Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Wednesday, December 20, 2017
(BRAZIL) - For some time, leaders developing the Indiana Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch knew they needed safety and territorial fencing at their 62-acre property under development near Brazil, Ind.
This week, pieces for phase one of the fences began to quickly come together - all because of a pioneering team of two thoughtful businesses and a community-minded couple from three different counties.
As a Youth Ranch board member, Clay County Sheriff Paul Harden knew of the not-for-profit's needs and suggested TJ Fencing in Centerpoint, Ind. Owners Darin and Kara Hendricks quickly stepped up to help by designing different phases of fencing and discounting their installation fees.
Putnam County Sheriff Scott Stockton introduced the Youth Ranch to Pingleton Sawmill, a family-owned business in Greencastle, Ind. The sawmill donated hundreds of board-feet of fence rails and Stockton offered inmate workers from his neighboring county to assist in physically moving and initially staining the lumber.
Another strong supporter of the project, Vermillion County Sheriff Mike Phelps, connected the Youth Ranch with community members Anna and Les Zimmerman. The couple generously donated stock equities worth $5,000 to complete the first phase of much-needed Youth Ranch fencing.
Scott Minier, deputy executive director of the not-for-profit Youth Ranch, said the fencing will provide safety features for young campers and territorial boundaries for other visitors.
"About 100 feet of four-board horse fencing will be erected along State Road 59 on the east border of the Youth Ranch property. Nearly 200 feet of lane overlooking a deep ravine and lake will be fenced to help protect youth campers as they hike, bike and ride horses," Minier said. "A gate area at the front entrance will be added and later enhanced as additional tax-deductible funds are raised."
Minier said it has been "a Christmas blessing" how the gifts came together for the Youth Ranch at this time of year.
"Today, just weeks after putting out a Wish List Wednesday request for help, our fence posts are in the ground, the rails are milled and waiting for us in our dilapidated horse stable - another project on our to-do list," Minier said. "As for our fencing, the only thing these two caring companies and the generous couple had in common were their appreciation for their local sheriffs' offices, their dedication to the children of their hometowns and their concerns about the safety of Indiana."
For more information on the Youth Ranch, call toll-free at 800-622-4779, Minier said. Business or personal checks may be sent to the Indiana Sheriffs' Youth Ranch, c/o Indiana Sheriffs' Association, 147 E. Maryland St., Indianapolis, Ind. 46204.
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