Bold headlines, events in the sky and more – in 2024
Out with the old and in with the new. 2024 is in the books with all of its highs and lows. Ripley County residents experienced some great highs and then some devastating lows. Through it all, people pulled together, showed up for each other, ready to celebrate the beginning of another year.
Through the year 2024 in the county:
JANUARY:
The Versailles American Legion was busy giving out food and toys to over 40 families.
Jarred Dean Meinders, 48, of Milan, a lifetime community servant, unexpectedly passed away leaving the community heart broken.
A police pursuit ended with Mark Swafford of Cross Plains arrested and charged with Attempted Murder.
John Irrgang was sworn in as the Mayor of Batesville.
The laundromat in Versailles burned to the ground in just a few minutes.
Derik Hutton was named Principal of the South Ripley High School. He was the first alumnus of the school to become Principal.
Milan student Alorha Welch was in the news for taking her first solo flight from Lunken Airport.
Batesville’s Dan Little and Christine Padilla were sharing their story of plunging – cold water plunging! They said it was good for them and plus was getting them ready for the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics.
Ripley County Clerk Liz Baumgartner was already giving information about the upcoming Primary, making sure people knew where to vote.
At the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce event “A Night Full of Stars” award winners were Jim and Maureen Saner, Jill Hollins, George Junker and So Loved Kids Clothing Closet were honored.
Former South Ripley Principal Bill Snyder won big on The Price is Right show.
FEBRUARY:
Ripley County Sheriff’s Office Chaplain Randy Thieman gave final words at the graveside memorial service held for homeless veteran at Cliff Hill Cemetery. Several turned out on the cold day to pay respect to a man they didn’t know.
The Versailles Lions Club was gearing up for the Pumpkin Show announcing a new ride company for the September event.
South Ripley graduate shared military career highlights with students. Susannah Mann explained to Sealy Hyatt’s class what the DD-214 was and more.
The construction of a new firehouse in New Marion was underway.
The Annual Polar Plunge was celebrating 25 years. The counties of Ripley, Ohio and Dearborn (ROD) joined together to support Special Olympics. With water temperatures less than 25 degrees, people took the plunge at the Versailles State Park Lake to give to this charity.
In front of McDonalds in Versailles a semi-truck overturned with a load of milk. No one was injured but the crash saw the roadway closed for a time as the rig was up righted.
The Tanglewood Baptist Legal Fund was founded. This fund is projected to help the community for years to come.
Rick and Cindy Edwards, Ripley County residents, traveled to Gobbler’s Knob, PA to wait for the arrival of Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction for Spring. Cheryl Lee of Batesville was celebrating getting a liver transplant.
Fish Fry’s were getting in full swing with St. Nicholas preparing 1,000 fish dinners with sides at their annual event. Money was being raised for a new center being built.
INcompass, formerly CMHC, made the announcement all 24 Community Mental Health Centers in Indiana will be rebranding to INcompass Primary Care or INcompass Healthcare.
Leap Year was celebrated with Batesville’s Christal Acra, and cousins, Candy, Sarah and Kelley, going to Lachey’s in Cincinnati, OH, before they closed for the once in four year event.
Jac-Cen-Del’s Ripley County Engineering Academy were the Division II Champions at the Rube Goldberg Challenge.
MARCH:
Osgood Volunteer Fire Department was replacing a 30-year-old generator. Roger Linville, 50+ member was pictured with the new piece of equipment, along with Chief Kyle Negangard.
The water tower at Milan came down with groundbreaking held for new development.
Law enforcement from the area were quickly on the scene when the alarm sounded that there could be a student with a gun at the Southeastern Career Center. Police swept the building and grounds and determined there was no threat to students or staff.
There were 156 girls who came to the Fearless Female Program at the Southeastern Career Center in Versailles. They know they can accomplish anything they want in life!
A three-day search for a missing Osgood teen ended with a tragic outcome. Carson Hughes lost his life doing what he loved – photography at the Versailles State Park Lake, where he drowned. A community came together like never before to love, help, listen, and care for his parents and brother.
