Beth Rumsey
Staff Writer

The Ripley County Commissioners continued to discuss inmate medical expenses at their regular meeting on Monday, November 29. According to county attorney Neil Comer, there is a program for indigents, those without medical insurance, through the welfare department.

Sheriff Tom Grills explained that he knew of the program but that he believes that inmates are excluded from the program.

"Once a person commits a crime, he/she becomes a ward of the county," said Sheriff Grills.

The sheriff noted that he will further investigate the program to see if the county qualifies.

Paula Goodpaster, Ripley County LCC, presented information regarding the federal ban on synthetic marijuana.

According to Goodpaster, the Drug Enforcement Agency has passed an emergency law that will make possessing and selling these chemicals and products containing the chemicals illegal for at least one year while the matter is further investigated.

In other business, Technology Director Kelly Vollet was appointed to the Ripley County EcO15 committee. The commissioners unanimously approved the request to vacate a portion of Base Line Road near Osgood. This portion of road has been closed for several years, but needed proper documentation.

All commissioners were in attendance. The next meeting will be on Monday, December 13 beginning at 7 a.m. at the county highway garage in Osgood and reconvening at 8 a.m. at the courthouse annex in Versailles.