INDOT to help with bridge expenses
Cathy May - Contributing Writer

The county will get $42,000 from the Indiana Department of Transportation to help with expenses on the Busching Covered Bridge. The county had requested $58,789 to help with additional expenses on the siding for the bridge that had not been anticipated.

Two consulting firms appeared before the Ripley County Commissioners at their March 28 meeting proposing they could help the county recoup funds from the state for indirect costs. The county had this service at one time, but dropped it. The Commissioners will take the matter under advisement.

There were three bids submitted for putting a new roof on the courthouse. The bids ranged from $46,830 to $91,000. The Commissioners will make a decision at their April 11 meeting.

Sandy Howard asked if she could place a pinwheel display on the courthouse lawn for Child Abuse Prevention Month in April. There is also a candlelight service planned for April 18, at 6:00 p.m. on the courthouse lawn.

Technology Director Kelly Vollet introduced her new first deputy, Kim Moore. Vollet reported if 20 licenses are purchased for the GIS system, the cost will be $500.

The meeting was adjourned early so the Commissioners could meet with officials from the Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge regarding Bridge #38 at New Marion.

All three County Commissioners were in attendance: Robert Reiners, District 1; Chuck Folz, District 2; and Lawrence Nickell, District 3. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 11, at 8:00 a.m. at the Commissioners Room in the Ripley County Courthouse Annex Building.