A total eclipse was forecast for April 8 with agencies in the county anticipating an influx of people for the event, which was visible from Ripley County skies. Schools and businesses closed, and many people attended the Ripley County Chamber event at the Osgood Fairgrounds Park for the Eclipse party.
Ripley County courtrooms were disrupted with the beginning of renovation at the Courthouse.
Milan celebrated 70 years of the 1954 win with a big celebration.
Holly Wehr was beginning the journey of a lifetime, renovating The Tanglewood on the square in Versailles.
APRIL:
Easter Egg Hunts were held across the county.
People packed into the Osgood Town Hall to hear candidates at an event sponsored by The Ripley County Republican’s Club. There were several challengers and lots of information was heard.
Rollin Roosters, a food truck that serves delicious chicken, held their one-year anniversary.
Although the crowd wasn’t overwhelming, the April 8 Total Eclipse event did draw people from many states to Ripley County for the event. A couple from Georgia came with a homeschooler for a grand field trip!
The Harvey Wickey family in Cross Plains lost their new barn when a tornado and storms blew through the south end of the county.
Although two semi-trucks were heavily damaged on SR 129 when they collided in a head-on crash, there were no serious injuries.
Local prosecutor Ric Hertel handled what has been dubbed as one of the largest corruption cases. Jamey Noel, a former law enforcement man, both with the state police and sheriff’s department in Clark County, was charged with multiple felonies.
Louis Wolter, 89, was being celebrated for a lifetime of academic service. He helped shape the lives of multiple students and was a longtime educator at Jac-Cen-Del.
After 40 years of being in the Cummings family, McDonalds (Versailles, Batesville, Lawrenceburg) changed hands. Ed Cummings Jr. was seen shaking hands with the new owner Erica Shadoin. Thirty years ago they came to Versailles, and the newspaper was there documenting the momentous occasion. Then, Ed Cummings Sr. was in the photo with Ronald McDonald. Shadoin’s grandfather, Lou Groen, was also in the original picture from 1994 helping with the ribbon cutting.
MAY:
Deputy Steve Sullivan was laid to rest after he unexpectedly passed away. He was employed with the Ripley County Sheriff’s Department for many years and also worked as courthouse security. He was buried with complete honors.
The Holton Water Corporation was gearing up to construct a $4M water tower.
The Holton Masonic Lodge F&AM#624 celebrated it’s 125th year anniversary. Also celebrated was the 50-year Award of Gold presented to Brother Bob Brinson.
As the school year wound down, local students who signed on to serve their country were: David Homola, Chris Couch, Phillip Baumgartner, Gabe Day, Jesse McIntosh and David Rutherford.
EV Charging Stations were installed in Versailles at the Ripley County Tourism Welcome Center parking lot on US 50.
The Aurora Borealis was about to be photographed in Ripley County with hues of green, blue, pink and purple in the night sky.
Ken and Charlotte McPhee of Osgood, were given the Ripley County Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Award at an event held at the Upper Room Café in Osgood. They have been managing that business and giving to Ripley County residents for several years.
The Southeastern Career Center held a celebration for graduates of 2024 at the South Ripley High School Gym.
Thornton’s Motorcycle Sales LLP, held their second annual benefit poker run.
The idea of Community Paramedic was introduced by Ripley County Health Department and EMS.
Keith Ertel of Napoleon was rescued from a grain bin thanks to the expertise of the local fire departments.
Three graduations were held across the county – Batesville, Milan and South Ripley, sending students out prepared to meet the future.
JUNE:
New EMA Director James Coffee was introduced at a Ripley County Commissioners meeting.
The last two schools in the coverage area, Oldenburg Academy and Jac-Cen-Del, held graduation exercises.
Ripley County Sheriff Rob Bradley, along with other officials, worked to together to reduce the rate of inmates returning to jail.
Sunman was celebrating its first community market on a Monday evening.
The Friendship Flea Market opened with all the fanfare one would expect of the festival that swells the valley each spring and fall.
