Pick up a copy of the newspaper at your local newsstand!
UPDATED BY MARIA SIEVERDING JANUARY 5, 2017 1 P.M.
Teen airlifted from collision with semi
Wanda English Burnett
EDITOR
wburnett@ripleynews.com
According to information from the Ripley County Sheriff’s Department, a collision between a pick up truck and semi tractor-trailer caused a teenager to be airlifted to a city hospital. Connor M. Amos, 18, of the Batesville area, was traveling southbound on State Road 129 when his truck, a Ford Ranger, crossed the centerline just north of State Road 48. A northbound semi that was being operated by Travis Beckelhymer, of Ohio, tried to avoid hitting the smaller vehicle, by driving onto the shoulder, but the truck Amos was driving still hit the trailer’s rear axle.
Sgt. Corky Houseworth of the Ripley County Sheriff’s Department told The Versailles Republican that Amos was trapped in his vehicle for about an hour before emergency personnel could get him freed. He was flown to the University of Cincinnati Hospital. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. The crash remains under investigation.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Pictured is what’s left of the Ford Ranger Connor Amos was driving after colliding with a semi.
Ketcham attends last Milan meeting, Rogers takes the helm
Sandy Howard
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
“I’d like to say thank you to this board. It’s been a fabulous five and a half years and I wouldn’t change a thing.” Paul Ketcham spoke to the Milan School Board, patrons, students, teachers and staff at his last meeting as superintendent of Milan School Corporation. Ketcham has accepted the superintendent’s position with Batesville School Corporation, effective January 1. Jane Rogers has been hired as the new superintendent for Milan.
“You will always have a friend in Batesville Indiana.” Ketcham assured his constituents.
Milan School Board members approved the 2017-2018 school calendar at last week’s meeting, which marked the final time board president Jason Honeycutt will preside. Honeycutt’s term ends December 31. Members thanked them both for their dedication and service to Milan schools. A patron in the audience spoke to the excellent leadership Ketcham had provided as Milan’s superintendent and wished him well in future endeavors. Honeycutt was presented with a commemorative clock as a token of appreciation for his service to the Milan School Board. The meeting opened on a somber note with a moment of silence for Milan student Micayla Acra, who was tragically killed in car accident earlier in December.
A re-organizational meeting will be held in January. Prior to that time, an appropriation resolution was passed as a formality to allow bill payment.
Superintendent Ketcham reported that the Oak Tree Removal Project at Milan Elementary School would be completed over Christmas break. Milan’s insurance company recommended that the tree be removed as it had become a hazard. A commemorative bench or sign will be placed at the site since the tree holds sentimental value for many Milan residents. Ketcham also reported on the completion of the school’s swimming pool wall repair project.
Part time custodian Marcus Rimerez resigned effective November 21 and a family leave request for Missy King was approved through February 6, 2017.
Recommendations approved included Carly Hayson to fulfill duties from King’s absence; Michelle Cortez to fill a part time custodial position vacated by Ramirez and Jane Brinkman was approved to serve as the elementary yearbook coordinator under extra-curricular events. Student aid and part time cafeteria worker Shannon Strassel’s work hours were extended to 7 ½. A field trip was approved as Josie Wyler will be taking 20 students to the FCCLA conference in Muncie, May 9-11. Fundraiser requests for Milan Middle School’s PTO and MHS’s softball/ baseball teams were also granted.
Closing comments from each of the board members touched on a variety of endings and beginnings. Ketcham thanked incoming superintendent Jane Rogers. “The board made a great decision. She will do an outstanding job.”
UPDATED BY MARIA SIEVERDING DECEMBER 22, 2016 1 P.M.
Local Bulletin Board
Polar Plunge seeks sponsors
Special Olympics Indiana’s largest signature fundraising event, the Polar Plunge, has raised more than $3 million dollars since its inception in 2000.
The 18 Polar Plunges around the state feature 2,900 plungers braving the icy cold waters in Indiana, as they fundraiser to support athletes with intellectual disabilities. Over 5,000 spectators and volunteers watch as both individuals and teams in costumes jump in freezing water to participate in this incredible team-building, bucket-list challenge. Sponsorship opportunities for the Polar Plunge are available for companies that want to partner with Special Olympics Indiana. Contact Greg Townsend at 812-584-6861 or by email at
gtownsend@soindiana-rod.org, or visit
http://soindiana-rod.org/polarplunge-sponsors to download a sponsorship form.
Jan. 7
First responder breakfast with legislator
Police, Fire, and EMS members please join State Representative Randy Frye for a breakfast to discuss public safety issues for the upcoming legislative session. The breakfast, sponsored by the Aurora Volunteer Fire Department, will be on Saturday, Jan. 7 beginning at 8 a.m.