June 2009 Archive

Osgood Journal - June 30, 2009

Multiple agencies respond to house fire

Wanda English Burnett
Editor

Nearly every fire department in the county found themselves called to a house fire at 985 N. Hassmer Hill Road near Versailles on Saturday, June 27.

Homeowners and occupants of the two-story brick structure, Eric and Tara Goddard, were not at home at the time the blaze began. Firemen were called to the scene about 2:14 p.m. when a neighbor spotted the thick smoke and called 911.

Girls get ready for pageant

Wanda English Burnett
Editor

Eleven girls from across the county gathered at the Versailles Baptist Church Fellowship Hall for the Miss Ripley County Queen’s Tea held Friday, June 26.

The ladies were treated to desserts, met other contestants, and were given instructions on the upcoming Miss Ripley County Pageant set for July 12 at the Damm Theatre in Osgood, where the winners will be chosen. Then they will preside over the Ripley County 4-H Fair set for July 19-25.

The Versailles Republican - June 25, 2009

Fallen officer honored


Wanda English Burnett
Editor

Although 12-year-old Taylor Winzenread will never meet her father, Indiana State Trooper Andrew P. Winzenread in person, she knows him through the love and support of fellow troopers and the now permanent marker that names a portion of I-74 after the slain officer memorializing his short life.
A dedication ceremony that produced tears and laughter was held Friday, June 19 at the Decatur County Courthouse to honor the life of the fallen officer who was loved by so many.

A resolution introduced by State Representative Cleo Duncan and others, and adopted by the Indiana General Assembly, provides for a portion of Interstate 74 to be named in honor of Winzenread who gave his life in the line of duty April 25, 1997, while helping a stranded motorist along that stretch of highway near the 144 mile marker. He was killed when a semi tractor-trailer hit him and his cruiser, parked in the emergency lane of the interstate.

Get set for fireworks, festivities and fun

Wanda English Burnett
Editor

As America celebrates her 233rd birthday, the Fourth of July in Ripley County will be celebrated in style with lots of fireworks, festivities and fun for the whole family.

Each year the Ripley County Fairgrounds Park in Osgood, the Town of Milan, and the Versailles State Park, are the settings for a variety of activities including spectacular fireworks. This year will be even better.

 

It's business as usual at Tom Tepe AutoCenter

Wanda English Burnett
Editor

The news of over 1,000 General Motors dealers getting the word that their contracts will cease and they will be out, hasn’t affected Tom Tepe AutoCenter in Milan.

According to Harry Tepe, vice president and co-owner of the dealership, they are not affected by the news many GM dealerships are still reeling from that they can no longer sell GM and Chrysler vehicles as they have in the past.


Osgood Journal - June 23, 2009

Child sex offender gets no jail time


Wanda English Burnett
Editor

After Joseph Dale Green, 49, of Osgood, pled guilty to Sexual Misconduct with a Minor, he received a “get-out-of-jail” card from Judge Carl Taul. Instead of the state’s recommended 12-year sentence with two years suspended, Judge Taul gave Green only ten years probation.

The court proceedings took place in Ripley County Circuit Court June 16, where the Osgood man pled guilty to the Class B Felony in an open plea acco

Colts leave big impression!

See photo inside...

Elementary Principal Jane Rogers, to be assistant superintendent
Newly hired Milan School Supt. resigns

Beth Rumsey
Staff Writer

The announcement that the Milan Community School Corporation received a resignation from Superintendent Paul Roads was heard at the regular meeting of the Milan School Board on Monday, June 15. Tim Tuttle, president of the board, noted that “Roads did not show up for work.”

According to Tuttle, Roads explained in a phone call that he had some personal as well as staff issues and could not come to Milan. “This leaves a real sour taste in my mouth,” said board member Doug Norman, who continued, “But if I had to do it over again, Roads would still be my choice.”

The Versailles Republican - June 18, 2009

F.A.R.M. Club to host National Garden Tractor Club
1000's of exhibits expected at Osgood


Wanda English Burnett
Editor

Location, location location, was truly the story behind the Vintage Garden Tractor Club of America coming to Osgood for their annual show.

“They really liked the fact that the fairgrounds park was in town,” noted Chuck Heck, president of the Southeastern Indiana F.A.R.M. Club. The F.A.R.M. Club will host the National Garden Tractor Club of America at their Antique Tractor and Engine Show June 26, 27, and 28 at the Ripley County Fairgrounds Park in Osgood.

Vendor explains billing to commissioners

Beth Rumsey
Staff Writer

Prentha Cochran of PC Recovery was on hand to explain the invoices received by the county at the regular commissioner meeting held on Monday, June 15. According to Commissioner President Robert Reiners, the current invoicing format is difficult to understand.

Cochran explained how the invoice shows the original charge, the savings to the county, and then her portion of the savings, which is 50%. The commissioners reminded Cochran that the county will only pay for those savings that have occurred.

 

Welfare to Work program benefits Versailles


Wanda English Burnett
Editor

The Town of Versailles will be getting some extra help, but they it won’t be reflected on their payroll.

At the regular meeting of the town council June 11 Marshal Joe Mann introduced Michelle Sanchez with Arbor Education and Training/Impact. She explained about the Welfare to Work program saying the town can benefit from people who need to work a certain number of hours to keep getting government assistance.



Osgood Journal - June 16, 2009

Residents encouraged to 'Show Us Your HOPE'


Wanda English Burnett
Editor

Hope takes on a whole new meaning as Ripley County residents are getting ready for the 14th annual Relay for Life event set for Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21.

If you can’t get to the Batesville High School Track to participate in the actual event, or can’t give money, you can still offer hope. B.J. Myers, event chair, is asking everyone to join together in unity to “Show Us Your Hope” by displaying purple ribbons around trees and posts. The color purple is the signature color for power. And, there is power in people who stand together to fight to find a cure for cancer.