Local writer, Debra McIntyre released her first book, A Wishful Eye. She hails from Versailles and now lives in Kentucky.
The Produce Auction, south of Versailles, was in full swing with their annual fish fry’s for the year to raise money for the Amish community’s school.
Novel Hearts opened a book store in Versailles on the square. The owners Laura Smart, and Cheryll Obendorf, were excited for their new adventure.
Dr. Matt Maple was welcomed to Jac-Cen-Del Community Schools as their new high school principal.
Some South Ripley students shared their experience of traveling to Europe saying they saw two countries, and eight cities in 10 day’s time! Zach Bosell, history teacher, set up the trip and said he hopes to do another one.
Jim Cregar could be found selling honey at the Osgood Farmer’s Market.
Ripley County was celebrating a recent success story at home. Jessica Ogden was honored by meeting and telling her story to Governor Eric Holcomb.
Photographer for Ripley Publishing Co., Woody Bush, captured Ted Robinson of Estero, Florida and his navigator, Christopher Meccia of Danville, KY, as they drove through the county in “The Great Race,” in Ted’s 1931 Buick.
JULY:
Brian Hardebeck was appointed Chief of Batesville Fire and Rescue.
Milan Lion’s Club named grand marshals for their Fourth of July Parade as Ava Honnert, Ariel Haessig, and Trenton Langferman.
Photos from the F.A.R.M. Club Show were published in the Osgood Journal touting another successful year at the Osgood Fairgrounds Park. The event always draws hundreds.
Versailles Marshal Joe Mann with assistance from the Ripley Co. Sheriff’s Office made four drug arrests.
Sophia Sullivan, JCD student and the daughter of Neal and Rachel Sullivan, was crowned 2024 Miss Ripley County.
The 4-H King and Queen were crowned on opening night of the 2024 Ripley County 4-H Fair as Henry Koehne and Macy Young. Ripley County Lil Miss and Lil Mr. 2024 were crowned as Lexie Klump and River Gast, along with a large court.
Plans to bring back a form of the Holton Jamboree were underway.
On Monday, July 8 Triplett’s Drug Store in Osgood was officially closed.
Congressman Erin Houchin hosted Jason and Mandy Hughes of Osgood, parents of the late Carson Hughes, in Washington, D.C. Carson’s photo, “Breakfast Time” won the Congressional Art Competition for Indiana’s Ninth District and the prestigious People’s Choice Award.
South Ripley earned Cognia Accreditation as a quality school system. They were accumulating lots of accolades for their scholastic achievements.
AUGUST:
Julia Meyer, 18, Napoleon, was in the news for being a role model for youth in the community. She is a 10-year member of the Ripley County 4-H Country Club, and completes four generations in the Meyer family as a firefighter.
The Nelons, a popular generational gospel singing group, were in the news when their plane went down killing all on board. Their connection to Ripley County was Isaac Jines, SR grad, and Holton resident, who had been their tour bus driver for several years and was more like family to them.
Sgt. Corky Houseworth retired from the sheriff’s department. He said he was trading a life of law enforcement for a retirement in Central America.
Plans were underway for the Phyllis Armbrecht Memorial Concert, which was held at the Holdsworth Pavilion, Versailles.
Ken Steinfort, reserve deputy, announced his retirement. The well-known businessman and owner of the Office Shop in Batesville, had served the county for several years as an officer. He said he enjoyed it and was now ready to ride his Harley!
The New Marion VFD held their inaugural ride to raise funds for the department. More than 500 people attended and didn’t mind the long lines for the food, compliments of Rolling Pin Catering. The turnout was a show of support for the department and local firefighters.
Holton’s Marshal Ron Buchanan was showing off the new body cam and taser purchased through a grant from the RSRF.
SEPTEMBER:
The announcement of the Rising Star Casino’s move to Fort Wayne was in the news.
Marine Cpl. John C. Bishop will never be forgotten. The 14th Annual John C. Bishop Memorial Ride was present in the county as they honored the marine who was killed in Helmand Province, Afghanistan while conducting combat operations.
