The Versailles Republican Headline News

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PAGE UPDATED BY MARIA SIEVERDING MARCH 2, 2017 1 P.M.

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UPDATED BY MARIA SIEVERDING MARCH 2, 2017 1 P.M.

South Ripley student count is up

Wanda English Burnett
EDITOR

As of February 1, 2017 the South Ripley School Corporation had a number of 1,149 students. This was up from the Fall 2016 count by 16 students. At the February meeting of the South Ripley School Board of Trustees, a unanimous vote was given to pilot a Readiness Kindergarten program during the 2017-18 school year. The SRJHS band students were given permission to take a trip to Mason, OH,and approval was given for Jeff Hamm to be the volunteer coach for the 2017 Junior High Softball, which was deemed a probationary sport.

A lot of business was taken care of at the meeting with the following personnel items approved:
• Samarah Walston resigned from her position in the elementary cafeteria.
• Phil Smith was hired as varsity softball coach and Jason Smith as assistant softball coach for the Spring 2017 season.
• Penny Binion will be junior high girls track coach.
• The Non-FMLA medical leave was approved for Nicole McGuire which includes both her two-hour-per-day cafeteria position and three-hour-per-day bus aide position.
• Superintendent Rob Moorhead recommended approval of junior high teachers, high school teachers as well as elementary teachers to serve as after school tutors for ISTEP Remediation.
• The FMLA request of Janine Stratton was approved with Becky Eaton hired to fill the vacancy. The resignation of Barb Wood from her cafeteria position at the high school was approved. Dixie Franklin was granted a FMLA request.

Other items the board took action on:
• The approval of the update guidelines, (including roles and responsibility) for the school resource officer between the Town of Versailles and the school was approved.
• A bid from PCMG for 121 five-year wireless access point licenses at a total cost of $18,335.13 was approved. The superintendent noted that “we are maximizing our entire 160 Mbps of internet bandwidth”. He noted that technology director Scott Richie has been able to apply for an upgrade with ENA to 560 Mbps that will be less than the current cost for only 160 Mbps. The superintendent said he is moving forward in increasing the bandwidth.
• Transportation director Gil Landwehr was given permission to purchase two new 2017 Freightliner buses from Kerlin Bus Sales through the IAESC Procurement, and to purchase one new 2017 Collins 14 passenger white activity bus with a lift from Midwest Transit through the same process. These three new buses qualify for the EPA reimbursement totaling $55,000. After salvaged parts are removed from the old buses, approval was given to donate them to the local fire department for training.
• Keith Scott was the highest bidder for crop lease for the school coming in at a bid of $246.71 per acre for 30.4 acres.

Business Manager Lana Miller gave the financial report and informed the board that two auditors from the Indiana State Board of Accounts arrived on February 6. The lead auditor will communicate directly by email with the board’s president Tim Taylor to keep him informed on the progress. The next meeting of the school board will be March 20 at 6:30 p.m. at the administration office.

Planning will help you see green in retirement

Charo Boyd
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

Social Security has been a cornerstone of financial security for over 80 years. As you might already know, a lifetime of measured discipline can ensure a comfortable retirement. Social Security can help you plan, save, and see plenty of green in your golden years. Social Security is part of the retirement plan of almost every American worker. If you’re among the 96 percent of workers in the United States covered under Social Security, it is helpful to know what benefits you are entitled to.

Social Security bases your benefit payment on how much you earned during your working career. Higher lifetime earnings result in higher benefits. If there were some years you didn’t work or had low earnings, your benefit amount may be lower than if you worked steadily. How do you know what your retirement benefits might be so you can plan? Create a safe and secure my Social Security account to view estimates of your future retirement, disability, and survivors benefits. Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount and create your account today.

Social Security benefits help secure your today and tomorrow, but many people will need more retirement income. Saving for retirement is key. You might also have a pension or 401k. Combining as many savings resources will mean more income once you retire. Your personal My Social Security account continues to benefit you once you file for benefits and beyond. Use your account to check the status of your application and, once you are receiving benefits, use your account to manage them. For example, you can start or change your direct deposit, change your address and phone number, get proof of benefits, and much more online and at your convenience.

Learn about all the great advantages of having your own my Social Security account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. Social Security puts you in control. Visit www.socialsecurity.gov regularly to access the ever-evolving tools and information we provide.

Local Bulletin Board

Deadline is March 17
Margaret Mary Health accepting scholarship applications

Margaret Mary Health is now accepting applications for its scholarship program. To qualify, applicants must be pursuing degrees in the health care field, be a full-time student and maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Recipients receive an initial award of $3,000 and $1,000 each year up to three years. Applications are available at the hospital, area high schools or online at www.mmhealth.org. Completed applications must be returned to human resources by March 17, 2017. For more information call 812-933-5259.

Reservations due March 18
Art in Nature II to offer free art classes

Are you a budding artist but never got to try your hand at watercolor painting, wood turning, or recycled art? Art in Nature is the perfect opportunity to feel free to attempt artistic aspirations guided by talented local artists ready with the tools you need. Scheduled for Monday through Saturday, April 3 – 8, at the Recreation Hall in Versailles State Park (VSP), classes will be held nightly from 6 – 8 p.m., plus a jewelry making class Saturday from 1 – 3 p.m., and an art show of all the created art Saturday evening from 6 – 8 p.m. For a complete schedule and how to register pick up a copy of the Osgood Journal dated January 31, 2017. Newspapers can be purchased at the Ripley Publishing Company located at 115 S. Washington St., Versailles.

Deadline is March 31
Sheriff offers scholarship for local students
Ripley County Sheriff Jeff Cumberworth is accepting scholarship applications. The “Mums for Education” program has raised enough money for three $1,000 scholarships to be given to students who are pursuing a degree in criminal justice. For more information and how to apply pick up a copy of the Osgood Journal dated February 28, 2017. Newspapers can be purchased at the Ripley Publishing Company located at 115 S. Washington St., Versailles.

Deadline is May 5
New Point Vol. Fire Dept. / Miller Family Scholarship offered
The New Point Volunteer Fire Dept. / Carl H and Goldia Miller Family Scholarship Program will award four $500 scholarships to 2017 graduating seniors. These scholarships are awarded based on community service completed by the student during high school. Graduates from Batesville, Jac-Cen-Del, Greensburg, North Decatur, and South Decatur High Schools who have applied, been accepted and plan to begin their studies in 2017 may apply. For more information and details on how to apply pick up a copy of the Osgood Journal dated February 28, 2017. Newspapers can be purchased at the Ripley Publishing Company located at 115 S. Washington St., Versailles.