May 2010 Archive

The Versailles Republican - May 27

Versailles State Park office, DNR headquarters and statue of CCC worker dedicated

Wanda English Burnett
Editor

The dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony for the Versailles State Park office that also houses the Indiana Conservation Officer District 9 headquarters was held Friday, May 21 with over 150 people in attendance. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) statue was also dedicated as part of the ceremony.
Dan Bortner, Division of State Parks and Reservoirs director, welcomed those attending the event on Friday by saying, “Today we honor you on behalf of a grateful State.”

Many awards given out at Milan School Board mtg.


Beth Rumsey
Staff Writer

Congratulations were in order for several Milan students who were recognized for their achievements at the regular school board meeting on Monday, May 17.

High school principal Rich Healy recognized art students Neil Herzog and Jeremy Allen for their placements in the Ninth Congressional District Art Contest. Allen placed first for his entry Momento Man with Herzog receiving an honorable mention.

Milan legion member shares memorabilia


Wanda English Burnett
Editor

“You honk the horn on the car and I’ll ring the dinner bell,” are words Leroy Zimmermann of Milan, will never forget. Those memories come from 1945 when the second world war ended.

Zimmermann was visiting his aunt and uncle - Harry and Ann Wanstrath - on a Ripley County farm when WWII was declared over. The impression of the end of the war on a nine-year-old is imprinted forever in his head as he remembered the event like it was yesterday. He said cars were driving by laying on their horns.

Osgood Journal - May 25

Commissioners to pay for removal of tar
Resident requests compensation

Beth Rumsey
Staff Writer

Jennifer Armbrecht, Versailles, requested the county commissioners consider paying for the cost of tar removal from her vehicle after an incident involving work by the county near her place of employment on April 7. The request was made at the regular commissioner meeting on Monday, May 17.

According to Armbrecht, the Ripley County Highway Department was chipping and sealing a county road and a portion of the business’ parking lot in Friendship. When asked by the facilities director, a county employee stated the employees of the business did not need to move their vehicles.

Napoleon acquires VFW building


Wanda English Burnett
Editor

Members of the Keene Henneke Post #9987 VFW signed the paperwork to sell the building in Napoleon to the Napoleon Town Council at their regular meeting May 12.

It was noted that the membership has dwindled over the years with many of the veterans now deceased. The organization will remain in tact, they just won’t have the responsibility of the building that has hosted many receptions and celebrations over the years. They are working on scheduling with the Napoleon Community Center to have their meetings at the town facility.

JCD student retention at lowest in years

Beth Rumsey
Staff Writer

Jac-Cen-Del High School Principal Johnny Budd presented the updated information regarding those students receiving retention letters at the regular meeting on Wednesday, May 19. According to Budd, the number of letters sent out was the lowest in three years.

Budd explained that the parents, student, and himself meet to determine the best strategy to improve a student’s grade. He said that students are given acuity tests four times a year and receive additional help in weak areas.

The Versailles Republican - May 20

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony held Saturday
Tyson Memorial Sports Complex ready for action

Wanda English Burnett
Editor

Play Ball! Famous words that will be heard for decades to come thanks to a winning team who worked together to make the Tyson Memorial Sports Complex a reality.

The grand opening and dedication of the complex was held Saturday morning, May 15 complete with a ribbon cutting ceremony by Versailles Town Council, flag ceremony by the Versailles American Legion Post 173 and the first ceremonial pitch thrown out by council member Sue Meisberger.

Volunteers honored for helping with H1N1 vaccinations

Wanda English Burnett
Editor

A volunteer appreciation dinner was recently held for all those who were instrumental in making sure everyone in the county (who wanted it) received H1N1 vaccinations.

Thanks to a host of volunteers Ripley County ranked above the state in the percent of vaccinations given for H1N1. The State of Indiana vaccinated 20.7% with Ripley County’s percentage being 43.8%. “I am very proud of our volunteers,” noted Pat Thomas, director of the Ripley County Health Department (RCHD).

Tax abatement requested for Ripley Crossing project

Beth Rumsey
Staff Writer

Attorney Mary Ann Gay, representing DLR Investments, requested a tax abatement on a new construction project at Ripley Crossing at the regular meeting of the Milan Town Council on Monday, May 10.

According to Gay, the new construction will include 20 new assisted living units, which will employ approximately six full time and three part time people. The apartments will be one bedroom units with a full bath and kitchen and will be approximately 394 square feet.

Osgood Journal - May 18

Chamber holds 13th Annual Business Luncheon
Tom Tepe Autocenter named Business of the Year

Wanda English Burnett
Editor

Twenty-three years of service were recognized as Tom Tepe Autocenter Inc. was honored at the 13th annual business recognition luncheon sponsored by the Ripley County Chamber of Commerce.

A large crowd gathered at the Southeastern Indiana REMC Training Center in Osgood on May 12 to honor the long time service of Thomas Tepe and his employees, along with new businesses in the area.

Family looks for answers


Wanda English Burnett
Editor

As Timothy Carter of Austin, fights for his life, his family, mom Jewell and stepfather, Allen Beach, of Holton, search for answers.

Carter was critically injured on May 6 when he was waiting to turn into this parents’ lumber company on US 50 just west of Michigan Road. He was rear-ended by a police cruiser.

Duke Energy awards $5,000 grant for Pike Lumber Development Project at Milan


Wanda English Burnett
Editor

Last week officials from Duke Energy, Pike Lumber, Ripley County Economic Development and Milan Town Council, gathered at the Milan Town Hall for the presentation of a $5,000 grant. Duke Energy awarded the grant money for the Pike Lumber Company project in Milan.

