Couch

• • Earlier this year it was announced that Brown County would receive nearly $3 million in relief funding from the American Rescue Plan Act to help with the local response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The amount the county is getting through the ARP is almost six times more than the $494,248 the county received in CARES Act funding last year. The ARPA money will be split into two payments. The county received its first payment this summer, totalling around $1.4 million.

  • Before administering any of the ARPA money, the Brown County Commissioners planned to set up objectives for how to distribute the money.

    At the Nov. 17 meeting, Commissioner Diana Biddle announced the objectives for the first round of funding would be to provide funding for projects that “develop and advance essential infrastructure improvements.”

Updated: Dec 8, 2021.

Town of Nashville – Current Noise Ordinance Ordinance 2012-14

Ordinance 2021-07 (Link) Town of Nashville Ordinance Regulating Sound –draft #1

• • PDF Copy: Ordinance+2021-07+Town+of+Nashville+Ordinance+Regulating+Sound+-draft+#1+jtr

Brown County Matters – Facebook Post (of this post). Nashville NOISE Ordinance and Outdoor Music – Changes needed? The topic was discussed at the Town Council Meeting on Nov 18, 2021. This is a quality of life issue for residents. And, it’s understandable that a business catering to the tourist industry would want an entertainment option that increases sales of food and alcohol. What are the priorities?  What is Brown “County’s” Economic Engine? Spoiler Alert: It is NOT tourism.

The desire for outdoor music in Nashville has been expressed by business establishments catering to the tourist industry.  Hard Truth Hills built an outdoor music stage in 2019 that received numerous complaints from surrounding residents.  Modications to the stage were made in 2020 but have not resolved the complaints.   

A Noise Committee was established  in 2021 and being led by Town Council member Nancy Crocker.  However, no meetings have been scheduled and email is being used initially to share information on proposed changes. At the Nov 18, 2021 Town Council meeting, resident Deby Rogers expressed her oppostion to the “email” option and wanted actual committee meetings.

Ms. Crocker stated that making “no” changes to the exisitng ordinance is a possibility. The emails have included ideas (below) on possible significant changes to the ordinance:

• • IDEAS for Changes – Town Noise Ordinance  (distributed via email).”..It shall be unlawful under this ordinance to: “Intentionally create sound/noise louder than 90 decibels between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday or between 11:00 p.m. and 7 a.m. on Friday or Saturday.”

Nov 18, 2021. Town Council Meeting – Noise Ordinance – Audio

• • Comments from residents:  Deby Rogers 1:50:30 to – 2:03  and Brandon Harris: 2:07 – 2:21
  • Nashville has an existing noise ordinance that is not being enforced and difficult to enforce. Complaints after 4:00 pm are managed by the county sheriff – not the Nashville PD. The county does not maintain records on calls and disposition.
  • Issues of excessive noise caused by motorcyles was also discussed.  This was the issue that prompted development of the ordinance.
  • The application to build a stage was approved by Nashville but no application was approved allowing outdoor music, Nor was there an application for an RV Park.
    (Ref: Nov 18, 2021 Town Council Meeting)

Nov 4, 2021. Town council approves short-term noise ordinance committee. Abigail Youmans. Discussion about noise complaints in town spurred the creation of a short-term noise ordinance committee to further look at the issue following the Nashville Town Council meeting last month.

July 7, 2021. Does town still need a noise ordinance? Feedback wanted on changes. Sara Clifford. The Nashville Town Council is asking for feedback about changes proposed to its noise ordinance — or whether the town even needs a noise ordinance at all. 

June 3, 2021.  Hard Truth Hills requests changes to noise ordinance by Sara Clifford. 

• • It’s nighttime porch-sitting weather again and pandemic restrictions are waning.
  • The result: Live outdoor music is coming back in a big way in Brown County.
  • Three owners and a vice president of Hard Truth Hills approached the Nashville Town Council on May 20 to ask for modifications to to be made the town’s noise ordinance or a new ordinance to be written, taking into consideration the impact that live music has on Nashville’s and Brown County’s culture and visitor draw.

