ABOUT THE RELAY
The Bicentennial Torch Relay is a 2,300-mile journey across Indiana that began in Corydon, Indiana’s first capital, on Sept. 9.
The purpose of the torch relay is not only to celebrate Indiana’s 200th anniversary as a state but also to honor dedicated community members by choosing them as Torchbearers as well as promote unity across the state.
The torch will travel six days each week for six weeks, concluding at the Indiana State Fairgrounds on Oct. 15.
LOCAL RELAY INFO
Date: Tuesday, Sept. 20
Hours in county: 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Route:
Torch is lit at the intersection of state roads 46 and 135 in downtown Nashville.
North on State Road 135/Van Buren Street and north on Schoolhouse Lane past Nashville schools campus.
West on Washington Street, then follows the parade route north on Jefferson, east on Mound and south on 135/Van Buren to the Salt Creek Trail trailhead at CVS.
East on the Salt Creek Trail to the YMCA and circles through the parking lot at Brown County Health & Living Community.
East on State Road 46 East to the north gate of Brown County State Park.
Follows the main park road past the North Lookout, Aynes House, Ogle Lake, Tulip Tree Shelter House, West Lookout and exits the west gate.
West on 46 West to T.C. Steele Road.
South on T.C. Steele Road to T.C. Steele State Historic Site.
The torch is then handed off for the Monroe County relay.
TORCHBEARERS
The following Brown Countians were chosen by a local bicentennial committee to carry the torch because of their exceptional public service, achievement, acts of heroism and/or volunteer service. The reasons listed below come from the nomination sheets submitted by their co-workers or fellow volunteers.
Trent Austin
Representing: Brown County Schools
Reason: Brown County Intermediate school principal. “Cares about children, staff and community. Very giving individual.”
Mode: Running
Jerry Bell
Representing: Veterans
Reason: “Was a combat engineer in Vietnam, a disabled veteran and continues to work and support veterans through the American Legion, VFW, DAV, Honor Guard and more.”
Mode: Riding in electric wheelchair
Jenise Bohbrink
Representing: Brown County Community Foundation
Reason: Development and program assistant; “loves her job because it allows her to serve the Brown County community through grants and scholarships.”
Mode: Walking/running with double stroller
Kelli Bruner
Representing: Brown County Schools
Reason: Has worked at Helmsburg Elementary for 20 years; currently principal. “Proud member of our community.”
Mode: Driving a classic car
Pete Bullard
Representing: Brown County Historical Society
Reason: Vice president of the society; retired educator and coach; stained glass artist and painter. “He can be found in many countywide locations, generally helping out, getting an amazing number of projects completed.”
Mode: Walking
Thor Davis
Representing: We the People civics team
Reason: Assistant to the coach and chaperone of the national champion junior high civics team. “Thor has given hundreds of hours to the school and community. People like Thor make our lives, and the lives of our children, much better.”
Mode: Walking/running
Keith Fleener
Representing: Brown County Democrat newspaper
Reason: Has been one of the most recognizable representatives of the newspaper for more than 35 years and “generally embodies the friendly and quirky spirit of Brown County.”
Mode: Walking
David Frensemeier
Representing: Fire departments
Reason: Firefighter, medic and trainer for “one of the county’s most active fire departments.”
Mode: Driving a classic car
Bradley Gipson
Representing: VFW
Reason: National Guard infantryman, “an amazing young man who represents the best of our youth in Brown County.”
Mode: Running/walking
Alisha Gredy
Representing: Brown County Chamber of Commerce
Reason: Family’s roots run generations deep in Brown County; also a member of Nashville Town Council.
Mode: Running
Denny Kubal
Representing: Habitat For Humanity
Reason: “As Habitat for Humanity director, Denny has been instrumental in seven families now living in their own home.”
Mode: Walking/running
Tona Martin Nelson
Representing: Brown County Lions
Reason: Longtime club member and officer who helps to organize Spring Blossom Parade and fireworks. “Great volunteer worthy of this honor.”
Mode: Running
Lydia Miller
Representing: YMCA
Reason: “Her main goal as a personal trainer is to help others improve their quality of life, not only physically but also mentally and emotionally.”
Mode: Walking/running
Thom Miller
Representing: Brown County Schools
Reason: “Thom works hard to be inspiring in his math classes and all he does and is very well liked. He changed his life after his dad had open-heart surgery and started on a healthy lifestyle.”
Mode: Walking/running
Cash Myers
Representing: Town of Nashville
Reason: High school student intern, tennis star and former We the People national champion team member. “His interest in the different areas of how the town operates is very impressive.”
Mode: Running
Yvonne Oliger
Representing: Brown County Rotary Club
Reason: Retired librarian and strong supporter of literacy efforts. “She is a true humanitarian and volunteers her time wherever she can.”
Mode: Walking
Abbie Oliver
Representing: Brown County Schools
Reason: Principal at Sprunica Elementary. “She is caring and selfless and only has the kids’ best interest in mind.”
Mode: Walking/running
Pete Schrougham
Representing: TRIAD
Reason: Founded TRIAD, which sends teams of volunteers to check on seniors and the sick. “He is a wonderful citizen, volunteer and friend of the community.”
Mode: Riding in electric wheelchair
Lisa Shaner
Representing: American Red Cross
Reason: Started volunteering after 2008 floods and has comforted victims of fires and natural disasters. “She takes great pride in helping people.”
Mode: Driving a classic car
Mark Shields
Representing: Brown County Parks and Recreation
Reason: Parks director and active in Salt Creek Revitalization and Preservation, Nashville Tree Board and Salt Creek Trail Committee. “Mark is a valuable asset to our community.”
