Beth Rumsey, Staff Writer

Robert Buchanan, Dabney, came before the commissioners at their meeting held on Monday, January 28 with a complaint of illegal dumping. According to Buchanan, the property in question has tires all over it, and trash getting close to the street. Some of the debris has filled in the ditches and therefore presents drainage issues. Photos of the property and the damage were presented to the commissioners. Buchanan said, “I am afraid that there will be damage to my property.”

Beth Rumsey, Staff Writer

Who do you think would be willing to plunge into the frigid waters of the Versailles Lake at the Versailles State Park in the middle of winter wearing nothing but their bathing suit? Nathanial (Nate) Greer, 13, is happy to. “I thought it would be fun, and I wanted to help raise money for Special Olympics,” he said. Greer is a seventh grader at Milan Middle School and will be among those taking the plunge at the First Annual Area 9 Polar Plunge on Saturday, February 23 at 10:30 a.m.

Big Oaks refuge to sponsor public events
Old Timbers Lodge not available for rental

Beth Ramsey, Staff Writer

Nestled in the Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge, formally Jefferson Proving Ground, stands the Old Timbers Lodge built in 1932 by Cincinnati businessman Alexander Thomson at a cost of $75,000. The 75-year-old structure, built from limestone quarried on-site, has unique spiral staircases, stone mantles, and window sills cut and shaped by stonemason August Rahe. Yellow poplar and timber from eight dismantled barns were used for the beams and the interior siding. The door hinges and other unique hardware were handmade by students at Berea College, Kentucky. The lodge is the only structure that was not destroyed when the army built the Jefferson Proving Ground in the 1940’s.

Wanda English Burnett, Editor

Japanese political leaders participating in an exchange program with the American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL), received a warm welcome from Ripley County political leaders when they made a stop in Versailles last Friday, January 18.

Cathy May, Contributing Writer

Ripley County Sheriff Tom Grills gave a report on the jail at the Ripley County Council meeting on January 22. He talked about some of the changes in the jail in the last few years. Grills said that in 2003 Ripley County had a jail that held 15 prisoners and today there are 100 or more.

Osgood water project completed

Cathy May, Contributing Writer

Pat Zaharako of Commonwealth Engineers reported to the Osgood Town Board at their January 15 meeting that Johannigman Excavating had substantially completed the water project on December 12, 2007. There was a punch list that was given to Johannigman and that will need to be completed before the retainage will be released. The Substantial Completion form was signed by the board. Johannigman Excavating claims were presented and approved: $98,562.20 pay request #6, $5,187.48 retainge #6.
Zaharako stated due to the tank that was found and boring under a resident’s trees, it added an additional $3,000 to the project, but the project is currently $53,000 under budget.

Wanda English Burnett, Editor

After a year in office, Sheriff Tom Grills talked with The Versailles Republican about some of the challenges, highlights and future goals for his office.

Transitioning from being one of the deputies to a leadership position was definitely new for Grills and he said he’s still learning about the administrative process. But, he has met the challenges head on, and says with the help of his staff and deputies, feels the sheriff’s office is more equipped than ever to meet the needs of residents of Ripley County.

Napoleon board agrees to requests

Cathy May, Contributing Writer

A contingent of members of St. John’s Lutheran Church attended the January 9 meeting of the Napoleon Town Board. They presented the board with a list of items they would like to see in a lease with the board for the property they have actually leased from them for a number of years. A copy of the original lease was never found and a new lease has to be drawn up. The board agreed with all conditions presented by the church and Attorney Larry Eaton will draw up a new lease effective back to the original date.

Wanda English Burnett, Editor

Singling out her husband from the balcony above the RCA Hoosier Dome floor where 3400 soldiers were dressed exactly alike, was easy for Melissa Gotts. “Look at the way he walks,” she noted to their daughter, Michaela. That was the only thing that was easy about the day last week when they said goodbye to a husband, father, and friend for a year as he made his departure for Iraq.

JCD Lady Eagles grab tourney championship title

See photo and information inside...

Wanda English Burnett, Editor

Ed Schmidt of Osgood, was among the Patriot Guard Riders who participated in the departure ceremony of the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team on Wednesday, January 2 in the RCA Dome in Indianapolis.

Osgood Wastewater Department to do home inspections

Cathy May, Contributing Writer

The Osgood Town Council met on December 18. Tony Wood, wastewater superintendent, said that his department will be doing home inspections in the next few months. They will be checking on sump pumps and gutter tie ins. Violators will receive follow up letters.