Jan 13, 2022. Looking forward: Parks and rec submits 5-year plan to DNR; public comments still welcome By  Abigail Youmans

• • Brown Couty matters – Facebook post of the article

Dec 14, 2021. LETTER: County parks and rec thanks volunteers by Mark Shields.  To the editor: Brown County Parks and Recreation would like to extend our sincere appreciation to a small group of dedicated volunteers. Collectively, these individuals have contributed nearly 400 hours this year of mowing and groundskeeping labor. With their help, the playing fields, walking trails and natural features at Deer Run Park have continued to accommodate both residents and visitors alike. Special thanks to Keith Baker, Ed Wrightsman, Travis Sommers, Dean Keefauver and Clark Greiner for all your efforts. We truly appreciate all you have done. With your help, we look forward to continuing to provide a well-maintained park for our community. – Mark Shields, director, Brown County Parks and Recreation

Dec 9, 2021. GUEST OPINION: Feedback needed on draft of parks and rec five-year master plan, by Kara Hammes.  According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources website, there are many reasons to create a five-year parks and recreation master plan.

• • Time for public comment and questions will also be provided at the December 15th meeting of the Brown County Parks Board. The BCPR Board meeting will be held at 5:15pm on Wednesday, December 15th at the BCPRD Office at Deer Run Park:

Comments on the Plan – Including posts from Brown County Matters 2021_12_15 Parks and Rec Master Plan Comments

• • Brown County Matters – Facebook Post

Link to the the 5-Year Plan – Overview and Full Document

• • Overvierw – bcpr-master-plan-2022-2027-overview
  • Full Document – bcpr-master-plan-2022-2027

Email Message – Kara Hammes Monday Dec 6, 2021.

I am sending this e-mail to share that the draft Brown County Parks and Rec 5-Year Master Plan is available for review and public comment.  Many of you were directly involved in the development of this plan, while others do work that’s critical to Parks and Rec’s ability to fulfill it’s purpose in the community – either way, thank you.

A lot of work has already gone into collecting data and feedback from the community, and developing the plan to this point, but our final plan is only good if it accurately represents the needs and desires of the Brown County community at large, which is why we’re sharing the plan and asking for anyone that is interested to take some time to review and provide their feedback.

An electronic copy of the plan can be downloaded at www.bcparksrec.com/5-year-plan/.  Paper copies are available for review at the Purdue Extension – Brown County Office (802 Memorial Dr) or the Brown County Parks & Rec Office (902 Deer Run Ln, Suite B) during regular business hours (M-F, 8am-4pm)

The first draft of our plan is due to Indiana DNR by January 15, 2022, and the Brown County Parks and Rec Board is accepting written comments and questions until 4pm on Wednesday, December 15^th, 2021.   Time for public comment and questions will also be provided at the December 15^th meeting of the Brown County Parks Board.  The BCPR Board meeting will be held at 5:15pm on Wednesday, December 15^th at the BCPRD Office at Deer Run Park.  A virtual options for attendance at the meeting will also be provided.

I’ve included the write-up that was submitted to the Democrat below, because it has more details about why you should care about this plan, the priorities that were identified, and how to submit any comments or questions you may have.  Feel free to forward this e-mail to anyone else that may be interested.

Thanks in advance – I hope to hear from many of you, or see you at our Board meeting on the 15^th!

Kara Hammes, MPH

Extension Educator, Health and Human Sciences & Ag and Natural Resources

Brown County Extension Director

Purdue Extension- Brown County

802 Memorial Drive, PO Box 7, Nashville, IN 47448

O: 812-988-5495

E: khammes@purdue.edu

Write-up submitted to the Brown County Democrat (version that is published will have some edits compared to what is shared below)

According to the Indiana DNR website, there are many reasons to create a 5-Year Parks and Recreation Master Plan, including but not limited to:

• Formulating a written framework for future action that acts as a guide for sensible facility and service development
• Providing community input opportunities
• Ensuring that the public actually wants the facilities that are developed
• Providing an opportunity to share information about your programs and facilities with the public
• Giving a clear sense of direction for the park system
• Improving funding opportunities

I have served as a member of the Brown County Parks and Recreation Board for the last 2.5 years (since being hired as the Purdue Extension HHS & ANR Educator in May 2019) and I can confidently say that I whole-heartedly agree with this list of reasons for why we need a 5-Year Parks and Recreation Master Plan in Brown County.

 It’s for all these reasons and more that I’m excited to share that the Brown County Parks and Recreation Department (BCPRD) is in the final stages of preparing a draft Parks & Recreation 5-Year Master Plan to submit to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources for approval, and we need your feedback before we do! 

