Commissioners hear from humane society
Cathy May - Contributing Writer

Tom Sullivan, president of the Ripley County Humane Society, appeared before the Ripley County Commissioners at their regular meeting September 24. He asked the Commissioners to build a small shelter for Animal Control. The Humane Society has taken in 141 animals from the county dog warden this year. When the animals are taken to the wooden structure the county now uses, the animals come to the Humane Society's Animal Shelter with diseases. Sullivan said no matter how much you try to disinfect wood diseases can still spread.

Sullivan also said it costs the county $20 to dispose of an animal. When the dog warden brings an animal to the Humane Society shelter, their cost is $75 per animal. They are a no-kill shelter. Sullivan would like the county to pay the $20 per animal to the shelter if they are going to bring them there. He would also like for the county to have an Animal Control Officer for enforcement of laws. Stray animals are a problem all over the county.

Sullivan said since the new board took over at the Humane Society, they have moved more than 1,000 animals. He stated that many puppies are shipped to the East Coast where there are strict neuter and spay laws and puppies aren't available. The Commissioners said they would take his suggestions under advisement.

Volunteers are needed to drive veterans to appointments using the new van recently put in service by the county. You do not need a special license. Anyone who is willing to help should call Andy Clark, veterans officer at 689-7165.

Enhanced 911 Director Judy Schebler is concerned because another dispatcher quit. She will be making $3,600 more in another county and only pay $25 a month for insurance for her family. "I can't blame her. Losing dispatchers is a worry for me," said Schebler.

Schebler said it takes about two years for someone to really know the position well. "Ripley County is a training ground for other counties."

A new warning siren will go up in Cross Plains. It was suggested the old high school be used. Commissioner Lawrence Nickell has obtained permission from the owner to place the siren there. The battery will need to be replaced in the siren every two years.

Kelly Vollet, technology coordinator, said she had been in conversation with Galen Eberhart representing Trans World Network. By switching to their long distance service, the county could save $3.95 per line per month. The Commissioners said to pursue the matter. Vollet said the Technology Committee recommended the purchase of an industrial shredder. The money could be taken from Riverboat Equipment.

Commissioner Lawrence Nickell said the three voting places in his district that needed improvements to become handicapped accessible are now ready. Those are Elrod, Cross Plains and Shelby Church. It was necessary to change polling places from New Marion to Shelby Church.

Larry Volz, owner of Delaware Campground, asked for 150 East to be blacktopped. He said he has been trying to get the job done for 20 years. Volz said between April and October

Volz also asked about what is happening to the junk yard owned by Ernie Brison and 450 N and 225 E. "There had been signed petitions turned in four years ago and nothing has been done," said Brison. Tad Brinson, planning director, was called into the meeting. Brinson said the matter had been turned over to the Planning Commissioner's attorney, John Ertel.

All three commissioners were in attendance: President Robert Reiners, Chuck Folz and Lawrence Nickell. Attorney Neil Comer was present to advise the Commissioners. Auditor Mary Ann McCoy attended to take minutes of the meeting. The next Commissioners meeting will be Monday, November 7, at 8:00 a.m. at the Commissioners Room at the Ripley County Courthouse Annex.