September 2010 Archive

The Versailles Republican- September 30

Pumpkins and gourds were plentiful...

See highlights of the 108th annual Versailles Pumpkin Show inside...

OPL budget passes with 5-2 vote


Beth Rumsey
Staff Writer

A discussion about closing the Osgood Public Library and the Milan branch one day a week took place among board members during the regular meeting on Tuesday, September 28. According to board member Melody Bush, this proposal could lower operating costs.

Bush suggested closing each branch on alternate days one day a week. Other board members said they do not support the idea. Board president Gene Pitts said, “There would be a lot of disappointed patrons. My conscience would bother me if we closed the library for one day.”

Progress made on ISTEP scores at Milan

Beth Rumsey
Staff Writer

Efforts to improve ISTEP+ scores at the Milan Community Schools have paid off, according to a report prepared by the schools’ principals. This report was presented to the Milan School Board at their regular meeting on Monday, September 20.

According to elementary school principal Jane Rogers, the scores of English/Language Arts and math tests taken in the spring of 2010 were higher than those from the previous year. The scores were above the state average with the exception of the 2009 Grade 5 score, which was below the state’s score by two percentage points for both English/Language Arts and math.

Osgood Journal - September 28

Pumpkin Show sees record crowd

Wanda English Burnett
Editor

Picture perfect weather brought record crowds to the 108th Versailles Pumpkin Show last week. According to Lion Jerry Gilpin, vice-president of the event, Wednesday night ticket sales reflected a record of 16,000 rides being taken that night alone.

Hank Nicholson of Versailles took the title of having the biggest pumpkins in both the Open Class and Ripley County Class. The giant pumpkins weighed in at 721 pounds in the open category and 693 in the Ripley County category.

JCD reports high scores on algebra and English

Beth Rumsey
Staff Writer

Students taking end-of-course assessments have scored higher than the state’s average reported Jac-Cen-Del High School Principal Johnny Budd at the regular meeting on Wednesday, September 15. According to Budd, JCD had 71% pass the algebra assessment and 67% pass the English 10 assessment. Scores in biology were down, but Budd believes that since the exam was not part of the state requirement, it is possible students did not put forth their best efforts.


Budd reported that two students from the Project Lead the Way courses were nominated for an early talent management program with Batesville Casket. The goal of the project is to keep the talent within the county, noted Budd.

Osgood marshal terminated; newly appointed interim marshal resigns

Beth Rumsey
Staff Writer

According to Osgood Town Council President Linda Krinop, as of September 2 Josh Cady had been named interim marshal after the termination of John Hegge.

Since the meeting on September 21 the Osgood Journal received a letter from Josh Cady. The letter reads in part, “I have given the Town of Osgood my resignation today, effective October 1.” At the meeting Steven Stepleton was promoted to deputy marshal. It was noted he will continue with training scheduled to begin in January.

 

The Versailles Republican- September 23

Resident has questions about police protection

Wanda English Burnett
Editor

Members of the Ripley County Council dealt with a short agenda at their regular meeting held Monday, September 20.

The portion of the meeting that took the most amount of time was something the members didn’t take action on, but instead listened to a resident who was upset.

“I want to feel protected,” the resident told council members as she told her story. The resident (who will not be named due to an ongoing investigation) said her home was broken into on September 9 and several items stolen.

2010 Versailles Pumpkin Show
King and Queen crowned

Versailles Pumpkin Show – Sept. 22 – Sept. 25

See winners inside...

Tyson Fund awards $506,435.10

Karen Reynolds
Contributing Writer

Versailles residents met September 14 at 7:00 p.m. at the Tyson Library to celebrate the legacy of James H. Tyson or “Uncle Jim” by having a birthday party in his honor.

A total of $506,435.10 was awarded to three entities: the Town of Versailles, Tyson Library and the Versailles Volunteer Fire Department.

