This morning on social media, I put a call out for someone who would be interviewed by me who are pro data center. I haven’t received any offers but I have received two editorials in favor of. I hope to publish the other one tomorrow. I have a private way of confirming both are Clinton County residents although that won’t always be a prerequisite. As usual, if you have an opinion you want thousands to read and ponder, please send me an email at kevin@knsradioonline.com
Kevin Keith
Owner/GM KNS Radio
9/17/25
Folks, it’s time we face a simple truth: we either grow, or we get left behind. The data center project on the table for Frankfort and Clinton County isn’t just some tech company’s dream — it’s our chance to take a big step forward as a community. For decades, we’ve talked about wanting good jobs here at home. We’ve said we want our kids to be able to graduate, build a life here, and not have to drive an hour to Indy or Lafayette just to find a paycheck. This is the kind of project that makes that possible.
If we keep saying no, we’ll stay exactly where we are — tight budgets, underfunded services, and kids moving away. And let’s be clear: these companies aren’t going to beg. If we drag our feet, they’ll build somewhere else, and we’ll be left talking about what could have been. A data center brings more than computers — it brings millions in new property tax revenue that can fix roads, build new fire stations, keep teachers in classrooms, and give our sheriff’s office the funding it needs. It means more support for places like Prairie Creek Park, the TPA Park pool, and all the community spaces that make Frankfort special. Look at what’s happened in other communities that said yes to projects like this. Westfield used new business growth to build Grand Park, and now they’re a sports tourism hub that attracts millions every year. Lebanon is booming with new infrastructure and schools thanks to business development. Tipton County welcomed a battery plant that is transforming their local job market. Meanwhile, Frankfort still struggles with old infrastructure and a limited tax base. Why? Because we’ve been hesitant to take that next step. We can’t keep saying no to progress and then complain that nothing ever changes.
Yes, there are concerns about water and land use. But we have an aquifer system that’s been tested and studied by engineers — and the results say we have plenty of capacity if we manage it responsibly. We can have both safe, secure drinking water and the kind of economic growth that funds the very upgrades we’ll need for the next 50 years. Imagine what this project could mean a stronger local economy that supports small businesses — more lunch orders at our restaurants, more sales for hardware stores, more people filling up at local gas stations. A bigger tax base that helps every homeowner and farmer by spreading the load.
If we turn this down, make no mistake: that company will just build somewhere else, and another town will get the benefit. Then we’ll still be sitting here five years from now wondering why we’re stuck with crumbling roads, tight budgets, and young people leaving town.
Frankfort has always been a city that rolls up its sleeves and gets things done. It’s time we do that again. This is our shot to move from “good enough” to “growing strong.” Let’s work together, welcome the data center, and make sure Clinton County is on the map for the right reasons as a community that chooses growth, opportunity, and a better future for all of us.