Bicentennial

Governor Eric J. Holcomb joined Rushville Mayor Mike Pavey and executives from Diamond Pet Foods today to announce the company’s plans to build a 700,000-square-foot manufacturing and distribution center in Indiana to support its Midwest client base. To support the new $259 million state-of-the-art operation, the company plans to create up to 170 new jobs by the end of 2024.

“We couldn’t be prouder to welcome one of the world’s largest privately held pet food manufacturers to Indiana’s thriving economic ecosystem,” said Gov. Holcomb. “The Crossroads of America is where agriculture and innovation perfectly intersect, and precisely where our number one ranked infrastructure program, high quality of place and access to talent all contribute to support Diamond’s impressive goals and growth. I’m confident, together, we’ll find success in Indiana for generations to come.”

Founded in 1970, Diamond Pet Foods is a family-owned business headquartered in Meta, Mo. that produces cat and dog food from U.S.-sourced ingredients. The new facility, located at 2606 North State Road 3 in Rushville, will be the company’s first in Indiana and will house production and distribution operations, increasing the company’s output to Midwest clients. Construction is underway, and the facility is expected to be operational in 2024.

“We are excited to choose Rushville for its proximity to suppliers as well as the community’s skilled workforce,” said Mike Kampeter, president of Diamond Pet Foods. “This new state-of-the-art facility will allow us to continue offering quality pet food at prices pet parents can feel good about. We look forward to adding Rushville and Indiana to the Diamond family.”

The company employs more than 1,000 associates in its Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, South Carolina and two California locations. Information about open positions will be made available online.

Diamond Pet Foods is growing its Midwest presence due to increasing demand for pet food as well as an increase in U.S. pet ownership over the last several years.

“Rushville is truly fortunate to have Diamond Pet Foods growing their company here,” said Rushville Mayor Mike Pavey. “The leadership of Diamond Pet Foods understands rural communities. They will have a positive impact to Rush County for generations.”

Based on the company’s job creation plans, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) committed an investment in Schell & Kampeter Inc. (dba Diamond Pet Foods) of up to $1.5 million in the form of incentive-based tax credits and up to $300,000 in the local community from the Industrial Development Grant Fund to support infrastructure improvements. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning the company is eligible to claim incentives once Hoosiers are hired and investments are made. The city of Rushville offered additional incentives.

On September 24th, the Princess Theater welcomed six comedians and 156 guests through its doors for the final Rush County Bicentennial Event. The comedy show was well received with laughter filling the Princess Theater the entire evening.

The Rush County Comedy show was the final Bicentennial Celebration Saturday events. In the first-ever show of its kinds, comedians Jake Smith, Brent Terhune, Dyke Michaels, Dustin Burkert, Shannon Rostin, and Conor Delehanty took center stage in front of a packed audience. Rushville own, Jake Smith, acted as the host of the event with Brent Terhun serving as the headliner of the night. The event was sponsored and made possible by Larry Mull and Elevate Entertainment & Events, LLC. Beverages were provided by BarMaids.

“The Rush County Comedy show marks a new beginning for events and programming in the City Center and Princess Theater through its creative use of the space and facilities,” comments Mayor Mike Pavey. “Since its restoration, we have aimed to host events like this in the Princess Theater. It was refreshing to see our goal become a reality.”   While Bicentennial events may be coming to a close, programming is still ongoing. As the Christmas season approaches, commemorative Bicentennial prints and ornaments will be made available for purchase. For questions concerning the Bicentennial celebrations, contact Brian Sheehan, Bicentennial Committee Chairman, at (765) 932 – 3735.

The culminating celebration of Rush County’s Bicentennial took place on Saturday, September 17^th. The day was filled with festivities and fun as thousands of people flooded into the Rush County community to celebrate 200 years of its success and progress. From the Willkie Days Parade (Chamber of Commerce), Rushfest Downtown Festival (Chamber of Commerce), Covered Bridge Dinner (Heart of Rushville), Youth Art Show (Optimist Club – over 200 entries), the Willkie 5 in 50 Covered Bridge Bike Ride (United Fund – over 400 participants) to the Bicentennial Concert featuring Eddie Montgomery (Heart of Rushville/Riverside Park – over 5500 attendees), Rush County was alive with record-breaking celebrations.