 Our first draft is due to DNR by January 15, 2022, and our final report will be submitted prior to April 15, 2022, which will make the Brown County Parks and Recreation Department eligible for Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grants in 2022.

 A lot of work has already gone into collecting data and feedback from the community, and developing the plan to this point, but our final plan is only good if it accurately represents the needs and desires of the Brown County community at large.

 What is the Brown County Parks and Rec Department and why should the Master Plan matter to you?

The BCPRD owns and/or manages four properties and over 200 acres of land in Brown County.  The primary property is Deer Run Park (72 acres) and the other three are land on SR 135 N (140+ acres), the Salt Creek Trail, and the Sycamore Valley Community Center.  In addition to these physical amenities, the BCPRD offers youth and adult sports leagues and other special programming, along with community events like the annual Easter Egg hunt, Trick-or-Treat on the Trail, and more.

 Historically, BCPRD facilities and programs have served residents, neighboring communities, and tourists alike, and remains committed to making BCPRD facilities and services available and accessible to anyone, regardless of resident status, ability to pay, or physical/mental ability. However, as part of this planning process the Brown County Parks and Recreation Department and Board are reaffirming our focus and responsibility to specifically serving the citizens and community members of Brown County.

 How was the plan and its priorities developed?

Much of the data and input for this master plan was gathered during the “Enhancing the Value of Public Spaces: Creating Healthy Communities” (EVPS:CHC) process – a Purdue University Extension Signature Program which was undertaken in Brown County from late-2019 through mid-2021 and has been covered in more detail previously in the Brown County Democrat. 

 The EVPS:CHC process consisted of four in-person community “Open Houses” held in September, 2020 (24 attendees), a community survey that was available for response from September-December 2020 (336 responses), and four working groups that met virtually three times between November, 2020 and February, 2021 (22 community participants and 6 Purdue Extension facilitators).

 Issues identified based on public, Board, and staff input

Based on all the data, feedback, and suggestions gathered throughout this planning process, the following issues have been identified:

• More programs needed for all ages, going beyond youth-based programs and sports leagues
• More options needed for indoor and year-round community-focused spaces and programming
• Lack of accessibility of facilities, programs and policies
• Addressing long-term maintenance needs of existing amenities and facilities
• Lack of certain desired “signature amenities” within the community (most popular requests include an indoor, multi-purpose sport and community facility; bicycle pump track; outdoor pickleball court(s); splashpad/water feature)
• Limited availability of funding and manpower across the board

• Lack of a safe, multi-use trail to access Deer Run Park via foot, bike, or other non-motorist transportation options
• Lack of a detailed and comprehensive land use plan for Deer Run Park

 Proposed 5-Year Master Plan Priorities (2022-2027)

• Finalize a detailed and comprehensive land use plan for Deer Run Park, which should address issues and future plans for (at minimum) the:
  • Four lower ball diamonds in the floodway
  • Old office building
  • Disc golf course
  • Additional shelter house(s)
  • Maintenance equipment and supply storage
  • Possible access points for future multi-use trail from Nashville
  • Potential for future “signature amenities”
• Create new educational, experiential, and “life-long learning” programs for people of all ages
• Identify ways to increase accessibility throughout existing facilities and programming.  Improvements may need to be phased in for cost reasons, but need to be a priority. 
• Increase focus, planning, and fundraising for the development of a safe, multi-use trail to access Deer Run Park via foot, bike, or other non-motorist transportation options.
• Overall greater and more targeted fundraising efforts

 How can you help?

All of the data and feedback that was used to identify these issues and priorities – and much more information that’s relevant to BCPRD facilities and programming in the future – is covered in the full Brown County 5-Year Park and Recreation Master Plan and we invite all interested parties to review the plan and provide their comments, suggestions, and other feedback for the BCPR Board’s consideration. 

