Betty McGlone of Osgood is celebrating two milestones this year: her 90th birthday, which is May 17 and the 50 year celebration of being in business in Osgood.

After nine decades, McGlone looks back and said she realizes that starting a business when she did 50-years ago (in April) was not something many women did, but she was determined.

A celebration of the two accomplishments will be held Saturday, May 18, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Betty's Shop in Osgood. "Everyone is welcome," noted Priscilla Sutton, Betty's only daughter, who has been her mainstay for many years.

McGlone attributes her success in part to her mother, who was a stalwart supporter of working hard and getting things done. "I was raised during the depression," McGlone told the Osgood Journal, noting that she along with four siblings, three brothers and a sister, were raised by their mother.

Ancestors of McGlone dating back to the Revolutionary War have always been leaders and business people. McGlone carried on the tradition, even if she was the first woman in her family to do so. She's never been afraid of hard work and tells about babysitting for .50 cents a weekend and sometimes cleaning and ironing for a small wage.

When McGlone came to Osgood to work at the U.S. Shoe Factory, she was an accomplished shoe cutter, a rare position for a woman to hold then. She brought her skill to Osgood, but soon realized she wanted to do something more. "I really wanted to have a store," she remembered. In 1963 Betty's Shop became a reality with Betty running the store. She did continue to work at U.S. Shoe for about five years and run the store at the same time putting nearly everything she earned into the store to make it a success.

Taking her work ethic and determination, McGlone began going to Cincinnati on Sundays to buy items from wholesale houses. She said she learned from her mistakes about what the community wanted clothes wise, but soon had it down pat. She decided ladies and children's clothing would be best for the market in the area where people bought premium clothes for years. Now the shop is still in operation, but it houses tanning beds, and sells a few products as well. They also have a great line of tuxedos that can be rented for that special occasion and a dry cleaning service available.

The early days weren't easy, but McGlone said determination and sheer grit held her together when things were tough. She remembered once when a family cat got into a stock of her famous filmy negligies and well the "cat scratch dance" shredded many of those expensive items. "That was a bad day," she agreed.

The secret to her success could be attributed to her motto, which is, "you have to treat people like you'd like to be treated." McGlone taught herself to type and use a computer. She wasn't going to be left behind by technology.

McGlone has been a community pillar and is a member of the Osgood United Methodist Church, the Osgood Historical Museum, a life member of the Ripley County Humane Society, and a member in the Democrat Club. She is quick to point out here that her grandson, Tim Sutton, is running for Ripley County Sheriff on the Democrat ticket in 2014 and she is proud of him. "I want to live long enough to see him become sheriff," she laughed.

This lady of fine clothes and knowledge and skill of making shoes has many other interests. She is an also an artist. She is a past member of the Entre Nous, 4 Art Club, and has painted many works of art that hang on her walls inside her cozy apartment above her store in Osgood. She has made at least 14 quilts, 48 fancy pillows with intricate needle work.

McGlone was one of the founding members of the Osgood Beautification Committee, always taking pride in the town she still calls home today.

She, along with her daughter, invite the public to come and celebrate their special day at the shop located on Buckeye Street.

Sheriff Tom Grills and Indiana State Police Sgt. Noel Houze were in attendance at the May 8 meeting of the Napoleon Neighborhood Watch Committee, held prior to the town's regular monthly meeting. Grills and Houze were invited by Council President Bill VanKirk following the appointment of watch committee members last month to give the committee guidance on how to move forward with the watch program. Houze presented an outline of the program to council in March and it was decided to proceed at that time.

Sheriff Grills told the group that the biggest issue in the county is the drug problem, which seems to have driven many of the burglaries that have been occurring recently. He went on to say that he knows he can't stop or win the war on drugs, but feels he can eradicate it from the county with the help of people in the communities.

"This attitude of not wanting to get involved has to go away," Grills said, adding that anyone reporting a crime can remain anonymous when doing so. Things to watch out for are out-of-state vehicles frequenting certain areas for short periods of time here and there. Most cell phones nowadays are equipped with built-in cameras and can be used to snap a quick picture of something or someone acting suspicious or looking out of place.

Grills told committee mem- bers they should keep a diary while on watch, documenting everything they do. He also suggested members create a Facebook page to keep everyone informed and encourage more community involvement.

Grills explained that the sheriff's office does all it can to patrol the county, but is limited on resources. Community involvement is the key to helping prevent or deter crime, he said.

Anyone seeing something suspicious is urged to call the sheriff's office, but not necessarily by utilizing 911 unless it is a true and actual emergency. Those wanting to remain anonymous and speak to Grills personally can call his direct line by dialing 812-689-5558, ext. 401. After hours, a message can be left. He did ask that anyone making a call to report something to remain patient after doing so, as he is busy and it may take him a bit.

Purchasing signs for the neighborhood watch was discussed. Grills told the group that he may be able to help with funding for the signs with a matching grant. He will check into it and let them know. Clerk-Treasurer Karen Rohlfing suggested checking into a Ripley County Community Foundation grant to help with the signs, as well as other items they may need. Cindy Ward was appointed to take the minutes for the monthly watch meetings.

Council meeting

The Napoleon Town Council meeting immediately followed with all council members and town attorney Larry Eaton present. The minutes were read by Rohlfing, followed by approval and payment of utilities, claims, etc.

At last month's meeting, there was some discussion surrounding a town resident blocking a town alley from through traffic. It was decided to work with the resident by asking him to move the vehicles blocking the alley and the town would fix up the alley. The vehicles have been moved and the alley is no longer blocked. Councilmember John Snyder said that he is preparing to cut down a couple of trees and install concrete barriers separating the residential property and the alley.

Snyder also reported that the picnic shelter construction is expected to be completed in a few weeks. He said that money was saved on the project by using fewer posts and less concrete.

The fiscal plan for the annexation was adopted. Atty. Eaton will send certified letters out to all of the affected property owners, as well as put a legal notice in the newspaper. It was noted that anyone residing within the town limits considered to be in a flood plain will be required to purchase flood insurance. Council incorporated seven new residents into the town, all of which are already connected to the town's sewer.

A 2013 Massey Ferguson tractor was recently purchased by the town, thanks to riverboat revenue. The tractor is equipped with a grater, snow blade and bush hog. Council suggested that town manager Rod Eaton coordinate with Snyder in becoming familiar with the operation of the tractor.

There was some discussion of purchasing a small push mower to use around the park and town hall. Vankirk asked Eaton how much he would charge them for mowing services. Eaton said he would do it for $30 per hour. Vankirk told him they would keep him in mind, but if they find someone to do it for less, they will go with the lower amount.

Snyder reported that the storm sewers have dirt built up in them, which is causing a back-up. He suggested hiring Dustin Peetz to dig it out for around $8 per hour. Council had no objections.

The next meeting of the Napoleon Town Council will be Wednesday, June 12, immediately following the Napoleon Town Watch meeting, which will begin at 7 p.m.