“We are forever thankful for the opportunity to celebrate our people,” comments Mayor Mike Pavey. “We are further committed to capitalizing on this momentum and ensuring that Rush County continues to lead the way in rural Indiana for the next 200 years.”

The morning began with the third annual Five in 50 Bike Ride. It started in Rushville and included 12-mile, 24-mile, and 50-mile routes. The route took bicyclist through the five historic covered bridges and five Rush County towns. The Bike Ride had record-breaking attendance with over 400 riders participating. At 10 AM, the Bicentennial parade began with much celebration and excitement. Awards and $200 checks were presented by the Rush County Chamber of Commerce based upon creativity, historic heritage, and patriotism. Winner are as follows:

Mayor’s Choice – Rushville FFA

Chamber of Commerce’s Choice – Hoosier Youth Challenge Academy Cadets

Creative – Rushville FFA and Rush-Shelby Energy

Historic – Henry Henley Library in Carthage and R.L. Coon Excavating Inc.

Patriotic – Rush County Heritage and Rushville Elks

Following the Bicentennial Parade, RushFest was in full swing. Main Street was flooded as thousands shopped the vendors and enjoyed the charm of Rushville’s historic downtown. The Kidz Zone with activities including outside games, Touch-a-Truck, bounce house, obstacle course, and face painting were a smashing success. Thousands shopped local and supported businesses through the Bicentennial Bargain Days program. At 6 PM, over 5,500 people gathered at Riverside Park Amphitheater for the final concert of the Bicentennial Concert series and the Friends of Fred Food Trucks. Following Tyler Booth and Molly Hatchet, headliner Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry took center stage as we celebrated Rush County and showed why our town is “Something to be Proud of.”

Bicentennial Celebrations were coordinated by the Rush County Bicentennial Committee (Chairman Brian Sheehan) and financed from dozens of sponsoring organizations. Gold donors (+$10,000) include the City of Rushville, Rush County Government, Rush County Community Foundation, Rush County Chamber of Commerce, Riverside Park, and Emerson-Copeland. For a full list of sponsors, please refer to the Bicentennial Website (rushcountybicentennial.weebly.com).

While Bicentennial Celebrations may be slowing down for Rush County, they are not stopping. The City of Rushville Parks Department is in the process of finalizing details concerning the planting of 200 trees for Rush County’s Bicentennial. Commemorative Rush County Bicentennial prints and ornaments will be available for purchase as the Christmas season approaches. Rush County’s Bicentennial celebration has been record-breaking in nature and signifies a renewed commitment toward the growth and development of the county.

Through the generous support of an Emerson-Copeland grant, the City of Rushville paid for the creation and painting of a commemorative Bicentennial mural along Campaign Flats on Main Street.

“For Rush County’s Bicentennial, we knew that we had to capture our 200 years of history in paint,” comments Rushville Director of Special Projects Brian Sheehan. “While also celebrating the Bicentennial, this mural will continue to beautify Rushville historic downtown and serve as a welcome sign to those visiting our great city.”

This block-style mural captures the spirit of Rushville and Rush County. In an artistic flare, the mural welcomes guests to Rushville’s downtown corridor. With images of the City Center, Courthouse, Overlook, TQ-Midget car, and Rushville lion, this mural features significant Rush County emblems. Moreover, the mural contains notable numbers and saying (“Leading the Way in Rural Indiana”) specific to Rush County.

It is because of artist Lance Woskobojnik and Intern Lexey Yager that this art piece went from dream to reality. Yager drafted a mural design after hearing input from the Mayor’s office and looking at similar “Instagram-able” murals. Woskobojnik and Yager met to clarify the vision and finalize a mural design. This beautiful addition to Rushville’s historic downtown came to life from that collaboration and talent. This mural was one of many additions to Rush County’s Bicentennial celebration and Rushville’s downtown beautification. It is because of the support of Emerson-Copeland the work of artist Lance Woskobojnik, and the support of the community that this project was possible. This mural marks the final large art project celebrating Rush County’s Bicentennial.

New signage and art has gone up in downtown Rushville to celebrate Rush County’s Bicentennial. These additions were made possible through the generous support and work of dozens of individuals. Read below for an update on the new additions to Rushville’s Downtown.