 An electronic copy of the plan can be downloaded at www.bcparksrec.com/5-year-plan/ .  Paper copies are available for review at the Purdue Extension – Brown County Office (802 Memorial Dr) or the Brown County Parks & Rec Office (902 Deer Run Ln, Suite B) during regular business hours (M-F, 8am-4pm)

 Written comments or questions should be submitted by 4pm on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 by either:

• E-mailing: khammes@purdue.edu
• Mailing to: Brown County Parks & Rec, PO Box 299, Nashville, IN 47448
• Or dropping off in-person to the Brown County Parks & Rec Office, located at Deer Run Park

 Time for public comment and questions will also be provided at the December 15^th meeting of the Brown County Parks Board.  The BCPR Board meeting will be held at 5:15pm on Wednesday, December 15^th at the BCPRD Office at Deer Run Park:

902 Deer Run Ln, Suite B

Nashville, IN 47448

A virtual option for attending the meeting will also be provided.  Please contact Michelle Mosley at (812) 988-5522 or mosleymr@browncounty-in.us to request the details for the Zoom link.

What will be the status of Indian Hill Road?  Will it be open or closed to vehicular traffic?

Parking.  Given the needed access to the Tecumseh Trail, will some parking be available?  Will this require the county to offer to acquire some land?

• • Currently, to park your car in order to walk to the tracks and trail, it may better to park along the nearby road on the north side of SR-45. Alternatively, come in from the south and park just before you reach the ford.
  • DNR owns land north of the crossing.

Disposition of the Road – Ownership. It’s a county road that  allows for very limited lateral excursions. The road acquired it’s present status due to being in continuous use for a long time. Transfer of ownership was not granted to BC by either a property owner, or through recourse to eminent domain.

In this case, the road is open for public passage due to prescriptive use (see attached article titled “Identifying Rural Roads”, starting on pg. numbered 162). This is a valuable resource for rural road management.

• • 25505-Article Text-45895-1-10-20210616 Identifying Rural Roads Indiana Law Review

Apparent Right-of-Way in Indiana. This article distinguishes between prescriptive and statutory use. In neither case does is there a transfer of ownership. The problems of width of a right-of-way are discussed at length.

Updated: Mar 11, 2022

MAPS – Bottom of Page

Yellowwood State Forest Tecumseh Trail Temporary Closure 

• • Yellowwood State Forest  

Facebook Post – Brown County Matters

Brown County Parks and Recreation.  Update to a Master Plan (including location of all hiking trails available to the public?) under development 

Hoosier Hikers Council – Tecumseh Trail.  In terms of hills, the Tecumseh Trail is often considered a gentler version and training ground of the Knobstone Trail, a 52-mile one-way path that is further south in Indiana, near the city of Salem.  While the Tecumseh’s path does consist of many large hills, ascents are not typically as steep, long, or frequent as those of the Knobstone Trail.

• NOTE: The Tecumseh Trail is closed from State Road 45 to the parking area south of Beanblossom Creek. See the DNR’s notice here: https://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/properties/yellowwood-state-forest/.
• See the Tecumseh Trail Guide for shuttle options around this closure.

Knobstone Hiking Trail Association.  The Knobstone Hiking Trail Association (KHTA) was formed in 2013 to become the steward of this great trail. The KHTA is a non-profit organization dedicated to completion, preservation, and promotion of the KHT. We depend on Association members and volunteers for its very existence. Only a part of it is on public land maintained by government …

• Jan 3, 2020.  Morton Marcus: Knobstone could be Indiana’s trail to tomorrow, IBJ. Outdoor recreation, the OR sector, is an important aspect of tourism. Many people happily travel great distances to visit picturesque and unique environs. They enjoy walking, hiking, bike riding, bird watching, bug collecting, climbing, picnicking, playing golf and tennis, and numerous other outdoor activities.

December 23, 2019.Eye on the pie, A trail to tomorrow  by Morton J. Marcus  

DINO Trail Run Series – Dinoseries – Home. The DINO Trail Run Series takes you to some of the most scenic and challenging trails in central Indiana. Most of these trails are hiking and/or mountain bike trails. On a typical course, you’ll face a variety of challenges; such as hills, dirt, rocks, roots, and occasionally mud and stream crossings.

• Brown County Democrat, Oct 14, 2021. Facing a new challenge: Route changes due to railroad crossing closure, By Abigail Youmans . Brown and Morgan counties have hosted runners in a variety of distance events during the Tecumseh Trail Challenge every year since 2003.

  • The trail has been a destination for runners from dozens of states who participate in the DINO (Do INdiana off-road) race, with participation growing to more than 700 in 2010. But now the point-to-point race route has been turned into a loop due to the Indian Hill Road railroad crossing closure. As of Oct. 8, DINO and the Indiana Trail Running Association had no progress with creating a pedestrian railroad crossing, forcing them to make the Tecumseh Trail Challenge a looped route. DINO Director Brian Holzhausen said it was a “difficult decision.”

