Beth Rumsey
Staff Writer

Geneen Ostendorf appeared before the Ripley County Commissioners to repeat her request for the commissioners to consider employing an Animal Control Officer at the regular meeting on Monday, March 22. Ostendorf had previously appeared at the February 8 meeting making a similar request as well as pointing out the need for rabies prevention education and requesting information on the duties of the county dog warden.

According to Ostendorf, she represents a group of citizens concerned about animal welfare in the county. She has been a volunteer for several animal rights organizations including PAAIN and the Ripley County Humane Society.

The need for rabies control measures was reiterated by Ostendorf as well as a request for proof of any existing county animal welfare ordinances. As well, she presented a petition requesting the replacement of the county dog warden.

According to Ostendorf, she has received several complaints about the current dog warden. Commissioner President Robert Reiners noted that without any documentation the complaints are hearsay.

Reiners explained that the commissioners will take the matter under consideration and research the animal welfare ordinances as per Ostendorf’s request. Ostendorf was requested to attend the April 19 meeting where the commissioners will address the concerns presented. The dog warden will be requested to attend as well, according to Reiners.

Barry Lauber, Ripley County Redevelopment Commission, requested support for a possible new business with plans to be established in the Versailles Industrial Park. According to Lauber, support from the county council was requested and granted at the council meeting on March 15.

Lauber requested $120,000 contingent on the company coming to the county and breaking ground. The motion to grant the request of the RCRC for $120,000 towards the funding for the project in the industrial park was unanimously approved.

In other business:

• The request of County Recorder Ginger Bradford for additional shelving for storage was unanimously approved.

• Ripley County Parks Director Julie Brancamp reminded the commissioners of the upcoming tree planting event on April 24.

• National Day of Prayer event sponsored by the South Ripley Ministerial Association will be held on Thursday, May 6 from 12:15p.m. to 12:45 p.m. on the courthouse square.

All commissioners were in attendance along with John Ertel, substituting for county attorney Neil Comer, to advise and county auditor Bill Wagner. The next meeting will be on Monday, April 5 beginning at 7 am at the Ripley County Highway Garage in Osgood and reconvening at 8 am at the courthouse annex.