Likens Farms – Government Handouts? Yes, Please! – Likens Farms Taxpayer Funded Since 1995

Government Handouts

Likens Farms has received over $6 million in taxpayer funds through farm subsidies since 1995.¹ This is in addition to the $244 thousand COVID paycheck protection program this family operation has received.² While vets, single parents, and the homeless suffer this “Republican” family has no problem lining up at the taxpayer trough for their handout.

The Likens Gifted Themselves $150,000+ of Your Money!

Wes Likens and Kevin Sipes sued Madison County in 2020 over redistricting boundaries. Madison County pursued the case to the Indiana Appeals Court and prevailed. The suit cost the county between $155,000-$200,000, pursuant to Indiana statute the county was entitled to recoup legal costs from Wes Likens and Kevin Sipes. Unfortunately for the taxpayer Wes Likens mom, Darlene Likens, and her lapdog, John Richwine are county commissioners. The commission voted to settle the case for $5,000.00, with Darlene and John voting in favor while Kelly Gaskill cast the lone no vote.

That’s right morally bankrupt Darlene Likens voted to absolve her son of at least $150,000.00 owed to Madison County. Did Darlene recuse herself? Nope, despite previous recommendations from the county attorney she voted on the matter. Who’s stuck paying this debt? The Madison County taxpayer is paying Wes and Kevin’s legal bill thanks to Darlene and John.³

Political Donations

What have the Likens done with these taxpayer handouts? They use your tax money to fund their political donations and local political aspirations. The family that so desperately needs taxpayer funds turns around and gives it away to politicians. Why would they do this? Buying the future?

Likens and Local Politics

Although many wouldn’t hang their hopes and dreams on becoming the political dynasty of Madison County the Likens have done just that. It would be an admirable goal if it wasn’t for their corruption, cronyism, nepotism, and overall incompetence.

Darlene Likens – County Commissioner: Voted to appoint her son Wes Likens as the Planning Board President.⁴ Darlene refuses to provide public stances on many issues despite numerous requests from multiple parties. Darlene is unresponsive, unaccountable, and simply incompetent. Her desire to serve is rooted in power and control.

Wes Likens – Madison County Planning Board President: Facilitates the illegal operation of Drews Parts a salvage yard operating at 705 E School Street Anderson, IN 46012. Despite numerous complaints over the years the Planning Commission under Mr. Likens leadership continues to allow a salvage yard to operate in a non permitted zoning district. Perhaps more alarming is that Mr. Drews the operator of Drews Parts denies knowing Mr. Likens. However, Brad Newman the executive director of the Madison County Planning Department testified under oath that Mr. Likens and Mr. Drews have been engaged in business dealings.

Additionally, Mr. Likens is aware that Mr. Newman in his capacity as Planning Director has failed to provide proper notice to interested parties for years. Mr. Newman testified under oath that he doesn’t require notice as prescribed by the ordinance because previous Planning Directors didn’t and they had a good reason. Despite Mr. Likens knowledge he continues to vote on matters knowing interested parties have not been provided proper notice, and their opportunity to due process has been foreclosed.

The incompetence of the Planning Board under Mr. Likens leadership is so absurd it must be intentional. The Planning Department and Board behaves as though they are accountable to no one and the ordinances are mere suggestions.

Diana Likens – 2nd District Madison County Council: Ms. Likens was not elected by the populace to her position but filled a vacancy created when Republican Steve Sumner stepped down. Mr. Sumner is facing various charges related to sexual conduct with a minor. The Republican caucus elected Ms. Likens despite her lack of qualifications and the clear conflict created. It’s almost as though the Likens control the Madison County Republican Party! No single family should have this many players in strategic local political positions. Lively debate, opposing viewpoints, and diverse backgrounds are essential to a government of the people, by the people, for the people .

Thank a Farmer? How about Thank the Taxpayer!

While you barely make it the Likens live high on the hog! All thanks to your taxes! Just check out instagram.