Independent Voters of Brown County IN – Posts Regarding Closing the Access to the Tecumseh Trail

• Part 2. Closure RR Xing, Indian Hill Rd. Opening up the Tecumseh Trail. Correspondence from Groups Outside Brown County working to open up the Tecumseh Trail – (KHTA – Knobstone Hiking Trail Association, Indiana Legislative Trails Caucus Co-Chairs, Do Indiana Offroad (DINO), Chris May, State Representative,  Matt Pierce,  Indiana House of Representatives.)

• “Part 1:”  Closure – Railroad Crossing – Indian Hill Rd.  The decision by the Brown County Commissioners to support the closure of the RR crossong also resulted in closing access to the Tecumseh Trail

  .

  Additional Information

  • Urban Planning.  Urban planning, also known as regional planning, town planning, city planning, or rural planning, is a technical and political process that is focused on the development and design of land use and the built environment, including air, water, and the infrastructure passing into and out of urban areas, such as transportation, communications, and distribution networks and their accessibility.^[1]  

MAPS– Railroad Crossing – Indian Hill Rd

Updated:  June 1, 2022

Part 1: Closure – Railroad Crossing – Indian Hill Rd  

Part 3. Closure RR Xing, Indian Hill Rd: Public Hearing Required?

• Part 4: Closure RR Xing, Indian Hill Rd – Petition to Re-Open

Correspondence from Groups Outside Brown County working to open up the Tecumseh Trail. 

July 20, 2022. Presentation – Commissioner meeting. A Knobstone Hiking Trail Association (KTHA) founding member and attorney, Tony Abbott, will present a resolution we hope the county commissioners will adopt to make it clear that the Indian Hill Road Railroad Crossing closure was not intended to close the Tecumseh Trail. If they will adopt the resolution, this may start a process to open the crossing for pedestrians.

• • Excellent presentation making the case for a decision to open up the Indian Hill Rd. Rail Road Crossing for pedestrian traffic. Standing room only crowd. Commissions are supportive of re-opening to pedestrian traffic pending review and advice from the county attorneys.
    • Audio of the Presentation: Begins at 19:15
    • High resolution PDF – 43 pages.This may help people follow the Tecumseh Trail segment of the audio record from July 20, 2022, meeting.  Statutes on pages 9 and 11 figure closely in Tony Abbott’s argument that Brown County can unilaterally reopen crossing DOT# 292 193F to pedestrian traffic, per the Amendment to Resolution No. 2020-5-6-000 KHTA is offering Brown County.  
    • KHTA-Presentation-BC-20July2022-summary – One page
    • Amendment to Resolution – 2 pages
  • Facebook Post – BC Matters – Shared post from DINO Trail Runners

Tecumseh and Knobstone Trails.  The Tecumseh Trail is closed from State Road 45 to the parking area south of Beanblossom Creek.  See the Tecumseh Trail Guide for shuttle options around this closure.

VIDEO: Approach from the SOUTH, Railroad Crossing at Indian Hill Road.  Illustrates the sightlines to include a Train. What is the risk of adding a pedestrian crossing? 

VIDEO: Approach from the NORTH Railroad Crossing at Indian Hill Road. Indian Hill RR Crossing at the Tecumseh Trail from the north. It’s a short hike from Highway 45 south on closed Indian Hill Road.  

Jan 25, 2022.  Gov Eric Holcomb. I’m honored to be recognized by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy as the Doppelt Family Rail-Trail Champion. When you look at vibrant communities, one thing in common—the common denominator—is outdoor amenities. People want to work where they want to live. Trails were that X-factor.

Brown County Matters Facebook Post 

• • Mar 26, 2022. Facebook Post – Backpacker Magazine – editors note, Letter to the Governor
  • Mar 12, 2022. Facebook Post – Brown County Matters – Sending a Letter to the Governor
  • Nov 23, 2021. Facebook Post – Brown County Matters – Part 2

Part 1 – Closure – Railroad Crossing – Indian Hill Rd.  Provides the history on closing the RailRoad Crossing and Trail. Includes updates on the current status.

