Commissioners hear new direction for EMS
New director pushes ahead with education
Cathy May - Contributing Writer

Newly appointed EMS Director Scott Huffman reported to the Ripley County Commissioners everything is going well. He said his goals are to keep first responders and EMT's certified, get those who need to be re-certified, and spark an interest in new people who want to join the program.

Huffman is "Pushing ahead to prepare an educational course." Both he and Jenny Frye are taking instructor training. They are planning a three-day course that will benefit everyone from first responders to physicians to be held in January.

This course will be good for two years of continuing education. Huffman said for years they have had to "just pick up a course here and there." Now they will be able to get all their continuing education at one time, right here in Ripley County.

Commissioner President Bob Reiners stated, "We applaud you for taking the ball and running with it." The paramedics have purchased two mannequins for the training, one adult and one child.

David Chandler and Sonny Elston asked the Commissioners to help them with the dangerous situation at the Cross Plains Post Office. People going to the post office have to back out onto the highway. They proposed opening the alleyway so there would be an egress. The Commissioners thought it was a good idea and will have to investigate the ownership of the land.

Chandler also thanked the Commissioners for helping Cross Plains get the tornado warning siren. It will be placed on the old school house property when it comes in.

Technology Director Kelly Vollet did a cost analysis on the county's present long distance carrier and Trans World. She found it would save the county about $4,800 a year to switch. The Commissioners voted to change to TransWorld.

Ted Spurlock, The Commissioners representative on the Ripley County Economic Development Board, brought in a copy of their financials to the meeting. Later, the Commissioners signed the Inter-Local Agreement giving the Board 12% of the EDIT tax funds for 2006.

Paul Watson appeared regarding an issue with a neighbor. He said the neighbor wanted to put up a pole barn in an easement. Tad Brinson, planning director, was called into the meeting. He said the site plan shows the neighbor is building on his own property. Watson was told to go to the Recorder's Office to get a copy of the subdivision plan. It should show where the lines are.

Hoosier Hills Regional Water District will allow the county to place a repeater on their tower in Penntown. In exchange, the county will build a 10' x10' storage building with a concrete floor next to the tower.

All three commissioners were in attendance: President Robert Reiners, Chuck Folz and Lawrence Nickell. Attorney Neil Comer was present to advise the commissioners. Auditor Mary Ann McCoy attended to take minutes of the meeting. The next Commissioners meeting will be Monday, December 19 at 8:00 a.m. at the Commissioner's Room at the Ripley County Courthouse Annex.