Beth Rumsey
Staff Writer

The Ripley County Commissioners recognized the Jac-Cen-Del Eagles boys basketball team on their accomplishment for winning the Class 1A State Championship at their regular meeting held on Monday, April 6. “They did a great job,” said Commissioner Rob Reiners. “We’re proud of them.”

The commissioners also expressed their gratitude towards EMA Director Wayne Peace for his assistance with FEMA to get replacement dollars for the Ripley County Highway Garage. According to Reiners, Peace was instrumental in getting all the information and applications turned into the state in a timely manner in order for the county garage to receive reimbursement for overtime salary and cost of materials used during recent storms. “We appreciate all that you have done,” said Highway Supervisor Junior Heaton.

Andy Bryant, Ripley County Health Department, presented a special request regarding the installation of a septic system on behalf of Joe Smith of Morris. According to Bryant, the property owned by Smith does not have enough room for the set back.

Smith proposes to purchase property across the street and bore under the road in order to correctly install the septic system. The commissioners unanimously approved the request, with the exception that the depth be at least 36 inches.

The commissioners reminded those attending of the online auction sponsored by the county. Many items are available for bidding, along with solid oak chairs from a previous judge’s chamber. The auction site can be accessed at www.ripleycounty.com or those without computer access can view postings on bulletin boards throughout the courthouse and annex.

In other business:

• According to courthouse maintenance worker Johnnie Lohrum, the repairs made to the clock tower are still keeping the rain out preventing more damage. He will be treating the ash trees for the emerald ash borer in the coming weeks.

• The commissioners unanimously approved to use Cardinal for their monthly exterminating treatments.

• The motion to take the quote from Quality Plumbing and Heating under advisement was unanimously approved.

• The letter to PC Recovery regarding payment of savings incurred on the PRI phone system was unanimously approved.

• The commissioners unanimously approved to use the administrative services of Apex Insurance for the COBRA claims.

All commissioners were present, along with County Auditor Mary Ann McCoy to take the minutes and Attorney Neil Comer to advise. The next meeting will be held on Monday, April 20 beginning at 7 a.m. in the Ripley County Highway Garage in Osgood and reconvening at 8 a.m. at the commissioners’ room in the annex.