Most Current Article – Brown County Democrat. Oct 14, 2021. Facing a new challenge: Route changes due to railroad crossing closure, By Abigail Youmans . Brown and Morgan counties have hosted runners in a variety of distance events during the Tecumseh Trail Challenge every year since 2003.

• • The trail has been a destination for runners from dozens of states who participate in the DINO (Do INdiana off-road) race, with participation growing to more than 700 in 2010. But now the point-to-point race route has been turned into a loop due to the Indian Hill Road railroad crossing closure. As of Oct. 8, DINO and the Indiana Trail Running Association had no progress with creating a pedestrian railroad crossing, forcing them to make the Tecumseh Trail Challenge a looped route. DINO Director Brian Holzhausen said it was a “difficult decision.”

• 1 July 2021  Closed ahead: Tecumseh Trail users lobbying for pedestrian crossing at Indian Hill, by Suzannah Couch

 Indiana Recreational Use Statute 2020

Outside Groups

Facebook Group – 5.1K members. A Guide to the Knobstone Trail: Indiana’s Longest Footpath

Correspondence from Groups Outside Brown County working to open up the Tecumseh Trail – (KHTA – Knobstone Hiking Trail Association, Indiana Legislative Trails Caucus Co-Chairs, Do Indiana Offroad (DINO), Chris May, State Representative,  Matt Pierce,  Indiana House of Representatives.)

Jan 4, 2022. Backpacker Magazine. The 50 Best Hikes in the U.S. With the help of our friends and readers, we set out to find the best trail in all 50 states. From epic thru-hikes to short jaunts, these were the ones that rose to the top.

• •  [Editor’s Note: Indiana’s Tecumseh Trail has been closed since May 2020 from State Road 45 to the parking area south of Beanblossom Creek. The trail is bisected by a railroad crossing. Hikers who cross the tracks or divert to an adjacent road will be trespassing. The Knobstone Hiking Trail Association is working on a solution to reopen the trail.] 
  • Received from Backpacker Magazine (on 28 February 2022): “I’m reaching out in response to a message … about an entry in a recent issue of Backpacker Magazine, that a trail recommended in the issue has been closed due to a railway intersection. I want to … assure you that we’ll publish a correction in the upcoming issue of Backpacker and online alerting readers to the closure. The trails in this particular feature were suggested by readers, and this one must have slipped through the cracks of our fact-checking. We certainly don’t want to encourage hikers to trespass at the closure.”

20 Sep 2021. Letter. Indiana Legislative Trails Caucus Co-Chairs TO Brown County Commissioners and  Mr. Peter Ray Vice President of Engineering, The Indiana Railroad Company  – Excerpt:

• As co-chairs of the bipartisan, bicameral Indiana Legislative Trails Caucus, we are writing to urge you to reestablish a pedestrian crossing for the Tecumseh Hiking Trail across the Indiana Railroad at Indian Hill Road. The rail crossing closure has blocked through-hiking on the Tecumseh Hiking Trail that connects with a number of other trails to form a trail system spanning over 160 miles and 8 counties. Without the pedestrian crossing, the only way to get across the railroad is to take a five to six mile walking detour.
  This is a significant impediment for through hikers and defeats the goal of having a continuous trail system.

 Aug 21, 2021 Do Indiana Offroad (DINO) Newsletter. Indiana’s premier off-road cycling, running, and multi-sport events.  Aug 9, 2021 An open letter to Indiana Railroad, Brown County Commissioners, Indiana DNR, and all involved with the closure of Indian Hill Road south of IN45: Excerpts:

• Closure of Indian Hill Road at the railroad crossing imposes obvious and severe challenges on local residents. Closure also challenges the wide range of recreational activities and user groups that depend on passage through the crossing.
  Complete closure of the Tecumseh Trail at this key point effectively shuts down the potential to complete long-distance hikes and trail runs.
• DINO is one of the groups that depend upon this vital connection point along the Tecumseh Trail. We know with certainty that hikers, backpackers, cyclists, and local residents all depend upon passage through this crossing. We expect that hunters, birdwatchers, and other outdoor enthusiasts also feel the effect of the closure.

Aug 6, 2021. PDF – Letter Chris May to Peter Ray lN Trail Aug 6 2021

• • I am writing to urge the Indiana Railroad Company to establish a pedestrian crossing for the Tecumseh Hiking Trail at Indiana Hill Road (IHR) in Brown County. The closing of this rail crossing impacts many hikers along the Trail. 

