Sports complex shaping up for spring
CFF grant could help with Versailles project

 Wanda English Burnett, Editor

Mary McCarty with Southeastern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (SIRPC), said the Town of Versailles could be eligible for a $500,000 Community Focus Fund (CFF), grant.

McCarty spoke at the regular meeting of the Versailles Town Council last week saying this type of grant would help with renovations needed at the Tyson gym, now owned by the town.

She explained criteria needed for a CFF grant saying these are “fun applications with endless possibilities.”

Council member DeeDee Benkie said the president of the historic landmarks for the state had recently toured the facility. The historic preservation of the Tyson facility was discussed. Benkie will work with McCarty and a committee will be formed to move ahead with the project.

Danny Crabtree addressed the council expressing concern over an extremely high water bill. He said it went from about $100 to $400 in one month. The council agreed they would have someone from the water department check it out. They also agreed if it wasn’t a town problem, they would set up a payment plan to help the resident out.

Fire Chief Ben Sieverding reported his department worked five structure fires. He said there hasn’t been much work on the new fire station due to the weather. He complimented the town on cleaning the street during the ice/snow events. The council in turn complimented his department for having officers named “Officer of the Year” by the Versailles American Legion.

County employee Johnnie Lohrum addressed the council saying the problems with the clock in the courthouse tower continues. The town owns the clock. He noted that the clock has cracks in it and when it rains, it runs through the ceiling into the prosecutor’s office. Lohrum offered to try to fix the clock. He said all four clock faces were rotting at the bottom due to repeated moisture.

The council gave Lohrum the okay to get needed materials from Halcomb Home Center and work on the situation.

Jeff Cumberworth gave an update on the town’s new sports complex. He said the bids were out on fencing, more dirt was needed, and they need to immediately send out flyers for the summer program, which he said is being restructured.

The council agreed with Benkie who requested a plan concerning all sports programs be in writing.
Cumberworth said there were over 400 kids involved in the program. The council requested a special meeting with the park board to fine-tune the program.

“We still want to play ball (at the new complex) this spring,” said Cumberworth.

Under police news, Marshal Joe Mann was granted permission to purchase software for the police department at an estimate of around $2100. He said both the Osgood and Milan police departments use the software and are pleased with it.

The request by the marshal for the town to sponsor a child abuse class was tabled.

Town Superintendent Kevin Hensley reported:

• A leak was repaired at the legion park.

• Roads were salted eight or nine times in January.

• The furnace at Tyson gym was worked on.

• He was granted permission to trade a Skidsteer.

Hensley said he didn’t feel the brine solution would work for the town of Versailles. Holzer asked about the salt costs and supply. Hensley said, “We’re still okay on salt.”

He said they’re experiencing problems at the lift station. He said letters will be sent to all restaurants regarding grease traps. “They all have to have them,” he emphasized.

Clerk Treasurer Kiersten Libby and all board members reported they had received many compliments on the way the town roads were cleaned after the winter storms.

All members were present, including Clerk-Treasurer Kiersten Libby, and attorney Larry Eaton. The next regular meeting of the Versailles Town Council will be held March 12 at 7 p.m. at the Versailles Town Hall.