Jamboree to take center stage in Holton

Wanda English Burnett
Editor

Friday, June 19 and Saturday, June 20 the Holton Community Park will be the focal point for entertainment as the Jamboree gets underway. Once again the Ripley County Showmobile will roll onto the grounds and provide the stage for entertainers.

The Versailles Republican - June 11, 2009

Marker honors fallen ISP offficer
Trooper William R. Rayner remembered



Wanda English Burnett
Editor

The official announcement designating a portion of Interstate 74 near mile marker 138 as the “Trooper William Rayner Memorial Highway” was made on the Decatur County Courthouse steps on Monday, June 8 by State Representative Cleo Duncan.

“It is my honor to present this,” Duncan told the family of the slain officer as they gathered. She said it was an overdue honor, a long-awaited one that she was proud to be a part of. “I am humbled to be a part of remembering Trooper Rayner, who was a loyal public servant that made the ultimate sacrifice.”

Bicyclist beats all odds to complete 3800 miles

Wanda English Burnett
Editor

A Scotland man took the meaning of “making lemonade out of lemons” to a whole new level as he pushed against all odds to cross the country from San Francisco to New York City in a wheelchair bicycle to raise money to fight childhood cancer.

Kenny Herriot faces challenges of his own every day as he is paralyzed from his waist down. But, he doesn’t let that stop him from helping others.
 

Recorder cautions about new property deed scam
Fraud alert system available


Wanda English Burnett
Editor

Imagine, you’ve lived in your home all your life, it’s paid for, and suddenly you get notice that it’s being foreclosed on. You know you don’t have a mortgage, so why is the bank foreclosing?

While the scenario sounds bizarre, victims of property fraud are very real. According to information from Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller, a new type of white-collar crime is cropping up across the state. In these instances, the title to a home can literally be stolen out from under the homeowner.



Osgood Journal - June 9, 2009

Lucky winner comes forward


Wanda English Burnett
Editor

“I hope this doesn’t change my life,” Paul Bloemker of Moores Hill, said after claiming his lump sum payment of $1,162,127 from a lottery ticket he purchased recently at the Indian Trail BP in Milan.

The announcement that someone had won $3 million was made last week and on Friday the mystery was solved when Bloemker was officially announced the winner by Hoosier Lottery officials. “It’s another Milan Miracle,” Hoosier Lottery Executive Director Kathryn A. Densborn announced at a press conference held outside the lottery headquarters on Friday, June 5.

MMCH sponsors national event
Cancer survivors celebrate life

Wanda English Burnett
Editor

Three years ago Dr. Mary Robertson was diagnosed with breast cancer. Sunday, June 7 marked that date as she stood before nearly 200 people at the National Cancer Survivor Day celebration held at The Hansen Center, Batesville. “I understand what it means to hear the word cancer,” she told those gathered to celebrate being a survivor.

Using a hospital table as a podium, the doctor likened being diagnosed with cancer to having your house broken into and how vulnerable it leaves you. She said as a cancer survivor she knows the feeling of always thinking, “it can happen again.”

The Versailles Republican - June 4, 2009

Milan BP sells $3M lotto ticket - where's the winner?



Wanda English Burnett
Editor

One Hoosier Lotto ticket sold at the Indian Trail BP in Milan is worth $3 million, but who’s got the ticket? The ticket matched all six numbers in the drawing on Saturday, May 30: 5-12-17-21-23-34.

Roxanna Collins, co-owner with husband, Brian, of the Indian Trail BP, said she hopes it’s someone local, but the lucky winner hasn’t come forward yet. She said the ticket was sold sometime between Thursday, May 28 and Saturday, May 30. Right now they don’t know who the cashier was that actually sold the winning ticket. That will be revealed when the winner comes forward.

Over 100 grams of heroin seized in traffic stop

Wanda English Burnett
Editor

A traffic violation has led to an Illinois (Chicago area) man being arrested, and if convicted of the crimes he’s charged with, he could spend up to 50 years in prison.

According to information from Ripley County Prosecutor Ric Hertel, Steve L. Cotton, 39, was stopped for a traffic violation on May 25 on I-74 by Indiana State Trooper James Wells. During the course of the stop, Trooper Wells conducted additional investigation that led to the discovery of several plastic bags containing a brown, powdery substance. Preliminary tests indicated the presence of heroin - over 100 grams. Heroin has a street value of approximately $100 per gram, according to the prosecutor.
 

Milan Lady Indian Softball Team is Regional bound



See group photo inside...

Osgood Journal - June 2, 2009

McGuire pleads guilty to Child Molesting charge


Wanda English Burnett
Editor

Justin McGuire, 25, of Madison, pled guilty to Child Molesting, a Class B felony on Friday, May 29. McGuire’s plea of guilty came just four days before he was scheduled to go to trial for this crime in the Ripley Circuit Court, according to Ripley County Prosecutor Ric Hertel.

In a press release from the prosecutor’s office it noted that McGuire committed the crime against a then nine-year-old relative. This occurred at a residence on Old Michigan Road in Ripley County in January of 2004. The victim did not tell anyone until the summer of 2007 when she told her mother at their Florida residence.

Moores Hill woman charged after man dies in accident

Wanda English Burnett
Editor

A Moores Hill woman has been charged with OWI-Causing Death after a fatal hit and run accident in Dearborn County claimed the life of Daniel Thielmann Jr., 32, of Moores Hill.

Melissa Dawn Weaver, 31, has been charged in connection with the death of Thielmann after she was involved in a crash last Wednesday, May 27 on Station Hollow Road near Dillsboro. She was allegedly intoxicated when her car hit the motorcycle Thielmann was operating.