Wanda English Burnett, Editor

The need for stop signs at certain railroad crossings in the county was discussed at the commissioners regular meeting on Monday, August 11. According to Commissioner Robert Reiners, stop signs will be placed on county roads 800E, 600E, Spades Road and 1350.

The installation of the signs is due to the increase of railroad traffic to and from the Honda plant. As there are no signals on these crossings, the signs will provide a measure of safety to motorists. “The citizens in these areas are not used to a lot of trains going through, and the county wanted to help keep them safe,” said Reiners. The approximate effective date will be September 5.

LouAnn Menchhofer, Ripley County Extension, requested approval for the payroll for a summer work study student, paid by Purdue University, in the Child Development Associates class. The commissioners unanimously approved the request.

The child development classes are offered to those who work in a licensed day care or pre-school and need to become certified. According to Menchhofer, the Ripley County Extension is the only extension in the state to offer these classes. For more information on the child development class, contact Menchhofer at 689-6511.

Technology Director Kelly Vollet updated the commissioners on the GIS mapping project. According to Vollet, the first round, which includes parcels in the towns and incorporated towns, have a few mistakes that need to be addressed but overall “looks good.” The second round, which includes the rural area parcels, have been turned in. This project is being financed by grants.

The Town of Osgood has completed the installation of natural gas pipes to the Ripley County Garage, according to County Highway Superintendent Junior Heaton. The commissioners requested quotes for the installation of a furnace for the garage.

The current heating system uses propane, which costs the garage approximately $40 per hour to use. The commissioners believe that by converting to natural gas, the garage will see significant savings in heating fuel costs.

The commissioners unanimously accepted the quote provided by Perfectionist Floor Care to strip and buff the courthouse floors.

All commissioners were in attendance, along with auditor Mary Ann McCoy to take the minutes and attorney Neil Comer to advise. The next commissioner meeting will be held on Monday, August 25 beginning at 7 a.m. at the county highway garage, and then reconvening at 8 a.m. at the commissioners’ meeting room in the courthouse annex.