“The grant will help make this site shovel-ready for Pike Lumber’s expansion into Ripley County,” said Pat More, Duke Energy east area manager. “This lowers the cost of site development and improves the efficiency of permitting. We’re proud to do our part to bring economic development to the cities and towns we serve.”

The Versailles Republican - May 13


Efforts of local woman pays off
First CCC statue in Indiana to be unveiled at Versailles State Park


Wanda English Burnett
Editor

Indiana’s first “Iron Mike” statue, will be unveiled at the Versailles State Park Friday, May 21. The unveiling of the tribute to the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps or more commonly referred to as the CCC, is the direct effort of a local citizen, the late Ruth Ann Swinney.

Benefit in place for Milan fireman

Wanda English Burnett
Editor

Firefighters are a tough lot. They are the first to go into a burning building and are thought of as heroes.
A Milan firefighter has done all that. He has trained and donated endless hours of service to the community he lives in and loves. Now, he needs help from others.

Doug Laws was recently diagnosed with leukemia and is currently awaiting a bone marrow transplant. He is married to Robin (Swinney) Laws and is described as a devoted husband and father to their two children, Allen, 13, and Annjeanette, 10, both students in the Milan School Corporation.

Prevention is answer to child abuse

Karen Reynolds
Contributing Writer

Ripley County’s Local Coordinating Council Against Substance Abuse and the Indiana Youth Institute co-sponsored an event called “Prevent Now” at the Southeastern Career Center on May 4.

The program was presented by Sandy Runkle from PCAIN or Prevent Child Abuse in Indiana and included a 24-minute video called “From Darkness to Light.”

Osgood Journal - May 11

Teenager left with serious injuries
Osgood man arrested in connection with beating

Wanda English Burnett
Editor

Shawn Clift, 19, of Osgood, was arrested following a beating incident, which occurred May 1 involving another Osgood teenager. Clift pled not guilty to Battery Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, Class C Felony, Monday morning, May 10 in Ripley County Circuit Court.

MMCH offers health event to women


On June 12 Margaret Mary Community Hospital will be hosting its 12th annual Speaking of Women’s Health conference. It will be held from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Batesville High School. The event provides local women with a hot breakfast, free health screenings, a keynote presentation, two breakout sessions and a gift bag.

This year’s keynote speaker is Cincinnati Local 12 news anchor Cammy Dierking. During her presentation, Dierking will help attendees learn to identify their goals and find the time and motivation to meet those goals. By sharing her life experiences, Dierking teaches the audience how to work through fear, take risks and enjoy life to its fullest.

Police car rear ends motorcycle leaving motorcyclist seriously injured


A motorcyclist was seriously injured after being involved in a crash with an ISP trooper last week.

The crash occurred Thursday, May 6 about 5:44 p.m. on US 50 just west of Michigan Road, between Versailles and Holton. According to information from Sgt. Jerry D. Goodin, public information officer for the Indiana State Police, Trooper Brent Miller was westbound on US 50 following a motorcycle being driven by Timothy E. Carter, 44, of Austin. He noted that the motorcycle stopped in the roadway but Miller was unable to stop, crashing into the rear of the motorcycle.

The Versailles Republican - May 6

Voter turnout light for Primary Election
Several seats closely watched Tuesday evening


Wanda English Burnett
Editor

Incumbent Sheriff Thomas J. “Tom” Grills handily took the most votes on the Republican ticket guaranteeing him a spot on the fall ballot.

“The good Lord had his way,” Sheriff Grills told The Versailles Republican shortly after the victory. He was surrounded by family and friends who cheered loudly when the final count was shown on the monitors in the courthouse lobby in Versailles. Grills garnered 2384 votes.

Commissioners hear drainage complaint

Beth Rumsey
Staff Writer

Lisa Bradshaw, Osgood, presented photos showing damage to her property caused by drainage from a nearby field to the Ripley County Commissioners at the regular meeting held on Monday, May 3. She had purchased a mobile home in 2008 that had been placed in 2006, but had remained unoccupied.

Bradshaw believes that a broken tile is the cause of the drainage issues, which caused ponding to occur on the property. Loss of topsoil due to erosion and sinkholes from the broken tile have affected her property values and prevent her from refinancing her home loan, according to Bradshaw.

Pike Lumber granted variance request

Beth Rumsey
Staff Writer

The Ripley County Board of Zoning Appeals considered an application request from the required industrial sideline setback presented by Pike Lumber in Milan at the regular meeting on Tuesday, April 27.

The application was for a variance from the required setback of 100 feet to 50 feet to permit the construction of a commercial building. Members of the Milan Town Council and the Ripley County Commissioners were in support of this application. The motion to grant the variance was unanimously approved.

Osgood Journal - May 4

SR announces budget cuts


Karen Reynolds
Contributing Writer

The South Ripley Community School Corporation board of trustees met for their April meeting, where those attending would hear about the 2010 budget reduction plan.

The board gave unanimous approval to adopt the 2010 budget reduction plan as presented. Superintendent Ted Ahaus held a staff meeting prior to this board meeting to have a discussion with teachers about the plan. According to Ahaus, all areas of the school were affected but no programs were cut.

Osgood man charged with incest

Wanda English Burnett
Editor

An Osgood man has been charged with felony charges of Incest and Sexual Misconduct With a Minor in Ripley County Circuit Court.

GED program to see changes

Karen Reynolds
Contributing Writer

Tricia Johnson, director of adult education at the Southeastern Career Center in Versailles, addressed concerns about the GED or General Education Developmental Diploma program being cut.

According to Johnson, the possible cuts are more like a restructuring or re-vamping of the program. She sees it as a challenging opportunity to work through the process “to come out better, stronger, and more effective.”
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