• The Town of Versailles received $358,435.10 to be used for the following:

Osgood Journal - September 21

Cpl. John C. Bishop laid to rest

Wanda English Burnett
Editor

More than 600 people filled the Versailles Baptist Church spilling over into the family life center to pay their final respects to fallen Marine Cpl. John Bishop last Thursday, September 16.

Outside the Indiana Patriot Guard Riders took their posts with large American flags waving in the breeze. The Patriot Guard Riders stand between the family of the fallen military person and protestors should any attend. None attended at Versailles last week.

 

Call 689-5555, 689-5558 or 689-5000 or
934-3131 to report suspicious activity
Several daytime burglaries reported in the area

Wanda English Burnett
Editor

The Ripley County Sheriff’s Office released information last Thursday concerning several daytime burglaries they are investigating in the county that have occurred over the past several months.

One family that has fallen victim to the burglaries told the Osgood Journal several of their neighbors have also experienced being burglarized in the daytime hours. They live just outside of Versailles and would like people to be aware and if they see anything suspicious to call police.

Pumpkin Show to begin Wednesday

Wanda English Burnett
Editor

The 108th Versailles Pumpkin Show will get underway Wednesday, September 22 with opening ceremonies at 5:00 p.m. on the stage on the north side of the courthouse in Versailles.

Kristen Hobbs will perform from 5:15 to 6:00, with the South Ripley Young Confederates on stage from 6:15 to 6:45. The King and Queen Contest will begin at 7:00 p.m. followed by music by Over the Edge at 8:30 p.m. Note times in The Versailles Republican last week were not correct. Wednesday is also one ticket ride night.

The Versailles Republican- September 16

Big pumkins expected at the Versailles Pumpkin Show

 

Wanda English Burnett
Editor

The 108th Versailles Pumpkin Show will take place next Wednesday through Saturday, September 22-25 with lots of pumpkins to be seen.

Members of the Versailles Lions Club, sponsors of the show, have been working all year to make sure everything is pumpkin perfect for the big event.

Marine brothers applaud local community for their patriotism

Wanda English Burnett
Editor

“You raised a hero in this place,” words of Marine brother SSGT Thomas Praxedes, who will guard the body of Cpl. John C. Bishop throughout the funeral proceedings today, September 16 at the Versailles Baptist Church. Cpl. Bishop was killed September 8 while serving in Afghanistan when his convoy was ambushed.

When SSGT Praxedes heard of his Marine “brother’s” death, he volunteered to be the one to stand “guard”. While it is a tough assignment, it’s nothing compared to what Cpl. Bishop has done, he told The Versailles Republican. Praxedes serves with the 1st Battalion 5th Marine Regiment out of Camp Pendleton, CA.

Ohio Rod to expand

Beth Rumsey
Staff Writer

Ohio Rod Products, a manufacturer of headed and threaded fasteners, has announced that it will expand its operations creating up to 33 new jobs by 2013 investing $3.1 million to phase in new machinery.

“Our traditional markets have matured, and we need to expand our manufacturing capabilities in order to realize the growth potential that exists in other fastener related markets,” said Jeff Liter, president of Ohio Rod Products.

Osgood Journal - September 14

Cpl. John Bishop to be laid to rest Thursday in Versailles
Local marine killed in Afghanistan

Wanda English Burnett
Editor

The news that every military family never wants to hear was brought home last week as the Bishop family learned their beloved marine had been killed.

Marine Corporal John C. Bishop, 25, had served two tours in Iraq and was on his third tour, the first in Afghanistan, when his convoy was ambushed and he was fatally wounded on September 8, 2010, while conducting combat operations. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment.

Cpl. Bishop brought home for final goodbye

Wanda English Burnett
Editor

Time stood still as the aircraft carrying the body of slain Cpl. John C. Bishop taxied down the runway at the airport at North Vernon Monday morning.

The solemn reverence paid to the local hero was felt as marine brothers lifted the flag draped casket from the plane and then through the crowd of family and friends gathered at the end of the runway.

