Hagerstown’s Leonard Bicknell and Mike Beeson were special honorees at the council’s July 6 meeting.
Bicknell turned 100 years old, earning a proclamation designating his birthday, June 20, “Leonard Bicknell Day.” The owner of Bicknell Oil was celebrated for his support of local sports and the community food pantry. His legacy extends to five children, 10 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.
“Hagerstown has done so much for me,” Bicknell said.
Beeson was named Citizen of the Month for his 50 years with the parks department. He currently serves as the park’s superintendent. The park board honored Beeson on June 18 with a plaque.
Michelle Huntington reported that Jubilee Days are Friday, July 31, from 4-8 p.m., and Saturday, Aug. 1, beginning at 9 a.m. Activities include the kid zone’s foam party, bounce house, petting zoo and games. A fish and chicken fry will be held near the library Friday evening, with Saturday’s parade starting at 11 a.m.
Graceland Heights resident Holli Farmer expressed concern about an electrical project started without notice in November 2025 that remains unfinished. The town’s installation of electric boxes underground to replace overhead cables left yards in poor condition. Town manager Chris LaMar and town lineman Joe Favorite explained that the boxes eliminate mass outages from trees falling on cable poles.
The new setup is optional and can be coordinated with the town. Discussion on opt-out penalties and incentives to switch will be reviewed further. Council member Brian Longbons welcomed the feedback and promised improved communication moving forward.
Town attorney Jon Madison submitted final documentation for the David and Laura Moore land sale, and he will place a notice in the WWN for the RRP Properties LLC land exchange. According to Indiana law, a public hearing must be held at least 10 days after the notice. Council will host the hearing on July 27 at 6 p.m.
Additional Frontier pole attachments remain pending and will be reviewed in light of the underground power cable option.
Recent repairs did not fix the South Washington railway issue. Rather than a suit loss against Norfolk Southern, Madison recommended a diagnostic assessment from Indiana Department of Transportation and the Federal Railroad Administration. It could result in funding for railroad improvements. LaMar will initiate conversations with both parties.
The town will abolish its court due to a lack of activity. Official agencies will be notified and records transferred to the Wayne County Clerk’s office. Clerk-Treasurer Julie Neal will ask the State Board of Accounts if funds can be spent before abolishment.
LaMar reported that the water line project is finished and the water treatment plant’s steel catwalk project is underway. A sewage odor at West Northmarket Street revealed dump station flow issues. Council members questioned if third parties are dumping too much and if there’s a need to increase the flat rate for use.
Water issues at North Sycamore and South Elm streets were addressed, light poles will see America250 banners and Jubilee Day bio signs added, LaMar will explore a walking trail grant with Forward Wayne County, and the county agreement for Gateway Industrial Park’s light fixture maintenance is under review.
The fire department reported 29 calls in June, for 139 to date; Greens Fork assisted with one fatal car crash. The new 800-megahertz radios will arrive soon. Council member Dillon Pitcher asked that they’re tested to identify any dead zones in schools. Dispatch mandates mean the number of department assists for calls might increase, the station resealed its parking lot, and more volunteers are needed as two firefighters depart.
The airport board received interest in renting the 4-H building, fixed a rusted pipe at the well and canceled Fourth of July fireworks due to rain.
The Advisory Plan Commission met June 16 and discussed relocating two tiny homes blocking the flood way at Jones Road Trailer Court, residential wiring codes needing updates to match the state’s codes and a potential garbage ordinance.
Invoices for Warner Engineering and Indiana Earthworks were approved, and an Economic Development Income Tax loan application will be reviewed after the applicant’s zoning change request.
The next regular meeting is Monday, Aug. 3, at 6:30 p.m., at 49 E. College St., Hagerstown. The public is invited.
A version of this article appeared in the July 15 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.
