Ripley County 4-H Fair begins Sunday

Wanda English Burnett
Editor

The tried and tested tradition of the Ripley County 4-H Fair will bring the same thrills this year when it is held July 22-28 at the Ripley County Fairgrounds Park in Osgood.

For the 4-H'ers, it's about dedication and completion as depicted in this year's logo designed by Samantha Rohrig. She is a member of the Faithful Worker's 4-H Club.

While the fair is a showcase of a year's work on the part of the 4-H'ers, it is also a place where spectators can come to see their workmanship. It's a place to celebrate achievements, get ribbons and have fun.

The fairgrounds park is the perfect setting with all of its upgrades. The grandstands have long been associated with the excitement on the track whether it be trucks, cars, lawnmowers or tractors.

New this year is the Team Tractor Pulls sponsored by the Ripley County Farm Bureau Inc. and Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance. They will be held on Tuesday, July 24 starting at 8:00 p.m in the grandstand.

There will be two categories, youth, which includes 4-H, FFA, school groups, ball teams and cheerleaders; and adults: which could be families, groups, businesses, organizations, churches, teachers and coaches to name a few.

Everyone is welcome to participate in these four-person teams. Call 689-4600 to enter your team.

Every day will showcase different 4-H projects from animals to photography.

Highlights on Sunday, July 22 will be the antique tractor pull, sponsored by the Osgood Lions Club at 11:00 a.m. the vesper services at 4:00 p.m. and the grand opening of the fair at 6:00 p.m. at the free stage. The crowning of the 2012 4-H Junior Leader King and Queen will take place and Miss Ripley County and her court will be presented. The evening will continue with a 4-H banner parade, fashion show and a greased pig contest!

Monday, July 23 the annual Ripley County Baby Show will take place at 5:00 p.m. near the free stage by Shelter #2. Entry forms are available the night of the event. Wristbands for rides are available that night. A child can ride as many rides as they want for only $17.00.

On Tuesday, July 24 among the midst of other activities, the National Pedal Pullers and Racers will be registering adults and children alike at 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 25 is another night parents get a break on rides with children being able to again purchase a wristband for $17.00 for the entire night. A Demolition Derby will take place at the grandstands. For more information contact Terry Eaglin at 689-1046 or 621-0259.

Thursday, July 26 grandstand entertainment will be the Quad & Cycle Flat Drags, sponsored by the Osgood Lions Club at the grandstand.

Two exciting annual events will take place on Friday, July 27. First the 4-H Livestock Auction will be held at 3:00 p.m. at the show arena. Last year's auction results totaled $104,554.99. Then at 7:00 p.m. the Truck Drags, sponsored by the Osgood Fire Department will take center stage at the grandstand. You can contact Larry Black, chairman of the event at 614-5160.

Saturday, July 28 is a day of cleanup for the 4-H'ers, but it's also a day of fun. There will be rides and at 7:00 p.m. another Truck Pull at the grandstand, sponsored by the Osgood Fire Department.

The fair board, along with all the officials who work year 'round to make sure the fair is a great experience for everyone, thanks the public for their continued support of the event. There are rules to be followed to ensure everyone's safety. They ask that no alcohol be brought onto the fairgrounds.

No smoking is allowed in any of the buildings, under shelters or in the grandstands. Ripley County remains under a burn ban with officials saying just a spark from a cigarette could cause a devastating fire.

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Indiana State Board of Animal Health and the Indiana State Police have aligned to remind everyone to remember basic safety tips when enjoying their time at the county fair.

They especially ask people to adhere to burn bans, pay attention to weather forecasts and be aware of your surroundings, should you need to take shelter immediately.

Remember to use sunscreen and on hot days drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Closed toe shoes are the best for walking and "if you see something, say something". In other words if you see suspicious activity let authorities know.

To ensure safety on rides, officials advise to never ride if you see broken parts, signs of improper maintenance or an inattentive operator. Every ride should have a prominently displayed current permit issued by IDHS. Read the posted rules and abide by them. Don't try to get around the rules, they are for your safety.

Only one thing stands between you and having a great time at the Ripley County 4-H Fair - you have to get there! Go! Enjoy the rides, sights, scenes and smells and enjoy what Ripley County has to offer.

Milan School Board hears from parents

Donyelle Robinson
Contributing Writer

Some parents of special needs students expressed concerns in regards to the placement of the special needs classroom at the July 9 meeting of the Milan School Board of Trustees.

There was an approved decision made at last month's board meeting that a new weight lifting room would be in the works, but the placement of this room is currently in the special needs classroom and the special needs room would have to be relocated back to the middle school.

Several parents were present to argue this decision and state documents were provided by the parents stating they had to be notified in writing before any changes were made to their child's education.

Linda Baker, a parent of a special needs child stated "I don't agree with taking sports over education, these kids just get shuffled back and forth. It's like they don't belong anywhere. We as parents deserve answers."

Cheryl Vogelsang, also a parent of a special needs child, expressed her concerns stating "My child needs to be in the same age appropriate area and putting him back in the middle school is not the answer."

After hearing parents' concerns the board said they appreciated the comments and concerns and was taking this situation under advisement.

New officers of the board were elected for 2012-2013 school year. Douglas Norman, the previous board president had ended his term on the board and new officers had to be elected. Timothy Tuttle was elected President, Vice President was Gregory Lewis and Randy Kirk was chosen as Secretary.

In other news:

• Mrs. Oelker requested for the eighth grade Washington D.C. trip be approved and add an extra day to the trip, this will be a four school day instead of a three day trip. This will allow the children an extra day to experience Williamsburg, Virginia. This trip was approved with a 3-1 vote. with Kirk opposing

• The bus routes have been redesigned and as part of this project the number of buses have been minimized from 16 to 14, due to the enrollment declining. Pick up times will be adjusted to accommodate all students and letters will be issued stating any changes.

• The board and Superintendent Dr. Thomas Reale thanked everyone for attending, along with those who made any comments.

All Board members were present including, Randy Kirk, Timothy Tuttle, Gregory Lewis, and Edward Amberger.

The next board meeting will be held on August 20 at 6:00 p.m. at the administration building.