September 2009 Archive


Osgood Journal - September 29, 2009

Record breaking pumpkin weighs in at 920.5 lbs.
Miss America highlights Pumpkin Show

Wanda English Burnett, Editor

Katie Stam’s dream to be Miss America since she was three-years-old, became a reality that she shared with those attending the Versailles Pumpkin Show Parade on Saturday, September 26.

Miss America, who is the first Miss Indiana to be chosen as Miss America in the pageant’s 88-year history, was the “belle of the ball” so to speak as she was whisked into the county by a sleek black limousine driven by Scott Neal of Osgood. But, she didn’t stay in the limo long.

Katie was the Grand Marshal of the parade riding in a red convertible. As the color guard of the Versailles American Legion stood at attention, she was waltzed onto the stage by Jerry Gilpin to take the microphone to sing the National Anthem.

Arrest made in Triplett's Drug Store break-in

Wanda English Burnett, Editor

On Saturday, September 19 about 5:15 p.m. the front window of the Triplett’s Drug Store in Osgood was broken out in an attempted break-in.

According to information from Osgood Marshal John Hegge, the intruder was scared off by the alarm that sounded and nothing was taken from the store on Buckeye Street.

The Versailles Republican - September 24, 2009

Record breaking pumpkin weighs in at 920.5 lbs.
Miss America highlights Pumpkin Show

Wanda English Burnett, Editor

Katie Stam’s dream to be Miss America since she was three-years-old, became a reality that she shared with those attending the Versailles Pumpkin Show Parade on Saturday, September 26.

Miss America, who is the first Miss Indiana to be chosen as Miss America in the pageant’s 88-year history, was the “belle of the ball” so to speak as she was whisked into the county by a sleek black limousine driven by Scott Neal of Osgood. But, she didn’t stay in the limo long.

Katie was the Grand Marshal of the parade riding in a red convertible. As the color guard of the Versailles American Legion stood at attention, she was waltzed onto the stage by Jerry Gilpin to take the microphone to sing the National Anthem.

Local woman plays leading role in TLC show

Wanda English Burnett, Editor

For those who enjoy watching the TLC show “I Didn’t Know I Was Pregnant” a familiar face will be on an episode that will air this week on Wednesday, September 30 at 8:00 p.m.

Sarah Morris, who graduated from Jac-Cen-Del High School and was also named Miss Ripley County, will appear on this episode as Abbigale.

Osgood Journal - September 22, 2009

Buffalo surrenders at Ripley County Jail
Versailles...where the Buffalo roam

Wanda English Burnett, Editor

Described as a “big pet” Roscoe the Buffalo, who weighs in at about 2,000 pounds, left home early Friday morning to roam the streets of Versailles.

The problem with the pet that belonged to Jim and Joyce Samples of Versailles, was that he was big, and police had to quickly corral him. “He wasn’t vicious, he was just big,” Joyce told the Osgood Journal.

JCD ISTEP scores compare with other area schools

Beth Rumsey, Staff Writer

Jac-Cen-Del Principal Johnny Budd presented the Spring 2009 ISTEP scores to the JCD School Board at their regular meeting on Wednesday, September 16. According to Budd, the school’s results were close to the state’s average as well as compared favorably with the area schools.

Response to Intervention (RTI) will be used to identify where a student will need additional help in a subject. According to Budd, an acuity test will be administered, and if a student falls below the benchmark, the student will receive an additional 30 minutes of individual assistance. Currently, this is only for the junior high students.

The Versailles Republican - September 17, 2009

Pumpkin weigh-in changed to 8 a.m. at Gilpin's Monuments
Miss America to be Grand Marshal of the 107th Pumpkin Show Parade
Wanda English Burnett, Editor

Where can you find Miss America 2009, gigantic pumpkins, royalty galore - king, queen, prince, princess - a pumpkin decorating contest, great stage entertainment, and a pumpkin baking contest? The answer is easy - at the 107th Versailles Pumpkin Show September 24-27!

Excitement is mounting as members of the Versailles Lions Club are putting the finishing touches on the four-day event that promises more twists and turns than one of the great amusement rides set up by Luehr Rides!

Pumpkin Show Dance to be held at Legion Park

Versailles Town pursues renovation at Tyson


Wanda English Burnett, Editor

Since purchasing the old Tyson School Gym, the Town of Versailles Council members have worked toward renovating the spacious gymnasium and converting it into a community center/town hall.

At the September meeting, discussion continued with engineer Jerry Firestone presenting an update to the project. This new plan would eliminate the proposed addition and put the restrooms in a different area.
 

Milan residents voice concerns


Beth Rumsey, Staff Writer

Some of the residents living on Main Street in Milan voiced concerns regarding a business at the regular Milan Town Council meeting on Monday, September 14. According to Krista Thompson, who recently moved into the area, work has been continuing late into the night as well as dust from the woodworking type business causing health issues for the children living in the area.

Osgood Journal - September 15, 2009

Napoleon moves ahead with storm water project


Wanda English Burnett, Editor

Jodi Comer of Southeastern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (SIRPC) came before the Napoleon Town Council at their regular meeting September 9 with information concerning the storm water drainage project the town is working on.

