Old township fire station to become auto repair shop
SUGAR CREEK TOWNSHIP — The bay doors at the old Sugar Creek Township Fire Department will open once more, but this time for vehicles in need of repairs.
David Bleke and Daniel Sharrer plan to open an auto repair and parts facility in the 6,120-square foot former fire station, located at 3337 W. U.S. 40.
The Sugar Creek Township Fire Department abandoned the structure when it opened its new station onn County Road 500W near U.S. 40.
Bleke told the Hancock County Plan Commission late last month that he’s taught auto repair for about 35 years.
The plan commission voted 7-0 to pass a positive recommendation to the Hancock County Commissioners for the rezoning request Bleke and Sharrer need for the project.
Project for thrift shop, used tire sales gets approval
GREENFIELD — Officials in Greenfield approved a request to open a thrift shop and sell used tires at 115 S. Brandywine St.
Jeremy Stephens told the city’s board of zoning appeals late last month that the property he owns is about 15,000 square feet. He said a thrift store will go in the front part of the building, which makes up about 2,700 square feet, where items like used furniture, dishes, toys and clothes will be for sale.
Used tires will be sold and installed beyond one of the building’s garage doors on its south side, Stephens said.
He added he still needs to make a number of improvements to the building.
Stephens plans for operating hours to start out at 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and said tires won’t be stored outside.
The board of zoning appeals approved the request 4-0.
5-lot subdivision slated for western Hancock County
HANCOCK COUNTY — A builder is planning five custom homes south of Spring Lake.
Dave Sego Builders is eyeing the west side of S. County Road 200W south of County Road 100S for the houses.
Sego told the Hancock County Plan Commission late last month that each house will be a minimum of 1,900 square feet.
The plan commission voted 7-0 to pass a positive recommendation to the Hancock County Commissioners for the rezoning request Sego needs for the project.
County’s unemployment rate drops from previous year
HANCOCK COUNTY — The August 2019 unemployment rate in Hancock County dropped from last year, as did rates for the state and nation.
Hancock County’s unemployment rate was 2.8 percent last month, down from 3.3 percent in August 2018, according to data released by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. Last month’s rate places Hancock County 66th highest out of the state’s 92 counties. Fayette County tops the list at 4.7 percent while Bartholomew County is the lowest at 2.3 percent.
Unemployment in Hancock County was at 3.1 percent in July 2019.
Indiana’s unemployment rate was 3.2 percent last month, 3.6 percent in August 2018 and 3.6 percent in July 2019. The U.S. sat at 3.8 percent in August 2019, 3.9 percent in August 2018 and 4 percent in July 2019.
