Milan High School top students honored

Local farmers, growers work together
Safe, fresh, nutritious food available

“I have a passion for good food, healthy soils, and fairness to farmers,” said Sister Claire Whalen, president of the Laughery Valley Growers FarmFresh CSA. Whalen began the CSA in 2006 after retiring from Michaela Farm. “I wanted to continue to work and I had ideas that I wanted to develop regarding sustainable farming,” she continued.

The Laughery Valley Growers is a collaboration of local farmers/growers in Ripley and Franklin counties. The FarmFresh CSA, or community supported agriculture, creates a direct relationship between those who want to eat safe, fresh nutritious food and those who grow it. Growers from around Ripley County and surrounding areas agree to provide a weekly share of their harvest to subscribers, who pay in advance of the harvest season.

Walking trail planned at Osgood lake area

Beth Rumsey
Staff Writer

Phyllis Boyd, the architect representing the Two Lakes Trail Project, reported on the proposed walking/biking trail at the regular session of the Osgood Town Board on Tuesday, May 19. According to Boyd, the 8 to 10 foot asphalt trails will be paid by applying for a recreational grant through the DNR in the amount of $150,000 with the town to match funds of 20%.

The application is yet to be completed, according to Boyd, as letters of support are still needed. The town will be responsible for the upkeep when the project is completed. A signature sheet in support of the project was passed around at the meeting.

Lutheran ladies bring warmth one stitch at
a time

Shots fired in standoff, gunman in custody

Wanda English Burnett
Editor

An incident that ended just before 1:00 a.m. Monday, May 18, saw some police cars coming east on US 50 through Ripley County just after 10 p.m. Sunday evening with sirens blaring and lights flashing.

The six hour standoff actually began about 6:45 p.m. Sunday evening in Rising Sun. According to information from Sgt. Noel Houze of the Indiana State Police, Versailles District, an Ohio County Sheriff’s Deputy, Adam Ziegler, had responded to a domestic dispute at Lot 17 at the Fairgrounds Trailer Court in Rising Sun. While the deputy was speaking with a family member, James Farrell, 60, of Rising Sun, allegedly pointed a handgun at the deputy. The deputy immediately retreated, calling for backup

Updates given on lawsuits
Holton hires deputy clerk

Beth Rumsey
Staff Writer

“The position of the deputy clerk has been filled,” announced Holton Clerk Treasurer Sarah Hildebrand at the regular town council meeting on Thursday, May 14. Hildebrand’s recommendation to hire Beth Cooper was unanimously approved by the board.

Mother's Day contest winners announced

Ripley County Chamber of Commerce recognizes businesses
JCD Eagles, NMLRA honored

Wanda English Burnett
Editor

Barry Lauber, president of the Ripley County Chamber of Commerce welcomed the largest crowd ever to attend the chamber’s 12th Annual Business Recognition Luncheon held May 6. The event was held at the Southeastern Indiana REMC Training Center in Osgood.

Members of the Jac-Cen-Del Eagles 2009 State Championship Team were honored at the luncheon with Lauber saying, “What you achieved that day brought honor and memories to the entire Southeastern Indiana area.” He then introduced Coach David Bradshaw, also presenting him with a check from the chamber for expenses for the team.

SR graduation set for May 30

Karen Reynolds
Contributing Writer

At the regular meeting of the South Ripley School Board of Trustees it was announced that graduation would be held May 30. Superintendent Ted Ahaus informed the board that the weather wavier request submitted to the state was approved, making the last student day at South Ripley Schools May 29.

According to Assistant Superintendent Dr. John Mehrle, the elementary school has met adequate yearly progress (AYP), but the high school did not. He noted that efforts to meet corporation goals will continue.

Gas pipeline under aquifer concerns water customer

Former state auditor is keynote speaker
Local Republicans honored

Beth Rumsey
Staff Writer

Members of the Ripley County Republican Party gathered to honor Abraham Lincoln, the father of the Republican Party, learn about Lincoln’s formative years in Indiana as well as hear the Gettysburg Address read by Charles Dickman portraying Lincoln at the annual Lincoln Day Dinner. Local Republicans were also honored at the event that took place Saturday, May 2 at the Jac-Cen-Del Elementary School in Osgood.

Sheriff's office upgrades
in car camera system

Beth Rumsey
Staff Writer

The Ripley County Sheriff’s Office is using the latest technology to ensure the safety of the public as well as its officers. According to Sheriff Tom Grills, the upgrade to digital cameras in the police cars was the number one priority ever since he came into office. “The previous camera system was good, but repairs were difficult because it was old,” he said.

Sheriff Grills spent the past 18-months researching camera systems that would work best for the department. He said the digital cameras have the ability to record images on an SD card which can then be loaded into any computer at the end of the shift. This is especially useful when the server is down due to a power outage or severe weather.