The Versailles Republican Headline News

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PAGE UPDATED BY MARIA SIEVERDING MARCH 10, 2016 1 P.M.

Easter Egg Coloring Contest

It’s time for Ripley Publishing Company's Easter Coloring Contest, where we hunt for the area’s most “eggcellent” artists! Color in your favorite picture for your chance to win! Pick up a copy of The Versailles Republican dated March 3 for the coloring entry forms.
• 1 WINNER IN EACH AGE CATEGORY (4-6 and 7-10)
• WILL RECEIVE AN EASTER BASKET FULL OF GOODIES!
RULES: Contest is open to children ages 4 through 10. Contestants may use crayons, colored pencils or markers. Adults may assist in completing
the contest entry form, but not in coloring. All entries must be received by Monday, March 21 before 4:30 p.m. Decisions of the judges are final.

PAGE UPDATED BY MARIA SIEVERDING MARCH 17, 2016 1 P.M.

Watch out for phone scams!
Read about the latest phone scam hitting Ripley County on page 12 of The Versailles Republican.

Versailles Town: Council to host cleanup day
Plans for Pangburn Park underway

Mary Mattingly
EDITOR
mmattingly@ripleynews.com

Versailles is attempting to clean up Pangburn Park so it will not only look better, but attract more children and families. They’re starting with the basketball court, removing four trees nearby and replacing the goal and backboard; however, it’s not cheap, council member Roxanne Meyer told the council at the regular meeting on March 8.

Basketball goal at Pangburn Park

MARY MATTINGLY PHOTO
Pictured left is one of the basketball goals at Pangburn Park that needs to be replaced. A “Perk Up Pangburn Park” GoFundMe account has been set up to help pay for a new one.

She has spearheaded the cleanup efforts, and is creating a GoFundMe account (called Perk Up Pangburn Park) to help pay for the basketball goal. It would cost about $1,500 for a new board and goal. In the meantime, she suggested to remove the old one that is in disrepair. Town Attorney Larry Eaton offered his goal and backboard. Kevin Hensley, street superintendent, said he will see if he can remove it and replace it at the park. Although the town budget was already set for 2016, the town is paying for the removal of trees and providing labor to do as much as they can on their own. A clean up day has been set for May 14, and the community is encouraged to come and help.

Other business
Hensley brought up the street lights for Sunset Strip. He said they are needed to enhance safety for town employees when they mow and plow there. After some discussion on how many lights are needed, the council approved to fund five street lights if that is recommended by Duke Energy for South Ripley Estates. It was noted that the lights bring additional utility cost to the town. The ones installed last year at Harvest Ridge neighborhood add about $200 more to the town’s monthly utility bill. Hensley also updated the board on several other utility and street work being done. A water leak of 80,000 gallons in one month was reported at Chad Drive. The town had investigated in December and informed the owners of the leak. Sewer pumps have been ordered for the sewage plant, and for a few business/residences that went out recently. A new tractor, paid for mainly with Tyson Funds, was expected to arrive this week. Hensley negotiated the price down to $63,900 for the sewer camera, with Tyson Fund paying a good portion of it. They plan on working out a three year payment plan. The town is also getting ready for spring and summer sports. Gravel will be dumped at the sports complex, and repairs are being considered for the roofs on the dugouts. Tyson Activity Center will run the ball program there this summer, and Steve Mathes will discuss it with Aimee Cornett to see how they want to proceed.

The council approved a usage agreement for the old firehouse, which is where the council meetings are now held. It can be used by the community for various meetings. No smoking or alcohol use is allowed, and they are checking into the maximum number of people allowed. Council President Steve Mathes said the Versailles Main Street Committee is seeking a grant to replace the seasonal banners around the courthouse square. They are getting prices on the banners. Clerk Treasurer Kiersten Libby reported that the audit is almost finished, and the main suggestion was to run the soccer league like the baseball one, leasing the property. There were two guests at the meeting, BJ Sieverding and Tina Lynch, both with UCB. They passed out information on their bank services.

Marshal’s report
Joe Mann received two bids from contractors for his office work. He also said repairs were under warranty for the Charger, and he is also looking at prices for a new vehicle, a Charger and a Dodge Ram truck. He’d like to keep the Ford pickup as a backup. Council advised to hold off on making vehicle purchases at this point. Mann also reported they have several people applying for the deputy position. He was advised to turn down an opportunity to teach at a police academy because it would be held the first week on the job with the new deputy. Council approved $7,000 expenditure from the riverboat funds to pay for Spillman public safety training with the sheriff’s office. Mann said Sunman is on board with it, and Osgood might be, and if so, the cost would drop about $600. He also informed the town attorney of an unkempt residence on High Street without gas, electric or water. Eaton will look into it, as well as one on E. Water Street and another on Perry Street. They may be in violation of the town ordinance, and if so a letter will be sent reminding them to take care of the property. There is also a business in the industrial park that needs a fence, and Eaton will talk to the owners about it. They are also considering a quote to demolish an old building downtown that used to be a radio station, and will see what it would cost to add the building next to it as well.

Local Bulletin Board

Saturday, March 19
Easter Egg hunt at Versailles State Park
This Saturday, the Ripley County Chamber of Commerce will host the 22nd annual Easter Egg hunt at Versailles State Park. Children may hunt for over 5000 eggs, and could end up with a new bike or several other prizes. Three new bikes and $125 worth of chamber gift certificates will be given away.
Prizes will be given in three age categories up to age 10. The egg hunt begins at 11 a.m. near the state park pool area. The Easter Bunny will be there for photo opportunities.

Deadline: April 1, 2016
Sheriff scholarships announced
Ripley Co. Sheriff Jeff Cumberworth announced that Indiana Sheriff’s Association would again be awarding college scholarships to qualified high school seniors or college students who are pursuing a degree in criminal justice. For details pick up a copy of The Versailles Republican dated February 11 and read page 3.

Deadline: April 4, 2016
SEIRD announces student scholarship
The Southeastern Indiana Recycling District (SEIRD) is pleased to announce the 2015 - 2016 “Students Making an Environmental Difference Scholarship” for graduating high school seniors. For details pick up a copy of The Versailles Republican dated February 11 and read pg. 2.