County asked to take over portion of 229
Cathy May - Contributing Writer

Mary Enwright, representing the Indiana Department of Transportation, asked the Ripley County Commissioners and the City of Batesville to take over SR 229 from SR 48 to SR 46 at their February 14 meeting. This is a total of 9.2 miles, eight in Ripley County and 1.2 in Batesville. The state would resurface the road and rehabilitate the two bridges over
Laughery Creek before the road would be transferred. The state wants to keep SR 229 from SR 48 to Napoleon and rename it.

The state took over 229 in 1931. The state can only transfer the road
with the permission of the County and City of Batesville. The County Commissioners and the Batesville City Council will discuss the matter.

The Ripley County Commissioners have set Wednesday, July 27, as John Maxwell Day at the Ripley County Fair. Maxwell, who recently passed away, was a longtime 4-H leader and former County Extension Agent. Wednesday night was selected because it is the gospel sing and Maxwell was very active in his church and the Gideons.

Bill Davison and Gerry Doane from the Sheriff's Department came before the Commissioners regarding the payroll schedule. The state is requiring some changes to be made this year in how the payroll is calculated. Some problems have occurred because all county employees, like the Sheriff's Department, 911, and the county highway garage do not work 8 to 4, Monday through Friday shifts. County Auditor Mary Ann McCoy, says she is working closely with the state to resolve the matter.

Judy Schebler, 911 Coordinator, said three fire departments do not want 911 to activate their sirens. They are Sunman, Napoleon and Osgood. They will still activate the three new sirens which will be located at Cross Plains, Rexville and Elrod.

County Clerk Ginger Bradford said they will be switching over to laser checks and will be taking training on the new system in March. The cost is $750 and they have no money in their budget for training. The Commissioners said they don't have any money for training this year, but will take the money from Contractual Services.

Bradford said that Louise Mitchell priced the Hunter Building at $163,000 and the Commissioners can look at it after June 18. She will also rent the space. The Commissioners said they would use the house next door to the Courthouse Annex that the county owns first.

E.J. Burwinkel, who lives on 950 South in Shelby County, said there is a constant noise problem at his place. He said it sounds like a generator and runs day and night. Lawrence Nickell will look into the matter.

All three County Commissioners were in attendance: Robert Reiners, District 1; Chuck Folz, District 2; and Lawrence Nickell, District 3. Attorney Neil Comer was present to advise the Commissioners. Auditor Mary Ann McCoy served as secretary to the Commissioners. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 28, at 8:00 a.m. at the Commissioners Room in the Ripley County Courthouse Annex Building.