Aug 3, 2021.  KHTA Board of Directors, Letter TO Mr. Peter Ray, The Indiana Railroad Company, Excerpt:

• To date, the Knobstone Hiking Trail Association (KHTA) Board of Directors has received
  no response to its letter of May 27, 2021, requesting that the Indiana Railroad Company
  (IRRC) join with KHTA and other stakeholders in creating a pedestrian crossing at the location where Indian Hill Road (IHR) crosses the IRRC right of way near IN-45 in Trevlac, Brown County, Indiana.
• An article in the Brown County Democrat, highlighting the present status of the
  Tecumseh closing at IHR, points to a number of these stakeholders: the KHTA, Hoosier Hikers Council, DINO (the Tecumseh races it organizes and the runners that participate), the Indiana Trail Running Association, and thousands of individuals hiking the Tecumseh for purposes ranging from day hikes to longer distance multiday hikes by Scouts training for Philmont.

8 July 2021. Letter: Matt Pierce,  Indiana House of Representatives to Mr. Peter Ray, Vice President of Engineering, The Indiana Railroad Company.  Excerpt:

• I am writing to urge the Indiana Railroad Company to establish a pedestrian crossing for the Tecumseh Hiking Trail at Indian Hill Road (IHR) in Brown County. The decision to close the rail crossing at this location has resulted in the blocking of the Trail, adversely impacting hikers. The Tecumseh Hiking Trail is 42 miles long. It adjoins the Knobstone Hiking Trail in the Hoosier National Forest and connects with a number of other trails to form a trail system spanning over 160 miles and 8 counties. The rail crossing closure has blocked through-hiking on this trail system. Without a pedestrian crossing, the only way to get across the railroad is to take a five to six mile walking detour. For those seeking to backpack or hike across the trail, this is a significant barrier.

26 May 2021.  KHTA Board of Directors Letter To   Mr. Peter Ray, The Indiana Railroad Company, Excerpt:

• Recent closing of the rail crossing at Indian Hill Road (IHR) in Brown County bisects
  the Tecumseh Hiking Trail (part of the longest continuous forest hiking trail in Indiana),
  creating insuperable difficulties for the Indiana hiking public. Regrettably, closing was enacted absent prior consultation with the full range of stakeholders – regional and recreation – directly impacted by, or looking for benefit from, this resource. 

Dec 26, 2021. Old 46 development receives OK for structures to be built By Abigail Youmans

• • Architectural project manager Eric Muehlhausen at the Nashville Technical Review Committee meeting on Nov. 4 that changes had been made to the original plans for a proposed luxury RV campground that were presented to the Brown County Board of Zoning Appeals in October. The request was denied by the BZA unanimously due to concerns about traffic, sewer connectivity and flooding in the area.

• • Mar 16, 2021. Little Nashville Opry property has new owner Suzannah Couch –If you’ve driven State Road 46 West between Nashville and Bloomington in the past week or so, you may have noticed for “the sale”…

Nov 16, 2021. Harmony in the trees: Unique, eco-friendly resort gets OK from county boards, eyes opening next year/   

• • If all goes according to the developer’s plan, Harmony Tree Resort will be up and running sometime next year on what was once Rawhide Ranch property off of State Road 135 South.
  • BCD Facebook Post of the article

Nov 10, 2021. Change of plans: New plans announced for Old State Road 46 property after zoning… Suzannah Couch –  There has been a change in the plans for a property on Old State Road 46 near the Clay Lick Road intersection after a…

• • BCD Facebook Post of the article

June 30, 2021. New tiny house campground OK’d: Neighbors protest disruption; zoning board sees positives  Sara Clifford – VAN BUREN TWP. — A nationwide “outdoor hospitality company” wants to build a new, 45-unit campground in Brown County where people from all over…

June 16, 2021. Zoning board approves new campground Suzannah Couch –  GNAW BONE — Another spot to put up a tent or park a camper will soon be coming to the Gnaw Bone area. Tim and…

May 29, 2019. Back to its roots: New owners of Bill Monroe Music Park-Campground making improvements, prepping… Suzannah Couch – BEAN BLOSSOM — “That’s what everyone comes for, right there,” Rex Voils says, walking past the main stage at the Bill Monroe Music Park…

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