Swap meet, ATV run to benefit local children

Wanda English Burnett
Editor

“Individuals and dealers alike are welcome to set up for anything that has to do with the outdoors,” noted Wayne Wall, who is organizing an ATV swap meet at the Ripley County Fairgrounds Park in Osgood this weekend.

The event should bring in a variety of people who want to buy or sell items that pertain to outdoor entertainment. Anyone looking for anything to do with ATVs, dirt bikes, even lawn mowers, could find what they’re looking for at the event which will be held Saturday and Sunday, September 18, and 19.

The Versailles Republican- September 9

Tax abatement for Gold Star Chili approved at Versailles meeting

Beth Rumsey
Staff Writer

The Versailles Town Council considered a request for a tax abatement from Scott Neal, owner of the building where a Gold Star Chili restaurant will be located, at the regular meeting on Thursday, September 2. According to town attorney Larry Eaton, the abatement is for 10 years on a graduated schedule. The restaurant will employ approximately five full-time and 25 part-time employees at its location just behind the Shell Station in Versailles.

Economy impacts scholarship program

Wanda English Burnett
Editor

The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program has been adjusted, according to information from Sara B. Cobb, the endowment’s vice president for education.

Ripley County has been a part of receiving full ride scholarships for students over the past several years, which has been a blessing to the families receiving the scholarships.

One aircared from four vehicle crash on Tuesday

Wanda English Burnett
Editor

A Cross Plains man was struck by a semi tractor-trailer, then his vehicle was struck by a pickup truck as he was spun into the opposite lane of traffic causing him to be partially ejected from his vehicle.

Police responded to a 911 call Tuesday, September 7 around 3:42 p.m.

Osgood Journal - September 7

Milan athletes, school board member honored at meeting

Beth Rumsey
Staff Writer

Congratulations were in order for the 2009-2010 Milan High School Volleyball team and board member Tim Tuttle at the regular Milan School Board meeting in August.

According to Interim Superintendent Steve Gookins, Tuttle was recognized by the Indiana School Board Association as an outstanding board member.

Milan woman makes it real

Beth Rumsey
Staff Writer

Part theatre makeup artist and part mad scientist, Birgit Hawkins of Milan, uses skills learned several years ago in her native Germany to create realistic looking accident victims used during training sessions for various agencies in the area.

Hawkins studied cosmetology in Germany for six years learning everything possible in the theatre makeup trade. Because her husband was in the military, Hawkins and her family moved often making it difficult to find employment using her talents.

Child abuse is a real problem

Karen Reynolds
Contributing Writer

While people might like to think sexual child abuse is not happening in our community, according to a recent local survey, that is not the case.

The Ripley County Prevent Child Abuse group took an opinion survey at the Ripley County 4-H Fair, where 15 out of 58 people said child abuse is not a problem in the community. However, when asked if anyone in their family had been affected by child abuse, child sexual abuse or neglect, 26 out of those same 58 people said, “yes”.
The reality of child abuse in whatever form is something people like Frank and Paula Goodpaster are trying to make people aware of and better yet, teach how it can be prevented.

 

The Versailles Republican- September 2

SR middle school gets state attention

Wanda English Burnett
Editor

An honor such as being ranked second in the state for growth on ISTEP+ scores isn’t one that comes often, or easy for a school.

Dr. John Mehrle, superintendent for South Ripley Schools is proud of the accomplishments of the middle school staff and students as they were recently honored for their efforts to promote academics.

Local Red Cross provides vital services to residents

Wanda English Burnett
Editor

This week marks five years since Hurricane Katrina hit the gulf coast with such an impact it was felt across the nation.

Peggi Stahr who is the new interim director of the Ripley County chapter of the American Red Cross knows the devastation of that hurricane and what it means to truly serve through the Red Cross. She was in Knoxville, TN, as the director of the chapter there at the time of the disaster.

Local resident develops patent that could provide greener air

Beth Rumsey
Staff Writer

The vision of one Ripley County resident could mean a greener and more efficient way to produce electricity for future generations.

Elvin Knollman first considered the concept of using compressed air as electricity during a visit to the Black Hills in Colorado.