RUSH Sculpture – The RUSH artwork was commissioned by the City of Rushville as a leave behind art project celebrating Rushville and Rush County’s Bicentennial. It is dedicated to those who choose to live, work, and play in Rush County. The sculpture was inspired by Robert Indiana’s famous LOVE sculpture. RUSH represents both the City and the County that were named in honor of Dr. Benjamin Rush, a signor of the Declaration of Independence. The following people/entities had a hand in the creation and installation of this beautiful artwork: Sponsor – Rush County Community Foundation; Artists / Fabricators – Starweld, Davis Towing, Pike’s Sandblasting, Bobby Thompson and Samani Design & Fabrication; Site preparation / concrete – City Street Department; Project Design/Oversight – Mayor Mike Pavey & Project Manager – Brian Sheehan.

Guitar Sculpture – The guitar sculpture was the idea of City of Rushville Street Commissioner Jemmy Miller. Jemmy convinced Street Dept. employee Bill Emerson that this was a project he could successfully complete. After roughly three months of intermittent work, this beautiful guitar emerged. It is because of individuals like Bill that Rushville continues to be able to celebrate its Bicentennial. The art piece is dedicated to all the citizens that share their time, treasure and talents to make Rushville a better place. The following individuals had a hand in the creation and development of the guitar sculpture: Sponsor – City of Rushville; Artist / Fabricator – Bill Emerson; Artist / Painter – Lance Woskobojnik; Powder Coating – Pike Sandblasting; Site work / Concrete / Installation – City Street Department.

Banners – The over-the-street banners and signage on Fishmoon’s building pay homage to the people, places, and things that make Rush County historic. The banners were paid for through a generous donation from Emerson-Copeland.

Bicentennial Mural – Over the next few weeks, artist Lance Woskobojnik will finish a commemorative Rush County Bicentennial mural on the south wall of the Campaign Flats building. The mural features significant Rush County monuments like the Courthouse, City Center, and Overlook Park. This block-style mural will bring a source of vibrancy and color to Rushville’s historic downtown. This artwork was co-designed by Intern Lexey Yager and artist Lance Woskobojnik. The mural has been paid for through the generous sponsorship of Emerson-Copeland. These new additions to downtown are paired with the beautiful flowers and floral arrangements along Rushville’s main street corridor. Each year, Vogel’s florist creates these arrangements, and the City of Rushville Street Department waters and maintains them. These beautiful additions to Rushville’s downtown mark a continued commitment to the next 200 years of Rush County history and success

Through the generous support of a Duke Energy grant, the City of Rushville paid for the painting and restoration of the historic downtown window art pieces along Main Street.

The paintings were originally done in 1972 for Rush County’s Sesquicentennial. At the time, there were other paintings, however, these nine windows are all that remain.

“For Rush County’s Bicentennial, we knew that we had to bring these historic art pieces back to their former glory,” comments Rushville Mayor Mike Pavey. “Their restoration signifies a new commitment to Rush County and our storied past.”

Each painting was meant to represent the businesses that were below it. The five ladies stood proudly over a women’s clothing store called Minears which opened in 1971. The man and women just North of the ladies are seen holding shoes with shoe storage behind them. They stood above Neff’s Shoe store, a store that had been there since 1933 and stayed open for several years. Lastly, the next man and woman pair stood over Cooper’s Jewelry.

The original five painted ladies were done by Carrie O’Hara Page Morrison. Her signature is on each of the five. It has always been said that the others were painted by Mel Gray, but no identification or proof can allow us to say that definitively. It is because of artist Lance Woskobojnik that these historic, beautiful, and unique Rushville art pieces were given new life.

This historic painting restoration was one small part in Rush County’s Bicentennial celebration and Rushville’s downtown beautification. It is because of the support of Duke Energy, the work of artist Lance Woskobojnik, and the support of the community that this project was possible. Happy 200 years Rushville!

In the past week, the Princess Theater has seen over 250 people enter its doors as Rush County continues to celebrate its Bicentennial Year. Read below for a recap of this past week’s events and what to look forward to in the future.

Throwback Thursday: On Thursday, August 11th, Joe Rathz, Heart of Rushville President, beat out Julie Newhouse and John McCane in the most recent episode of Rush County Trivia. The next Throwback Thursday event is the showing of the 2019 WIPB Now Entering Rushville Film (Thursday, August 18^th @ 7 PM).

Celebration Saturday: On Saturday, August 13th, Howl2Go, sponsored by the St. Patrick’s Day Committee, filled the Princess Theater with music and energy. In the three hours they were on stage, attendees sang along as Howl2Go presented songs requested by the audience. The next Celebration Saturday event is THIS SATURDAY, August 20th at 7 PM. Dulahan, a Celtic-American Band, will take center stage. This event is free; however, tickets are required. Tickets are available for pickup from Carla Sharp at the City Center, 330 N. Main Street.

