Paper company looking to locate in Osgood
Cathy May - Contributing Writer

Representatives of Hazen Paper Company attended the Osgood Town Board meeting with Ripley County Economic Development Director Pam Sander. Sander stated that Hazen Paper is a company out of Massachusetts that is interested in purchasing the old US Shoe building. The Town has offered the company an incentive package to locate in Osgood including a 10-year tax abatement as well as $100,000 to be earmarked and used toward utility costs.

John Hazen stated he is "looking forward to a great future here."

The Town should learn soon if everything has been finalized.

Ken Howard addressed the Board about purchasing Neal's Auto Salvage. He would like to clean up the 5,000 tires still on the property and the rest of the garbage. He wants to purchase the property and use it for recycling auto parts. He would also like to put up a blind fence.

David Mohler of Commonwealth Engineers reported the Sewer Inflow and Infiltration Project is 99% complete. The pavement is the only thing remaining and they are waiting for the asphalt plants to open. He also said Johanningman should be starting the North Walnut Street Curb and Sidewalk Project soon.

Jerry Burton said he needs help with dogs on North Elm Street. He stated he had a tenant who had to shoot his way out of his house because of dogs. He also requested the shrubbery at the corner of Cardinal Lane and Ripley street needs to be trimmed for safety reasons.

An ordinance was passed to establish a surcharge for the provision and delivery of gas services to customers located outside the boundaries of the Town of Osgood. The gas surcharge would be 50-cents per each one thousand cubic feet of gas.

An Indiana State Heritage marker will be placed near the CSX tracks for the Osgood 2006 celebration. A dedication ceremony will be held. The marker will be included in the National Park Service Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.

All three town board members were present: Jeff Volz, Paul Struckman, and Linda Krinop. Attorney Mary Ann Gay and Clerk-Treasurer Tammy Wilhoit were present to advise the board. The next regular meeting of the Osgood Town Board will be March 21 at 7:00 p.m. at the Osgood Town Hall.