McNeelans settle with Holton Town Council


Beth Rumsey, Staff Writer

The Holton Town Council received an update regarding the claim filed by Scott and Misty McNeelan at the regular meeting on Thursday, September 10. Town attorney John Ertel has spoken with the McNeelan’s attorney and informed the board that the McNeelans are willing to settle for $700.

Tax rates drop for Osgood Public Library

Beth Rumsey, Staff Writer

In a special meeting of the Osgood Public Library held on Tuesday, September 9, attorney for the Osgood Public Library Board Larry Eaton announced that the proposed budget for 2010 has been received from the DLGF (Department of Local Government Finance).

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The Versailles Republican - September 10, 2009

Applications accepted for volunteers to help with vaccines
H1N1: Remain calm, stay informed

Wanda English Burnett, Editor

Almost on a daily basis, information regarding the Type A/H1N1 flu virus bombards us via newspapers, television, or the Internet often causing fear and confusion for those who want to ensure their family stays healthy during the coming flu season.

County owed more than $465,000 in unpaid personal property taxes

Beth Rumsey, Staff Writer

The commissioners considered a request to employ American Financial Credit Services to collect unpaid personal property taxes at the regular meeting on Friday, September 4.

According to Amy Copeland, employee in the Ripley County Treasurer’s Office, there is currently more than $465,000 in unpaid personal property taxes, with some accounts several years old and without current contact information.
 

Flag flown over United States Capitol in honor of JCD program that connects its students with students from Spain


See photo inside...

Osgood Journal - September 8, 2009

Program provides tools to lead students into higher technology

Beth Rumsey, Staff Writer

Jac-Cen-Del students have a unique opportunity to sharpen their critical thinking and problem solving skills through the engineering courses that are a part of the Project Lead the Way program. The three classes, Introduction to Engineering, Principles of Engineering, and Digital Electronics, include students from grades 8 through 12 and provides an opportunity for them to earn college credit when completed.

Taste of Home Cooking School coming to Versailles


Wanda English Burnett, Editor

Fall is a busy time when school gets underway, festivals are planned and thoughts turn to the holidays. This year there is one additional fun thing to put on your calendar - a Taste of Home Cooking School on November 19 sponsored by the Ripley Publishing Co.

Soldiers get second chance at academy

Beth Rumsey, Staff Writer

“The state is proud to be a host to the first Patriots Academy,” said Indiana Lt. Governor Becky Skillman, at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Patriot Academy on Wednesday, August 26. The Patriot Academy, a pilot program of the National Guard, is located in the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center in Butlerville, the first of its kind in the nation.

The Versailles Republican - September 3, 2009

Milan gives approval for new business

Beth Rumsey, Staff Writer

Despite opposition from residents living on County Road 200 N, Milan, the Milan Town Council unanimously approved the motion to accept the agreement with Pike Lumber at a special meeting on Tuesday, September 1. “I don’t think you can find any better people to work with than this company,” board president Paul Hildebrand told the audience.

Brad Street, who lives on CR 200 N, presented a petition of those residents who are opposed to the proposed route that the trucks will use as access to SR 101. Also, Street asserts that the residents were not properly notified of the change from the original plan of access to the highway via Country Club Drive, announced in the initial public meeting with representatives from Pike Lumber earlier this year.

It's all for the children
Region 15 Children's Advocacy Center to open soon


Wanda English Burnett, Editor

“Would you like to see a baby bunny?”

Innocent words spoken from a man a nine-year-old girl knew and trusted explicitly, led to a calamity that changed her life forever.

Even though the woman, Diane Kvapil is now 77, an accomplished actress, professor, and award winning screenplay writer - her story is a true one. It is a story of innocence lost at the hands of a respected businessman.
 

SR athlete recognized


Karen Reynolds, Contributing Writer

The August meeting of the South Ripley School Corporation began on a note of celebration as senior Thad Fleming was recognized for his achievements in track and field last spring. Fleming’s accomplishments include winning the sectional and regional discus competitions, tying the school record. He participated in the state track and field meet.

Superintendent Ted Ahaus wished Fleming well in the upcoming school year. President Ralph Miller presented him with a certificate of recognition, a pin, and a Raider’s umbrella.


Osgood Journal - September 1, 2009

A lot of storytelling was going on in
Napoleon over the weekend

See details inside...

Osgood man flown by PHI to Cincinnati hospital after gunshot wound


Wanda English Burnett, Editor

Officers from the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office responded to a domestic dispute in Osgood involving Clifford H. “Doc” Winters, 44, of Osgood, and a female, Sunday morning, August 30. When officers arrived Winters was no longer at the residence. There was no charging information available at press time, according to the officer, Rob Bradley, who initially responded to the call.

Large crowd attends library meeting concerning tax rates

Beth Rumsey, Staff Writer

Several residents living in the Osgood Public Library (OPL) district attended the Osgood Library Board meeting on Tuesday, August 25 hoping to receive more information on the increase to the property tax rate which will be used to fund the building of a new building for the Milan branch of the Osgood Library, which is currently under construction.