- A History Lesson
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- Bicknell History "people"
- Bicknell Indiana
- Bicknell Living
- Bicknell Ordinances
- Bicknell Politics
- David J. Simpson
- Doug Daugherty
- Elsa's Cooking Diary
- From Bicknell City Council
- Governor Mitch Daniels
- In My Opinion by John R. Stanczak
- Indiana
- Indiana Codes
- John Coyle
- John Vendes
- Knox County
- Letters to the Editor
- Lydia Duncan
- Mathew Brough
- National Articles
- Numbers, addresses and names
- Other County Views
- People it is a Joke
- Polls Current and Present
- Religious Thoughts
- Reports
- Restaurant good or not so good
- Ron Ackman
- Science and My Thoughts
- Senator Lugar
- Sue French
- Terry W. Stewart
- For Sale, For Rent in Bicknell
Thank you for responding so timely. The thought you took us thru to increase our trash stickers made sense. I wish the mayor and council would make these explanations.
Are landfills illegal these days?
We used to go 'to the dump' frequently after spring cleaning. If not, why can't we have our own landfill? No fees. No fuel. Perhaps some volunteers with heavy equipment could start us out.
I'm just asking because I don't know. If I sound naive, I apologize.
I wonder how many even are aware of your blog? I see only a few contribute and that's a problem for you, I"m sure.
One doesn't have to be Republican or Democrat to contribute. And if folks disagree with the writer, share your thoughts. If you like the way the city's running, share that, too. If not, why not?
I do think once you get it organized and rid yourself of old news, people will respond better because it will be presented better. And one more thing, rather than your name, how about 'The Bicknell Blog' by J Stanczak. It's sure would be easier to find it.
You have a service to provide and Bicknell needs to know it's at their fingertips to get the latest of just what's going on. Of couse, it leans right, but the left, then sounds like have an open invitation to contribute and put their two cents in.
I don't like the heavy handedness you received when approaching issues with the administration. Ideas are free, people. Some are good some are not. But they need to be heard. This blog, it seems, is your only opportunity. It sounds like the admin is on 'defense' which is a mystery to me. I would think regardless of the political implications, everyone would be open minded and welcome ideas.
Guess not.
And for goodness sake if you have the mayors personal adddress and phone along with the councils published in your blog, I'd remove it if I were you. It's reasonable to be a public servant and expect some privacy. Then that won't be a reason to change the subject you broach.
The town is going down fast.
Why isn't the city council meetings packed with citizens demanding answers? Why doesn't the mayor initiated the town hall meeting?
John, your blog should be purged. Everything prior to '12 should be in an 'archive column' Please rearrange your topics and update them. Remove names that are not with us anymore.
I have to struggle to find current events - they go back to '08. They should only be there for referrals. I've said it before; you could be a big assistance to the community with your opinions (separate column) and facts. Your blog is so frustrating. I can't find current events. And one more things, if you cannot attend and report on EVERY council meeting and the town realtor is not available, ask someone to report back to you the topics and resolutions.
This is an open society (at least right now).
Accurate information is needed badly. Some of us don't get out after dark. But we want information. p-l-e-a-s-e get the blog together. We desperately need views, ideas, and opinions from many. We're in trouble here, folks.
Concise information.
What happened to all that money?
A mistake?
Just where is the money?
We CANNOT pay more water/sewer taxes. Another revenue source must be found. Even though my place is paid for, I may have to move to where my kids are as my income is limited.
IS ANYBODY LISTENING?
If you're going to post the weather, then post the weather. Current date ion your blog is January 17. What's up with that?
Frank Gugliotta the councilman does plan to contribute as an individual.
Ron Ackman
Left out was Budget Heating and Air Conditioning and Hand Carved Cooking Utensils. Lets keep thinking of more.
Anonymous, The mayor should love Bicknell, It;s made him a nice chunk of change. As for pointing fingers, I will continue to do so because it is one persons fault.
The mayor bit off more than he could chew by trying to micro manage everything in the city when he had no idea what he was doing. He does city business behind the councils back to the point they have no clue what's going on.
I know from personal experience he is a liar. The only meeting the citizens should have is a meeting to start impeachment proceedings.
Respectfully Doug Daugherty
Hate this but we have to cancel the dance tomorrow night due to some visitors who need to be picked up at the airport in Indy.
We dance again on the 25th at OTP again.
Red flags are flying all over our hometown. Time for a town hall meeting, I'd say. Everyone brainstorms, vents and turns out. Exlude no one. Invite everyone. That's a democracy. Stuff homemade flyers everywhere announcing the time, place and reason. Special invites to the mayor and council. Make no mistake the mayor loves this town. Stubborn?? mmmmm. Time's running out before the few who are left will be gone. We'll be standing wondering what happened to our hometown.
I see red flags flying all above your hometown. Unlike you, Doug, I think the mayor loves Bicknell. Perhaps he's just too stubborn to listen.
Have you had an old fashion town meeting?
Pass out flyers.
Try to get the involvement of the whole community. One of the big churches would be glad to host, I'll bet. Or the school gym. Must be big enough to exclude none. That town is probably full of great thinkers with ideas to improve your current crisis. And if they're short on ideas, allow everyone to vent.
You then have a sense of community - a democracy if you will.
