Wanda English Burnett - Editor
With 160 families represented, over 500 people reap the benefits of the commodity program in Ripley County each month. That's each and every month - not just at the holiday season.
Even though the need seems to be greater during the holidays, it is there the entire year according to Bill Warren, who along with other trustees heads up the commodity distribution program in Ripley County.

Mary Margaret Moorhead - Staff Writer
Memories are all that are left of the New Marion School building located in the small town of New Marion in Shelby Township.
Owned by Holman Excavating, the final portion of the addition that had included the gymnasium was leveled on Thursday and Friday, December 11 and 12. The land will be used for storage of equipment for Holman's, according to Harry Holman, a 1965 graduate of the school.

Mary Margaret Moorhead - Staff Writer
Laura Rolf, community development director for Big Brothers Big Sisters has issued a call for those willing to volunteer for some phase of the program.
"In this time of giving, consider offering the most precious gift you can give - yourself," says Rolf. "Become a Big Brother or a Big Sister, have fun, and make a difference in the life of one of our youth."

Cathy May - Contributing Writer

Mary Margaret Moorhead - Staff Writer

Ashley Partin, left, 8, a second grader at South Ripley Elementary, and the daughter of Gina and Pete Partin of Versailles, along with Morgan Russell, 6, a kindergartner at Milan, the daughter of Rob and Lisa Russell, wrote letters to Santa in care of Ripley Publishing Company. Their letters were chosen as winners in the annual Santa letters promotion, and they each received a check for $20.00 to finish their Christmas shopping or spend on themselves.

Cathy May - Contributing Writer

Mary Margaret Moorhead - Staff Writer

Wanda English Burnett - Editor

Mary Margaret Moorhead - Staff Writer

Mary Margaret Moorhead - Staff Writer

Mary Margaret Moorhead - Staff Writer

Wanda English Burnett - Editor

Mary Margaret Moorhead - Staff Writer

JERRY BURNETT PHOTO

Snowfall amounts received Saturday evening into the morning hours on Sunday, December 14, were recorded anywhere from one to six inches throughout the tri-state area. The Busching Bridge at the entrance of the Versailles State Park is picturesque covered with snow. Another round of the white stuff is predicted for the middle of this week. Numbers to call for road conditions when traveling in the tri-state area are: 1-800-261-ROAD for Indiana; 1-866-RD REPORT for Kentucky; and 1-888-264-ROAD for Ohio.

Mary Margaret Moorhead - Staff Writer

Mary Margaret Moorhead - Staff Writer

Groundbreaking ceremony held for Holton Community Center

The Poole Group, Inc. was awarded the bid to begin construction on the Holton Community Center. Pictured from left are: Velma Stickelman, clerk-treasurer; Wilma Myers, council member; Rick Holman, council member; Larry Eaton, attorney; Robert (Bob) Furst, council president; Jodi Comer, SIRPC; and Tom Poole. Construction will begin this week and the projected finish date is June 2004. The building will be located on Versailles Street next to the present sewer office building.

Mary Margaret Moorhead - Staff Writer

Cathy May - Contributing Writer

Wanda English Burnett - Editor

MARY MARGARET MOORHEAD PHOTO

Bright and early Saturday morning children and parents filled Alco in Versailles with thoughts of - not sugar plums dancing in their heads - but the great experience of shopping with a cop. Sponsored by the FOP of Ripley County, the "Shop with a Cop" program is a highlight of the Christmas season. With Santa and Mrs. Claus on hand, this year over 90 children participated. Representatives from the Ripley County Sheriff's Department, Batesville and Versailles police departments, Conservation Officers, representatives of the Prosecutor's Office, the Indiana State Police, and Ripley County Councilwoman Dephane Smith, joined the group to help the kids shop with the $40 each could spend. Alco Manager Bill Morris had his staff on hand with cookies, punch, and checkout personnel. More photos will be included in this week's The Versailles Republican.

Mary Margaret Moorhead - Staff Writer

Wanda English Burnett - Editor

Mary Margaret Moorhead - Staff Writer

Mary Margaret Moorhead - Staff Writer

Mary Margaret Moorhead - Staff Writer

Cathy May - Contributing Writer