Versailles volunteer firefighters responded to a call at 12:23 a.m. Sunday morning, August 24, to find this mobile home located at 3427 E. US 50, just east of Versailles, fully engulfed in flames. firefighters were on the scene at 12:29, just six minutes after they received the initial call, but the home was already a total loss. They immediately began to try to save a two-car garage that was in close proximity to the blaze. That structure sustained some heat damage. Winona Bustle was renting the home that belongs to Martha Hammons of Canaan. It was reported that no one was home at the time of the fire. A motorist passing by called in the alarm. The fire is still under investigation and no cause has yet been released. The Versailles firemen were assisted at the scene by the Milan Fire Department, who brought a tanker, Rescue 69, Southeastern Indiana REMC, and the Ripley County Sheriff's Department.

Saturday's weather is perfect for Soccer Jamboree
Some of the younger kids start a game with a kick-off at the Ripley County Soccer Club's Second Annual Jamboree, as parents and fans watch from the sidelines. The weather cooperated beautifully for the Jamboree, which was held on Saturday, August 23, at the Jac-Cen-Del Elementary School. Plans for a new soccer complex are in the works and Ohio Rod has donated about nine acres of land to the RCSC. This land is located in Versailles off Benham Road, behind the Ohio Rod Softball Field. Projected plans are to have the complex operational by the last week in October. South Ripley High School has donated old bleachers which will be restored by the RCSC. They were also granted money from the Tyson Fund and the Gilmore and Golda Reynolds Foundation for goals and supplies.

Courthouse evacuated for second day

On Monday of this week, employees were evacuated from the Ripley County Courthouse, but it was just a drill. On Tuesday, at approximately 10:10 a.m. the alarm sounded again, this time it was not a drill. Sheriff Bill Davison was inside for a court hearing and immediately notified 911 to dispatch the appropriate authorities to the scene. Technology Coordinator Kelly Vollet reported that all people occupying the courthouse at that time were safely evacuated to a designated area and the Versailles Fire Department and Rescue 69 personnel arrived at the scene and secured the building. Commissioner Chuck Folz said Crossman Fire & Safety from Napoleon was called to check out the alarm system since firemen did not find any fire inside the building. Folz said it was reported that someone must have been smoking inside the building and set off the alarm. Employees returned to their posts around 12:45 p.m. on Tuesday.

It's about more than tractors...

Friends, family, and neighbors gathered at the 23rd Annual Ripley Flywheelers Reunion held Saturday, August 16, just west of Holton, for a day of remembering the past, visiting with friends, and talking about the future. The shady area provided some respite from the 90 plus temperatures of the day that kicked off at 10:00 a.m. with a flag raising ceremony in honor of Marvin Doyle. Standing is Wayne Hull, who is conversing with neighbors Bob Furst and Charles Franklin, all of Holton. More photo coverage will be published in The Versailles Republican this week.

Children enjoy slow ride to Bible School

The ride to Vacation Bible School was definitely different for these children as they enjoyed nature in the open air and the slow pace of riding in a farm wagon pulled by a tractor driven by Charles Cook of Cross Plains. The children were headed to VBS at the Cross Plains Methodist Church last Friday evening, August 8, where they would learn more about God's creation.