Dumped animals cause for concern

Beth Rumsey
Staff Writer

Dee Dee Holliday, Ripley County Humane Society, presented a concern regarding the dumping of dogs and cats at the shelter to the Ripley County Commissioners at their regular meeting on Monday, January 10.

According to Holliday, some of the animals being dumped are sick. She explained that the shelter cannot handle sick animals due to the lack of isolation areas. She noted that the shelter is also working with Safe Passage to hold animals of the families being served by the organization until they are able to get back on their feet.

Holliday also explained that the shelter is experiencing issues due to the increase of animals and the lack of funds brought in. She requested the commissioners consider financial assistance to the shelter in the future. The commissioners will consider the matter for a decision at a later date.

In other business, the commissioners unanimously moved to appoint John Lohrum to the maintenance position; Becky Mullins and Christie Patrick to the housekeeping position, and Kelly Vollet as technology director.

The commissioners were to meet with candidates for the county attorney position at the January 24 meeting. Those candidates are Jeff Sharp, John Ertel and John Watson.
Commissioner Gary Stutler advised that the appointment of Warren Bruns to the Ripley County Park Board was in error. The motion to rescind the appointment of Bruns and instead appoint Ed Hunter to the board was unanimously approved.

The commissioners unanimously approved the recommendation to adopt the new sewer ordinance by Andy Bryant, Ripley County Health Department. According to Bryant, the new ordinance will reflect the state mandate that will require filters on septic systems effective January 11. The ordinance will apply to new installations after January 11.