Throwback Thursday and Celebration Saturday events are a series of continued celebration surrounding Rush County’s Bicentennial. Mark your calendars for September 17th, the culminating Bicentennial celebration.

The City of Rushville, Rushville Public Library, and the Rush County Historical Society are excited to announce that Bicentennial books will be available for pre-order beginning August 2nd.

“The creation and printing of the Bicentennial books has been a project long in the making,” comments Rushville Public Library Executive Director, Nicole Kirchoff. “From the City of Rushville Interns to the Historical Society, a handful of people have poured hours into ensuring this book encapsulates the past 200 years of Rush County history.”

With the project beginning in early 2021, Reflections of Rush County is a 128-page book that contains the history of Rush County from inception to present. Broken down into five sections (Rush County Historical Events, People and More, Then and Now, Rush County Timeline, Scenes from Rush County), the book contains both well-known and obscure Rush County history. From Knowles Shaw to the Kennedy Covered Bridge to Toots the Cow, the Bicentennial book is a complete history of Rush County.

“This Bicentennial book will be a timeless memento to the history and heritage of Rush County and the past 200 years,” notes Lexey Yager, 2021 City of Rushville Intern and contributor to the book.

The Rushville Public Library will be leading the pre-order and sale of the Bicentennial Book. The cost of the book is $40 plus tax payable to the Rushville Public Library. To pre-order a book, come into the Library at 130 W. Third Street to place your order. If you would like to pre-order the book online, visit the Rush County Bicentennial website and download, fill out, and send in the pre-order form with the payment. Books will be available for preorder from August 2^nd to August 23^rd. Pre-ordered books can be picked up at the Library beginning August 29^th. All proceeds from the book will benefit the Library and Rush County Historical Society.Reflections of Rush County was written and made possible by Kevin Harr; Tracy Winters, publisher; Brian Sheehan, Special Projects Director; Lexey Yager, Nicholas Neuman, Nick Lawler, and Riley Sheehan, City of Rushville Interns.

Please direct all questions concerning the Bicentennial book to Nicole Kirchoff, Rushville Public Library Executive Director, at (765) 932 – 3496.

Through a partnership with Ivy Tech Community College, the City of Rushville is launching a new Achieve your Degree Program for interested City employees. On Tuesday, July 19^th over 25 City employees attended a presentation by Mayor Mike Pavey, City of Rushville; Mary Roller, Ivy Tech; and Leslie Shaul, Rush County ECDC, concerning the program.

“Rushville is the first city in Indiana to partner with Ivy Tech for this new program,” comments Rushville Mayor Mike Pavey. “From education to beautification, we are proud to be leading the way in rural Indiana.”

At no expense to the person, any City employee may take one Ivy Tech class per semester completely paid for by the City of Rushville. Classes can either be in their area of expertise or an elective area that they would like to explore. City employees have the opportunity to login to a specially designed Ivy Tech portal for this opportunity. Following the complete of the class with a C average or above, the employee turns their tuition expense into the City for payment.

The Achieve your Degree program is the first of its kind for municipal government and a joint effort by the City of Rushville and Ivy Tech to promote professional development and continued learning education.

The Rushville Parks Department completed a new addition to North Veterans Memorial Park: a pickleball court. In the past, this space was underutilized and rarely visited by park attendees. Wanting to rectify this issue, the Parks Department vacillated between the addition of a new basketball court or a pickleball court. Seeing the national rise in interest in pickleball, the Parks Department committed to bringing a new activity to the Rushville Parks system. Through a joint effort from the Parks Department, the Street Department, and Eugene Stanley, the pickleball court quickly came together.

To celebrate the grand opening of the pickleball courts, the City of Rushville and Rush County Bicentennial Committee held the Inaugural Bicentennial Summer Series Pickleball Tournament. With 14 teams registered, participants spent their Saturday morning in a double-elimination style tournament. RCHS graduates Sam Smith and Marlin Hershberger competed against Dennis Cane and Shane Watson in the final round. Cane and Watson walked away with the championship title, Bicentennial T-shirts, and a $200 cash prize. This event was sponsored by the Rush County Bicentennial Committee.