I've read many great ideas on this blog alone! And if you don't attend the city council meetings, you're part of the problem.
As a former resident, I'd like to see the town come back. I was there a couple of years ago, and was so saddened to see what's become of Bicknell.
Stop pointing fingers though. It's not one person's fault or one group. It took a long time to get the town in this shape.
You need a plan.
All local establishments can post their entire menus on this site anytime they wish to but so far none have; over the years I have offered and all either refused or didn't respond. Most didn't want the get involved with a political site. I have not approached the new owners of the corner cafe.
This site is setup so that any and every person who eats at any establishment can send me their review and I will post it in the restaurant good or not so good. The more who give their reviews the better the better the information which can help the owners improve their menus. Use comments or send reviews to jrstanczak@yahoo.com.
John R. Stanczak
I don't see the mayor or any council people there yet; when will the city get involved in anything that helps Bicknell. I noticed that they were all on board when a councilman's mother was mad at her neighbor over horse care.
John R. Stanczak
Rather than critique out of town restaurants, why not critique ours? How's the Corner Cafe doing under new management? What's their best item on their menu? What are their hours? Most of us are familiar with 'Pauls' - a tavern/dining room. Do they still have carryouts? Jimbo's? Great pizza for a small community. Their buffet needs work tho. And what's their hours?
I've heard the restaurant across from the football field is very good with an Italian fare? Not been there. What's their speciality? Fellow townspeople would probably enjoy hearing about specialities each restaurant presents as well as specials. Daily specials? Early bird? Who's pricey and who's not? Or are they all comparable? Little Worthington has two exceptional restaurants that serve the community well.
Let's help our establishments by patronizing them. How about a weekly review? Who's known for homemade desserts? Little things get the town together. Chat with others before or after dining. Learn about our town by showcasing what folks find interesting. Are they clean? What about their restrooms? Of course, we love politics. But our palates are hoping we have some wonderful dishes awaiting us in our own hometown.
I would think the restaurteurs would be delighted by some showcasing their establishments.
The Cleveland Plain Dealer food review is remarkable. Of course, we don't have the numbers but I'd like something weekly on specials. How 'bout you?
Amen!!!!!!!
There's no doubt Morris should have revealed his position is 'swayed' due to the contributions bestowed on him to dis Lugar. But most Hoosiers knew nothing of this UN move so there was no disadvantage to Lugar. Lugar just didn't kinow when to quit. He served us well for many years then underwent some kind of seachange and he was no longer dancing with the girl who 'brung' him. It was sad to see him encouraging dems to cross over and vote for him. His time had come to go. Let's rally around the party to assure a democrat doesn't take our seat in the Senate.
Almost left out was the Bicknell Kiwanis Club which meets downtown. Ron A
My brother spoke to her and she is conservative; she never gave me or him the talking points I found them on the internet but I was not able to find the same for him, if you have something send it to me. Most I've talked to complain that he will not respond to them. I haven't tried to contact him so I don't know.
My brother talked to her and he was impressed.
Being a doctor does not necessary prove either intelligence or common sense. Remember we have a school teacher on the Bicknell City Council and he didn't know that spending more than they had leads to bad things.
John R. Stanczak
The lady seems to have some talking points but can she deliver?
I have been well pleased with Buschons concern and willingness to help.
A news release from Buschon might be just as pursuasive. Being an MD does require some brains.
Ron A.
They'll mail the paper to you and you will have the local news as well as the obits for a reasonable price. I would like them to go on line but they're not there yet as far as I know.
John R. Stanczak
The Bicknell Daily News is now 'The Independent' and does have obits. Email frankc@northknox.net to subscribe.
I have no objections but I would have to go to the Vincennes SunCommercial at http://suncommercial.com/ to get the information. So I guess to answer your second question http://suncommercial.com/ is where a person can see the obits where Bicknell is included.
If somebody wants to have a notice posted here they can send it to me at jrstanczak@yahoo.com and I'll post it for them on this site.
John R. Stanczak
Just wondering if you'd consider including Bicknell obits in your blog. I live out of state but I'm from Bicknell. Now the 'Bicknell Daily News' is long gone, where else can you find them?
i totally agree doug john kerner
Oddly enough the mayor and council has already hired a company to tell them the same thing only instead of free advice they are paying around $160.00 per hour.
John R. Stanczak
I know I no longer live there but will always consider Bicknell my hometown. I spent most of my life there.
My answer to Bicknell's money problems is simple. First and foremost get rid of the idiot mayor who I said all along would get Bicknell in trouble. Get rid of his two buddies on the board of works also. Put a volunteer person in his place to attend and oversee council meetings, and break tie votes.
This would put the management of the citys business in the councils hands, and they would know what was going on all the time instead of just what the mayor wanted them to know.
That would put roughly $40,000.00 from the mayor's pay, plus whatever he could steal back in the budget for the next four years.
Secondly and I hate to say this but temporarily, lay-off all police dispatchers, and have all the phone traffic directed through central dispatch, the way it was supposed to be in the first place. That would save at least $100,000 per year.
Lay-off one police officer, and two street department people, and one water department person. Recall all raises that were given out for 2012. Git rid of the City Judge, he's only needed to get buddies cases dropped anyway.
This would put the books back in the black by the end of 2012. The main thing here is get rid of the mayor before he causes more damage.
Doug Daugherty