Versailles Town Council declares Katie Stam Day

Beth Rumsey, Staff Writer

At the regular meeting of the Versailles Town Council held August 13, members declared Saturday, September 26 as Katie Stam Day.

This action was unanimous and was brought into place after Versailles Lions Club member Jerry Gilpin informed the council that 2009 Miss America, Katie Stam from Seymour, will be at the Versailles Pumpkin Show this year.

Also discussed was having the Pumpkin Show Dance again this year on Saturday night. Council member Dee Dee Benkie said she was strongly in favor of holding the dance, but it would have to be held in a different location this year due to renovations taking place at the Tyson Auditorium.

Fire Chief Ben Sieverding reported his department responded to 39 calls since the last council meeting. He requested a meeting with the council to discuss the town taking over the insurance on the newly constructed firehouse when the department moves to the new facility, which is located south of town on US 421.

The tower clock in the courthouse was again the subject of discussion. County employee Johnnie Lohrum came before the council saying the clock is leaking and will begin to rot if it isn’t repaired soon. Council President John Holzer noted the council would speak with their attorney about possible solutions. Lohrum was to talk with commissioners to set up a meeting between the two government agencies to try to remedy the situation. The county is responsible for the tower, but the town was told they are responsible for the clock.

In other business:

• Richard Zinz was hired to inspect properties in violation of town ordinances. The motion passed unanimously.

• Superintendent Kevin Hensley reported blockage at the dam. He hired Reynolds Corporation to pump out debris due to the recent storms. He noted that the GPS mapping system for the water and sewer lines was complete.

• Hensley and the council expressed thanks to the Rising Sun Regional Foundation for the grant money the town received to install the mapping system.

• Clerk Treasurer Kiersten Libby presented the 2010 budget for the first reading. She also submitted the inter-local agreement with the Ripley County Economic Development for approval. Both were unanimously passed.

• Marshal Mann reported things were running smoothly in the town.

• Anyone interested in the restoration of the Tyson Auditorium is welcome to contact council member Dee Dee Benkie or call the town hall. The proposed project cost has been reduced significantly due to Eaton, who said he had met with council members John Holzer, Sue Meisberger and engineer Jerry Firestone to look over the plans for renovation.

All council members were in attendance, along with Kiersten Libby, clerk-treasurer and Larry Eaton, attorney. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Versailles Town Council will be held September 10 at 7 p.m. at the town hall.