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PAGE UPDATED BY MARIA SIEVERDING AUGUST 10, 2017 1 P.M.
NMLRA clarifies position on grant
Jared Rogers
STAFF WRITER
The National Muzzleloading Rifle Association is experiencing a period of rejuvenation and growth, according to the organization’s acting president, Joe Hill. The NMLRA is reaching out with a fresh marketing campaign to attract members, planning renovations to its facilities in Friendship, and looking forward to a future as rich as its past.
As with any type of growth and change, especially when occurring in public, misunderstandings and rumors can arise, raising unfounded tensions. Aware of this, President Hill sat down with Ripley Publishing Company for a recent interview. “We’ve been in Friendship for so long, and we don’t take it for granted,” he said, adding, “We want to work with the community. If anyone in the community has questions about our organization, please call us.”(NMLRA office: 812-667-5131 • Mon.-Fri. 7:30 to 4:30)
At the moment, misunderstandings appear to stem from a public meeting the NMLRA held back in December of 2016 proposing the pursuance of the Pittman-Robertson federal grant, and the brainstorming of several ideas that would satisfy the requirements of the grant. “The Pittman-Robertson grant has been tabled indefinitely,” Hill said, clarifying that current projects at Friendship’s facilities are not connected to that grant. The grant would have required the NMLRA to be open to the public 20 hours per month.
Hill spoke about the adding of soil to the berm on the shooting range. “Our policies will not change because of a higher berm,” he assured, referencing the rule that only blackpowder cartridges and .22 caliber firearms are allowed to be shot. The range will not welcome high-powered modern rifles at this time or in the foreseeable future. On an occasional basis, Hill said, police trainings using modern, more powerful weaponry do occur in a highly controlled and professional manner. The added berm is the result of a problem solving collaboration regarding construction on State Road 62. The contracted construction company is giving their excess dirt to the NMLRA as a means to save money. Otherwise, they would have had to pay another company to haul it away. For the shooting range, it only adds additional safety. “We’ve never had an incident of projectiles extending beyond the range and into town,” Hill said.
Recent renovations to facilities also include upgrading drainage capacity on the range and increasing electrical capabilities in the campgrounds. Many more renovations are forthcoming, including work on bathrooms and bathhouses and a new lighting system on the range for safety measure.
In communicating his passion for the heritage of muzzleloading, President Hill is excited to announce a new book published through the NMLRA, authored by Tom Schiffer, titled, The History of the National Muzzleloading Rifle Association: Or: Don’t let the shooting get in the way of the fun. The full color, coffee-table style book recounts the beginnings of the organization, including rare photographs dating back to the early 20th century. It tells unique stories, such as the interdependent relationship the NMLRA had with the Friendship State Bank, that will entice local history buffs and muzzleloading enthusiasts. The book will be on sale at the upcoming Fall National Championship Shoot, September 9-17 in Friendship.
Local libraries team up to help see solar eclipse
Wanda English Burnett
EDITOR
The thought that a total solar eclipse will be able to be seen in Ripley County has many people excited. The Osgood and Milan Branch libraries have special activities as well as the Tyson Library to help people gain access and learn about the event that is set to take place August 21 between 2 - 2:30 p.m., when it should be at its peak. Peggy Manifold with the Osgood Library, noted that they are having stories about space and a cool Nebula craft for ages two to 10 on Monday, August 14 at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. and at the Milan branch on Thursday, August 17 at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The public is invited to come to the Osgood or Milan location of the library to view “history in the making”. This is the first Totality Solar Eclipse from coast to coast of the United States since 1918, according to Manifold. She said, “We will be gathering together at 2 p.m. This is an event for all ages with free solar safety glasses provided, refreshments and a craft for the kids.”
Tyson Library is teaming up with South Ripley Elementary School to educate students on the eclipse they dubbed the “All American Eclipse” since it can only be viewed in the continental United States. The eclipse is not expected to be total in Indiana, but the moon will block out about 91 percent of the sun, making it quite impressive. This Saturday, August 12, an informational program will be held at the Tyson Library at 11 a.m. Julia Heidlage, South Ripley sixth grade teacher, will host the meeting that will include safe viewing techniques, sharing eclipse information, making UV color changing bracelets for the children and “Solar S’mores”! They will also be providing eclipse-viewing glasses for those in attendance. Then on the actual day of the eclipse, August 21, Tyson Library staff will go to the elementary school in Versailles to assist with the school wide eclipse viewing event. The library will provide viewing glasses for all the students and staff members. These glasses were made possible through a grant from the Space Science Institute.
In a solar eclipse, the moon passes between the sun and earth blocking all or part of the sun for up to three hours from the beginning to the end from any given location. This eclipse is only projected to last two minutes and 40 seconds from any given location along the path.
People will travel to locations where they have the most advantageous sighting of this spectacular event. Indiana Department of Transportation said that approximately 200 million people live within a day’s drive of the total eclipse path. Officials say many will be on the road to get a closer view. To find out what area will be affected, you can visit the NASA website at http://eclipse2017.nasa.gov. If the skies are clear, the solar eclipse promises to be a celestial phenomenon, according to officials. This is the first eclipse that has been visible to all 48 contiguous states in several hundred years. The partial eclipse is expected to be well seen throughout Indiana.
If you are planning to view the solar eclipse on your own, make sure to wear safety glasses. They are available from many popular retailers, but don’t wait too long – they may sell out! Do not look at the partial eclipse without proper filtration. INDOT encourages motorists to not take pictures while they are driving, not wear eclipse glasses while driving, don’t’ stop along the interstate or park on the shoulder of the roadway, but do turn your headlights on during the eclipse event.
After the eclipse, Osgood Library will offer storytime that will include information about the event on Monday, August 21 at 4 p.m. at the Osgood site and Thursday, August 24 at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the Milan facility.
For more information about the solar event at the Osgood and Milan Branch libraries you can call 812-689-4011 Osgood; or 812-654-1963 Milan or visit their website at www.osgoodlibrary.org.
