The Versailles Republican Headline News

Pick up a copy of the newspaper at your local newsstand!

UPDATED BY MARIA SIEVERDING JANUARY 19, 2017 11 A.M.

Milan retains Rescue squad

Sandy Day Howard
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Milan Town Council recently met for their January meeting, with Board President Noel Houze presiding. Thanks to a signed facilities transfer agreement finalized at Milan’s January town council meeting, the town will retain ownership of property they donated to Milan Rescue 30 years ago.

Milan, Sunman, Delaware and surrounding areas were at risk of losing emergency medical services due to the inability of Milan’s Rescue 30 to continue operations. Thanks to an agreement between Rescue 30 and the Ripley County Council to assist the unit with funding, the area will continue to be serviced with emergency medical care. Signing the facilities transfer agreement and agreeing to help the county offset costs were two huge steps in that direction. Milan will now be served by two squads and a paramedic, enhancing the area’s access to rescue services.

Other business
Other changes coming to Milan include a new gas station being built at the former Milan Plaza location. John Ingram, town manager, announced that closing for the property was held on January 4. Demolition to the existing building will most likely begin at any time. Dennis McKittrick proposed new construction on Lakeview Drive which will require re-zoning. The Ripley County Area Planning Commission has previously submitted a favorable vote on the project and a zoning ordinance was presented to the Milan Town Board for signatures. Drew Oilman, Milan citizen with property adjoining the proposed new construction site, was present to voice his concerns. Council voted unanimously to proceed with the project and the proposal was ultimately approved.

Anita Pitts presented to council on behalf of Milan Lion’s Club. The Lions propose to purchase Christmas decorations for the town, pending a promise of funding assistance from the town. Council voted unanimously to help with the cost. Town Manager John Ingram reported on the maintenance department’s activity during the month and reported that repairs were being made to various buildings in Daren Baker Memorial Park. Council also signed a claim voucher for the dam project, signaling the long awaited completion of the CSX Railroad / Milan Lake endeavor.

Presenting the Town of Milan Police Department’s Monthly Report was Deputy Marshal Terry Wilson. The first deputy outlined some of his department’s activity for the month, noting that reserve officers donated 76 hours. Among other duties, the department responded to 41 calls for service and answered three requests for assistance on domestic calls. He also submitted an annual report for 2016 on the police department’s activity. Wilson announced that reserve officers had contributed 781.5 hours last year and received 522 calls for service, took 31 theft reports, 5 criminal mischief complaints, tagged 59 abandoned vehicles and investigated 33 traffic crashes.

Officers provided assistance to other agencies on 174 occasions, issued 187 traffic warnings, and made 5 drug arrests. The squad served 18 arrest warrants, investigated 1 identity theft case, worked 1 burglary case, and assisted fire and EMS units 23 times during the year. The PD performed 61 Vehicle Identification Number checks during 2016, and made one disorderly conduct arrest. Milan Law Enforcement made 30 traffic arrests and one public intoxication arrest. Officers issued 17 traffic warnings, and answered 37 domestic calls during the year. Milan Town Council meets the second Monday of each month at 6:30 in the town hall on Carr Street.

Quilts given to comfort kids

Teresa Meyer, Elrod, holds one of the beautifully crafted quilts made by ladies in the chapter she started, Hoosier Hills Chapter of Quilts for Kids. Eighteen quilts were donated to the Versailles Volunteer Fire Department Monday night. According to Chief Ben Sieverding, the quilts are used to comfort and keep children warm when firefighters respond to an accident or structure fire where kids are involved.

Versailles Vol Fire Dept and Hoosier Hills Quits for Kids
WANDA ENGLISH BURNETT PHOTO
Pictured left is Zach Halcomb, cadet; Teresa Meyer, and Ethan Morris, Lt. with the department. Meyer’s chapter was started in July of 2016 and already they have donated 18 quilts to Riley’s Children’s Hospital, Indianapolis, and now to the Versailles Fire Department.

To learn more about how you can become involved in the quilt-making process, stop in at the Quilter’s Nook in Versailles Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or contact Meyer at 812-654-2401.

Local Bulletin Board

Large rummage sale
COMING EVENT: St. John’s Catholic Church in Osgood will have a rummage sale Thursday, Jan. 26 from 1 – 6 p.m., Friday, Jan. 27 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, Jan. 28 from 8 a.m. until noon. The church is located at 331 S. Buckeye St., Osgood.

Call 812-689-6364 to learn how you can get a free listing in the Coming Events featured in The Versailles Republican.