In April 2022, the City of Mitchell grieved after the loss of the city’s past leader Jerry Hancock, A Safe Haven Baby Box was installed at the Mitchell Fire Department, and the City of Bedford held a rededication and open house after renovations were completed at the Otis Park Red Brick Building.
Former Mitchell Mayor Jerry Hancock remembered for his accomplishments
In 1967 at age 31, Jerry Hancock was elected mayor of Mitchell. He served 32 years being elected to 8 terms and was the longest-serving mayor in Lawrence County. He died on Friday, April 8, 2022, at the age of 85.
Mayor Hancock, a Democrat, was known for his love of Mitchell. His hard work, dedication, and leadership included building a new city pool, city park, community building, the Mitchell Industrial Park, and Mitchell City Hall.
Hancock was known for his go-get-it attitude and had no problem speaking his mind. He was often in the middle of the mix working side by side with city employees fixing water mains or plowing city streets.
Hancock graduated from Mitchell High School in 1955. Upon graduating, he worked with his father Milton “Pete” Hancock as a carpenter. In 1957, he bought his first backhoe, dump truck, and trailer and created Hancock Construction Company. As the construction business grew, trucking was added, along with Hancock Grain & Feed.
Jerry was very dedicated and gave many tireless hours striving to always make Mitchell a better place. He was always ready to step up if someone needed a hand.
In his early years, he was involved with many clubs and organizations. Jerry was active in the Mitchell Chamber of Commerce, the Mitchell Development Commission., A.R.A., Southern Indiana Mayor Roundtable, Salvation Army Board, Kiwanis Club, Moose, Elk & Eagle Clubs, and the Young Jaycees. Over the years he received many noteworthy awards including being named a Kentucky Colonel, the Distinguished Service Award from the Mitchell Volunteer Fire Department, awards from American Legion Post No. 250, Indiana Green Thumb, Mitchell Slo-Pitch Association, Orleans Dogwood Festival, Mitchell Manor, Lawrence County Mental Health Association, United States Jaycees Distinguished Service Award, and the Mitchell Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award. He was a member of the 1975 Hancock Construction Team All-State Champions. He was voted the most influential person in Mitchell.
In retirement, he enjoyed operating his dozer, fishing, raising cattle, country music, and talking with people. He loved his family and enjoyed being together.
Jerry’s funeral was held on Thursday, April 14, 2022, at the Mitchell First Baptist Church. The entombment was at Mitchell Cemetery.
Safe Haven Baby Box was installed at the Mitchell Fire Department
In April 2022, thanks to the dedication of several students and their advisor Amy Redman a Safe Haven Baby Box was installed at the Mitchell Volunteer Fire Department.
The students raised more than $13,000 to have the baby box delivered and installed on April 26th at the Mitchell Volunteer Fire Department located at 105 North Industrial Parkway.
Henry Shetler owner of Five Star Construction and David Hopper owner of Hopper Construction installed the box, while Rick Butterfield handled all the electrical work and ECS set up the alarm system, and Lowe’s donated the building materials for installation. Kirby Risk donated the electrical supplies.
Click here for a full list of Safe Haven Box locations.
Ribbon cutting ceremony was held for the rededication of the Otis Park Red Brick Building
On Monday, April 18, 2022, the Bedford City Council held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the rededication and open house of the Otis Park Red Brick Building at 607 Tunnelton Road.
The historic building suffered extensive fire damage to the kitchen with smoke damaging the majority of the first floor in January 2020. Firefighters were able to contain the fire in the kitchen.
