Carl Lochard: 30 years;
Vincent Simon: 12 years

Wanda English Burnett, Editor

Everyone asked for something different at the sentencing of Vincent E. Simon, 42, of Osgood, with Special Judge Michael Wilke from Decatur County having the final word - 12 years, six to be served with the Indiana Department of Corrections, with six suspended to probation. Ultimately, “if you’re a good boy, you could be out in three years,” the judge told the defendant, after sentencing was pronounced in Ripley County Circuit Court on Wednesday, May 28. Simon was found guilty on three counts of incest at a bench trial held April 15.

Jac-Cen-Del Lady Eagles are regional bound

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Wanda English Burnett, Editor

“Face the fact that next year is going to be bad,” noted Ed Armbrecht, at the regular May meeting of the County Council Monday, May 19. That sentiment was shared by Commissioner Robert Reiners, who was requesting an additional appropriation of $60,000 to replenish the salt and cinder supply. He agreed with Armbrecht that they would be getting no Major Moves money, and had already been discussing taking corrective measures for next year. “Right now we have to pay this bill,” he noted, saying the county struggled all winter. He noted that it wasn’t the amount of snowfall at any one time that was the problem, but the fact they had to continuously clear the roads.

Beth Ramsey, Staff Writer

Changes to the student handbook were considered at the Southeastern Career Center Board of Directors meeting held on Wednesday, May 14. Assistant Director James Rogers suggested a wording change in the absence policy from “personal illness” to “person illness or family emergency.” According to Rogers, the family emergency absences will be included in the four excused absences allowed to the students. Another change proposed was added to the suspension policy. The change would state that if a student is suspended from his or her home school, it would not fall under the excessive absence policy, but a grade may be lowered at the discretion of the teacher. The board suggested the daily participation grade be lowered, rather than the student receiving a zero for missed work.

Students, staff and community celebrates groundbreaking
$20m project gets underway at South Ripley

Wanda English Burnett, Editor

The exciting announcement of the beginning of a $20M project that will impact both the elementary and high school at South Ripley was made last Friday, May 16 as construction equipment moved in the background.

A convocation of students, staff, committees, board members and community leaders was held in the vicinity of the new construction on the east side of the high school with Superintendent Ted Ahaus saying, “We’re on the eve of a major project.” He cautioned the students that next year would be tough and asked for the patience of both students and staff as the project will be in full swing when they return in the fall. “The end result will be fantastic, it’s just going to be a mess in some respects until it is completed,” he noted.

Wanda English Burnett, Editor

“It was 31 years ago today that the power was turned on,” began Ron Green of WRBI Radio, after the radio station was named the 2008 Business of the Year by the Ripley County Chamber of Commerce. The 11th Annual Business Recognition Luncheon took place May 14 at the Napoleon Senior Center with three new businesses in attendance.

Beth Rumsey, Staff Writer

Versailles Town Council President John Holzer addressed phone calls he received regarding the removal of scrap metal at the town dump on 129 at the regular meeting held Thursday, May 8. The town had previously given permission to Brian Borders to remove the scrap. Since the work began, neighbors voiced their concerns regarding the possibility of contamination in the soil or to the water that collects in wells.

Wanda English Burnett, Editor

The 50th Miss Ripley County will be crowned when the pageant takes place this year, according to Erin Menchhofer, past Miss Ripley County chair. She noted the event “has been an honored tradition in our community.”

Menchhofer, who coordinates the event said, “These young women are great role models for the younger generations, not only during their year of service, but as they grow older. I have countless memories of watching my friends and family be crowned over the years and the joy I felt for them in their accomplishments. It has been a joy to watch the young girls come up to the queen and glow with excitement as she tried on the sparkly crown or had her picture taken with the court.”

Wanda English Burnett, Editor

The Emergency Medical Service community is being honored for their service to communities across the nation. The national theme for the week May 18-24 is “Your Life is our Mission.” That statement rings true for local EMS personnel, according to Scott Huffman, EMS director for Ripley County.

Wanda English Burnett, Editor

Hillary Clinton was the preferred choice for President when Ripley County voters went to the polls on Tuesday. In the county, Clinton received 2946 votes with Barack Obama getting 1375. Republican candidate John McCain pulled far ahead on the Republican ticket with 1842 votes. Mike Huckabee received 286, Ron Paul 123 and Mitt Romney 79.

Wanda English Burnett, Editor

Police were called by management at Brownings Campground, near Versailles, on Tuesday, May 6, around 1 p.m. after items possibly used to make methamphetamine were found in one of the rented rooms at the facility.

Royalty crowned at Milan's 2008 prom

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Beth Rumsey, Staff Writer

Voters will have the opportunity to cast their ballot for candidates from the national, state, and local levels in the upcoming primary election on Tuesday, May 6. Voting hours will be from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The designated polling places are:

Wanda English Burnett, Editor

Some things haven’t changed over the course of 80 years for the Ripley County Extension Homemakers - they still like to “talk and eat” at their meetings. That’s according to Reenie Horton, who heads up the Ripley County group.

This group does much more than talk and eat. They have been true to the Homemakers Creed..."helping others, endeavoring to pass on what has benefited them...improving, enlarging and endearing the greatest institution in the world - the home.”