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Pick up a copy of the newspaper at your local newsstand!
PAGE UPDATED BY MARIA SIEVERDING NOVEMBER 9, 2017 1 P.M.
34th Annual Great Turkey Giveaway!
Win a FREE Turkey for Thanksgiving from one of Ripley County businesses!
30 Turkeys Will Be Given Away
Fill out entry coupons published in The Versailles Republican dated Nov. 2, 2017 and deposit them in “The Great Turkey Giveaway Box" located at the business named in the coupon.
A winner will be drawn at each business on Thursday, Nov. 16, at 9 a.m. No purchase is necessary. Only one turkey may be won per family. Need not be present to win. Winners will be notified where they can pick up their FREE turkey on November 16. Please include a daytime phone number on the coupon.
State parks to close for deer hunts
Several State Parks in Indiana will be temporarily closing to allow for controlled deer reductions. Versailles State Park is one that will be closed November 13 and 14, 27 and 28 for this event. Other State Parks participating include: Chain O’ Lakes, Charlestown, Clifty Falls, Harmonie, Ft. Harrison, Lincoln, McCormick and Trine State Recreation Area, Potato Creek, Shades, Shakamak, Spring Mill, Cave River Valley Natural Area and Whitewater Memorial. These properties will close to the general public the evening before each two-day reduction effort and reopen the morning after.
Only individual hunters selected from the draw in September and their designated hunting partners may participate in the hunt.
DNR biologists evaluate which parks require a reduction each year based on habitat recovery and previous harvest. The reductions help maintain a level that helps habitat throughout the state parks for all plants and animals. Parks are home to more than 32 state-endangered plants and numerous significant natural communities.
Check out information on 2018 state park deer reduction hunts at stateparks.IN.gov/6289.htm.
Local organizations team up to develop Dillsboro Cultural Center
The Friendship State Bank presented the Town of Dillsboro with a $18,000 check Monday, October 23 toward the purchase of a building that will be transformed into a cultural arts center. Thom Maltbe and Rebecca Davies, both local artisans, first developed the vision for the center.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Dillsboro Town Council Members and local artist, accept an $18,000 check from The Friendship State Bank to purchase a building for a local cultural arts center. (Left to right) Woody Fryman, Council vice president; Janice Sullivan, Council clerk treasurer; Tom Lewis, Friendship Insurance Agency Sales Manager; Shannon Rickett, Dillsboro Branch Manager; Julie Mathias, Friendship State Bank loan officer; Chris Meyer, Friendship State Bank CEO; Rebecca Davies, local artist; Mary Lou Powers, Council president.
“There are places in every community for artists to share their work,” Maltbe explained. “We want a place where artists can also connect with the community through art.”
Maltbe is a 37-year Dillsboro resident. He teaches at South Ripley, serves as the Dearborn Highland Art Council president and offers art lessons.
Davies, a Dillsboro native, is an accomplished artist whose work is well known on the west and east coasts. She was inspired to bring her art back to her hometown. Davies and Maltbe began brainstorming and enlisted Dillsboro Economic Development Director Susan Greco to help them find a place for a pop up gallery.
Greco contacted Friendship State Bank CEO, Chris Meyer, regarding the Friendship Insurance building. “The building seemed to be great for the purpose,” Greco said. “Many ideas spawned and exploded because of Chris’ willingness to discuss anything. He asked how both the city and The Friendship State Bank could make this happen.”
“Art is an important component of vibrant communities,” Meyer shared. “Friendship State Bank is excited to support the conversion of this empty building to a thriving center for Dillsboro.”
The center will be a work space where artists can grow their work as well as exchange ideas with fellow artists. The building will be open to the public where individuals are encouraged to come interact with artists and get a glimpse into the day in the life of an artist. Visual and performance-based art will be included in the center. Painters, potters, photographers, poets, musicians, dancers and writers are all welcome. Additionally, they hope to host events including juried art shows, photography exhibits and more. Artists’ work will also be available for purchase, providing a place to purchase affordable, local art. The building’s upstairs apartment will accommodate space for an “artist in residence.” This will provide an affordable place for an artist to live and work. Additionally, it will allow the center to be open more hours for the public.
The city’s short-term goal is to open the building as soon as possible so artists may begin working. Artists will put in time to clean, paint and prepare the building. They hope to host a public grand opening in December.
Greco attributes collaboration as the key to this project’s realization. She looks forward to the continued cycle collaboration tends to spark. A business contributes to the community where the artists are then provided space to work. Artists then give back by providing lessons and working with others. The cycle of collaboration and giving continues to grow.
Leora Weare Versailles American Legion Post 173
“Our goal is to do good things for our veterans, our youth, and our community.” MIKE DAUGHERTY, HISTORIAN
SUBMITTED PHOTOS
Pictured are iterations of the 21-gun salute by the Versailles American Legion Post 173. First, in 1947 at the Cliff Hill Cemetery and second, in the mid-90s outside of the post.
ANNUAL EVENTS
• Law and Order night: Held in February to honor local police, firemen, and EMTs. A “Law Officer of the Year,” and “Fireman of the Year” are awarded to a responder in the Versailles, Holton, Friendship, or Cross Plains area.
• Legion Birthday party: Hosted each year in March; 2019 will mark the 100th anniversary of The American Legion nationwide.
• Scholarship night: Towards the end of each school year, the Legion, the Auxiliary, and the SAL groups award a total of 10, $500 scholarships to local graduating seniors.
• Memorial Day: Flags are placed at the site of each veteran grave in Cliff Hill Cemetery for the weekend. Services are held at 15 local cemeteries; in addition to the annual parade and service held in Versailles at the cemetery and the Veterans monument on the town square. After the services, a picnic is held at the Legion Park off Highway 50.
• Legionfest’s “Taste of Versailles:” A new event in 2017, held to raise money for culinary scholarships for local students.
• Car Show: Over 161 entries participated in the 19th car show in 2017 on the Versailles town square.
• Labor Day picnic
• Pumpkin Show parade: Legionnaires lead the parade as Color Guard in Versailles.
• Halloween: Host a parade featuring the South Ripley Jr. High Band and a costume contest for local kids.
• Veterans Day: Services held at South Ripley High School, with the Jr. high and elementary students joining to watch a video presentation created by students.
• Marine Corps birthday party: A celebration hosted at the post for all veterans in November.
• Christmas food drive: Post 173 delivers food to 40-50 local families in need each Christmas season.
For more information about the Versailles Legion, Milan or Osgood, see section B pages 4, 5 and 6.