Mode: Biking
Phil Stephens
Representing: Brown County Recycling Center
Reason: In addition to directing the recycling center, is Hamblen Township trustee and member of Masonic Lodge, Shrine Club, Scottish Rite, Lions Club, Fraternal Order of Police and Sons of the American Legion.
Mode: Walking
Judith Stewart
Representing: Brown Circuit Court
Reason: “As our Brown County judge, she brings caring, fairness and professionalism to all of our lives.”
Mode: Walking/running
Gerhard Weber
Representing: Brown County Shrine Club
Reason: “He is a major contributor of time and money to the Shriners Hospital and devotes countless hours to the betterment of our children in need.”
Mode: Walking/running
Lisa Wilson
Representing: Brown County 4-H
Reason: “Lisa helps youth recognize their full potential with the 4-H program.”
Mode: Running
Christy Wrightsman
Representing: Brown County Schools
Reason: Van Buren Elementary principal; also inducted into the Brown County High School Athletic Hall of Fame for her record-setting sports career as a teen. “Mrs. Wrightsman is a positive influence on our children.”
Mode: Walking/running
ABOUT THE TORCH
The Indiana Bicentennial Torch was developed by Purdue University students and faculty.
Three types of torches were made: the general-use torch fueled by E85 ethanol; a high-speed torch capable of staying lit in high speeds, such as on a rollercoaster; and a children’s torch powered by LED lights.
The torches will be handled by about 1,800 people during the relay through all 92 counties.
The general-use torch weighs 5 pounds. Its flame is designed to withstand winds up to 35 mph and remain lit in a light rain. The handle was designed for bearers with various hand sizes.
It was designed to look like the torch on the Indiana state flag.
A camera inside will be capable of recording 10 minutes of high-definition video and 500 photos. Data will be relayed via wireless signals to a nearby van, but when the signal is lost, the data will be stored for transmission later. A GPS system tracks the relay’s progress, and a USB port in the bottom of the handle allows for battery recharging.
The flagship torch also is equipped with a sensor that detects when it tilts farther than 45 degrees, posing a burn hazard. Excessive tilt activates a mechanism that deploys a “snuff plate” to extinguish the flame.
The torch can burn for at least 45 minutes and has enough battery power to last three hours.
Some of the components in its design were produced using 3-D printing.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
On Tuesday, Sept. 20, the day the torch passes through Brown County, Visit Indiana’s Bicentennial Mobile Experience interactive trailer will be parked in the Foxfire Park lot at Schoolhouse Lane and Van Buren Street and will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. All are welcome to walk inside to see a history exhibit of the Hoosier state. Exhibits cover Indiana environments, leaders and notable residents, agriculture, innovations and virtues.
All are encouraged to line the torch relay route and cheer on the torchbearers. Approximate times of arrival are: 10:30 a.m., lighting and beginning of relay; 11:15 a.m., Salt Creek Trail; noon, covered bridge entrance of Brown County State Park; 1:30 p.m., park entrance on 46 West; 2:30 p.m., T.C. Steele for hand-off to Monroe County.
Brown County State Park will not charge any gate fees Tuesday, Sept. 20.
BICENTENNIAL LEGACY PROJECTS
The state encouraged groups to submit art, heritage and conservation projects for designation as Bicentennial Legacy Projects. Here are the ones in Brown County:
The Brown Hill Project, the purchase of 130 acres of hardwood forest by The Nature Conservancy.
“Origins,” a dramatic recounting of the history of Indiana State Parks performed in Brown County and Turkey Run state parks.
A quilting project in Brown County State Park, making baby quilts to donate to the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program.
The Brown County Hills Project, the purchase of 704 acres adjacent to a 490-acre Yellowwood State Forest tract by The Nature Conservancy.
The 53rd annual Spring Blossom Parade by the Brown County Lions Club.
The acquisition of a 39-acre inholding in the northwest portion of Brown County State Park.
The purchase of a 179-acre addition to Yellowwood State Forest, a portion of the former Tulip Trace Girl Scout Camp.
The 2016 National Maple Syrup Festival in Brown County.
The purchase of 18 acres adjacent to Sycamore Land Trust’s Trevlac Bluffs Nature Preserve, including forest untouched for 60 years, by SLT.
The Brown County Art Gallery, celebrating its 90th birthday in 2016.
The purchase of 8 acres of forest adjacent to Sycamore Land Trust’s Trevlac Bluffs Nature Preserve, including habitat for threatened species, by SLT.
Clay Day in the Park at Brown County State Park by Larry Spears.
Plein-air painting by Patricia Rhoden Bartels in Brown County State Park.
Performances at McCormick’s Creek, Turkey Run, Brown County and Shades state parks about the history of Indiana and nature.
Fabric dyeing demonstration and workshop in Brown County State Park by Daren Redman.
A three-week run of the musical “The Breeze Bends the Grass” in October, highlighting four Indiana women artists, at the Brown County Playhouse.
Performances by Amanda Webb and John Urban of works inspired by nature in Brown County State Park.
Performances by The Windfall Dance Company in Brown County State Park.
Performances by Henry Craig Brenner in “the jazzy side of blues, boogie woogie and other piano styles, focusing on Indiana composers and musicians” in Brown County State Park.
Painting demonstrations by Charlene Marsh in Brown County State Park.
Painting demonstrations by Anabel Hopkins in Brown County State Park and Lake Monroe’s backwaters.
The Brown County Hilly Half Marathon in November in Brown County State Park, organized by the Brown County YMCA.
Sources: Indiana Bicentennial website, Brown County Convention and Visitors Bureau
