BRAZIL

BRAZIL

     Brazil is a city in Clay County, Indiana, United States. The population was 8,188 at the 2000 census. The city is the county seat of Clay county. The current chief executive of Brazil is Mayor Ann Bradshaw (Democrat).

History  In the 1840s, the owners of the farm which would later originate the city of Brazil decided to name their farm after the country of Brazil, because that country was often the subject of news at the time. The city was founded in 1866 under the name of that farm. The Chafariz dos Contos (Fountain of the Contos) was given by the country of Brazil as a gift to the city, as a symbol of friendship, and was assembled in Forest Park in 1956. It is a replica of the original fountain located in Ouro Preto, Brazil, built in 1745.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 8,188 people residing in the city. Brazil has a relatively low crime rate, but this is changing as the issue of methamphetamine manufacture, sale and use is increasing in southwestern Indiana. In April, 2006, a major arrest by local, county, state and Federal officials netted several suspects in Brazil in a meth distribution ring.

Government

The government consists of a mayor and a city council. The mayor is elected in citywide vote. The city council consists of seven members. Six are elected from individual districts. One is elected at-large.

Traffic/street issues

The main street of Brazil is U.S. Highway 40, the historic National Road, which is referred to as National Avenue within Brazil. Due to frequent accidents on Interstate 70, five miles (8 km) to the south of the town and often under construction, police often re-route traffic through Brazil, which creates traffic problems on U.S. 40 and the north-south Indiana Highway 59 (Forest Avenue, which intersects U.S. 40).

Many of Brazil's streets are in disrepair and very bumpy. The original brick roadbed is visible in many places through the asphalt. Also evident in several sections are stretches of the original brick streets in excellent condition, fine testament to their design and construction. However, many intersections have no traffic control devices (stop/yield signs).

The annual Parke County Covered Bridge Festival often causes traffic problems on Indiana Highway 59.

Brazil's sewer/drainage system dates from the early 20th century. Even though large section of the sewer system were replaced in the late 20th century a moderate rainstorm will cause the storm drain system to back up and flood town streets.

Famous former residents

·        Jimmy Hoffa, Union organizer , Orville Redenbacher, popcorn tycoon , Henry Lee Summer, 80s pop singer  ,John Dugan, Actor, Grandpa, Texas Chainsaw Massacre , Charles B. Hall, Tuskegee Airman, first African American pilot to shoot down a German Focke-Wulf on July 2, 1943. A street on the north side of Brazil is named for Hall and a memorial was placed in front of City Hall on July 15, 2009. , Ralph Francis Stearley, Air Force General , Harold "Babe" Wheeler, Hall of Fame High School Basketball Coach , George N. Craig, Governor of Indiana; Past National Commander of American Legion , Michelle Deighton, contestant on Cycle 4 of America's Next Top Model , Johnnie Davis, musician, band leader.                                                              

     

TEXT COMPREHENSION

01- The first African American pilot to shoot down a German Focke-Wulf was ____________________.

a) Ralgh Francis Stearley

b) Charles B. Hall

c) John Dugan

d) Henry Lee Summer

e) Jimmy Hoffa

02- The Brazil government consists of ______________members.

a) eight

b) seven

c) six

d) five

e) four

03- Brazil was a __________in the 1940s.

a) farm

b) county

c) city

d) country

e) state

04- The population of Brazil is around __________________.

a) six thousand

b) seven thousand

c) eight thousand

d) nine thousand

e) ten thousand

05- ______________is the county seat of Clay County.

a) Ouro Preto

b) Indiana

c) Germany

d) Indianapolis

e) Brazil