In November 2022, Nathan Jenkins was selected as Mayor of Mitchell after J.D. England announced he was leaving office to pursue another opportunity, Spring Mill Inn was closed on November 13th for major renovations, and Greg Day was elected Lawrence County Sheriff.
Nathan Jenkins selected as Mayor of Mitchell
Mitchell City Councilman Nathan Jenkins was selected as the next Mayor of Mitchell for the remaining 14 months of the term left vacant by former Mayor J.D. England during the Republican Caucus on Saturday, November 12.
The selection for mayor was decided by the four-precinct committeeman of the Republican Party in the City of Mitchell, which will be used in a similar fashion for the vacant council seat.
The six candidates were given time to share their vision and plans for the city and why they should be the ones selected for the seat before the selection process began.
The selection process lasted six rounds, which saw Jim McFarland, Don Caudell, and Corey Pace being eliminated. McFarland was not in attendance at the caucus.
The three remaining candidates continued through the first four rounds, with Jenkins receiving two votes each round, and Vicky Schlegel and Dan Terrell receiving one vote each. It was then determined to hold a penny toss, which then eliminated Schlegel.
Finally, after six rounds, Jenkins emerged the victor. In his victory speech, he expressed his concerns about the safety of pedestrians along Rabbitsville Road, as well as stormwater issues on the north end of the city.
Spring Mill Inn closes for major renovations
Spring Mill Inn at Spring Mill State Park will close for major renovation beginning Nov. 13. Reopening is expected in the first quarter of 2024.
The Spring Mill Inn opened in 1939. According to officials, the 73-room inn is structurally sound but needs significant work that requires extended closure of the entire facility, including the Millstone Dining Room, conference facilities, and overnight lodging.
Funding for this project is provided through an infusion of dollars to address deferred maintenance needs in Indiana State Parks and other DNR properties by Governor Eric J. Holcomb and the Indiana General Assembly. The base budget for the project is $10 million.
The primary goal is to modernize all mechanical systems at the inn while retaining the historic, natural look and feel of the public spaces and guest rooms. The work includes the replacement of water lines, fire alarms, sprinklers, and HVAC. The project also includes installing new windows and doors, making accessibility upgrades, as well as making additional guest room furnishing and bathroom upgrades, and replacing the existing swimming pool with a splash pad.
“Complete closure of one of our most iconic Indiana State Park inns for more than a year is a difficult decision,” said DNR Director Dan Bortner. “However, the modernization of the inn’s ‘behind the scenes’ safety and comfort systems is best accomplished with this approach.” When guests can return, they will appreciate the improvements from the moment they check in at the new centrally located welcome desk to their renovated rooms.”
All Spring Mill Inn associates will remain employed during the renovation, working in other areas of the park or at other inn locations. The inn will maintain an office with telephone and electronic communications inside the park to answer questions, make day-to-day contacts, and conduct future sales meetings. Its location will be announced once established.
Greg Day was elected Sheriff of Lawrence County
After campaigning endlessly, Greg Day was voted in as the new Sheriff of Lawrence County.
“I am extremely excited to win,” said Day. “It’s one of the most exciting nights, but also one of the most humbling nights to know that so many supported me, and all of the love and support they have shown me over the past 20 months of this campaign. I am definitely looking forward to January 1st and getting started, and working with Sheriff Branham to ease the transition, hit the ground running, and try to do some great things for Lawrence County.”
From the first day to the last ballot, Lawrence County will enter into a new era, as Greg Day plans to get to work as soon as he can, to keep the community safe.
“I have outlined what I hope we can accomplish at the Sheriff’s Department, as far as drug dealing enforcement and bringing a high level of accountability and work ethic,” Day said. “I am ready to get started, there are a lot of great employees there. I think the voters have made it clear as I have talked with them, and with the results tonight, that the community agrees with these priorities.”
Darrin Kinser (Libertarian) was the main competition during the General Election, and ended with 11.91 percent or 1,417 of the total vote from the 6 precincts, while Greg Day ended with 88.09 percent or 10,481 votes.