Time stood still as Lt. Randy Holt of the Ripley County Sheriff’s Department, was laid to rest after battling cancer for about a year. The long time Lt. was well respected, and it showed with the large procession taking part to say goodbye.
The 121st Annual Versailles Pumpkin Show was held.
The South Ripley Elementary School received IDOE Excellence in Education Award.
Ripley County C.A.R.E. group were in the news as the county animal rescuers and educators. The non-profit group consists of Gayla Crowell, Geneen Ostendorf, and Deborah Brandt.
Plans were underway for a fundraiser for Ena Barrett of Holton, who was diagnosed with cancer.
The Holton Fire Jamboree made its appearance thanks to some dedicated firefighters from the Holton Vol. Fire Department.
Bricktoberfest, an annual Osgood tradition, was holding a car show in memory of Bob Linville, longtime resident, and car enthusiast.
Bob and Judith Ruggles and friend Butch Davis had their last day at the Osgood Farmer’s Market. They had been participating for 25 years and noted it was time to slow down.
OCTOBER:
Former Department of Child Services worker, Todd Arron Click, 51, was charged with falsifying records.
Early voting in the county was underway.
Meyers Funeral Home in Batesville celebrated 100 years of service to the community.
SEI Voices for Children held a celebration dinner recognizing the CASA volunteers. CASA Volunteer Sandra Liming was pictured in the paper with her family.
The Ripley County Chamber of Commerce named Janine Stratton, Educator of the Year, Jim Cregar, Business Person of the Year, and Pat Hicks, Citizen of the Year.
Applefest was underway with Boy Scouts from Batesville Troop #634 making apple cobbler for the crowd.
Milan JAG student Shelby Williams was headed to Washington, D.C.
The Quilter’s Nook in Versailles was celebrating their 10th year in business. Chris Combs, owner, was pictured with Kathy Lowry and Linda Mejaski as they celebrated with the community.
Many photos of fall festivities were published as the community celebrated the season. Vogt Farm Pumpkin Festival was among those who celebrated all things fall, especially pumpkins. Batesville Booville was a big success as well.
NOVEMBER:
Voting centers were in full gear throughout the county on Election Day.
South Ripley was again in the news being celebrated by state and local officials for their accomplishments.
The Ripley County Community Foundation invited everyone to a wreath-laying ceremony scheduled for December 7.
Local Marine Veterans Cody Buchanan, Keith Copeland, Steve Scoggins, Glenn Steele and Adam Gunter were celebrating the 249th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps.
The Annual Tri Kappa Bazaar was held at the South Ripley Elementary School with “something for everyone.”
The Versailles Republican met with Maguire Iron out of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, as they worked on the Milan Water Tower project.
After tragically losing Brad Castner, 24, of Holton, to a senseless vehicle crash, family and friends are finding some hope with the prospect of “Brad’s Law” being enacted. He was killed when an unlicensed driver from Guatemala crashed into Brad head-on, taking his life. He had no documentation, and the City of Seymour didn’t seem to be responding to requests about the crash. They wouldn’t release information to local media.
Progress was being made on the Holton Water Tower with plans to have the gigantic tower in place by Thanksgiving Day.
The Central House located in Napoleon stands as a testament to what people can do when they work together. The building dates back to 1836 and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Girls on the Run were in the news doing what they do best – running! The event held at The Hansen Center in Batesville saw hundreds of people who came out to support the program and girls.
Ripley County Highway Superintendent Jason Edwards and Tim Sides, South District Foremen, said the county was ready to clean the over 700 miles of roadway when winter weather strikes. All equipment was checked and ready and supplied were on hand.
Osgood’s Carl Moore was in the news for his knowledge of coins. He has taught many seminars over the years and continues to tell about how his fascination with coins began after reading about historical events.
A house fire claimed the lives of Gary Trowbridge and his cousin from North Vernon. The home was located at a remote location on Cave Hill Road and had possibly occurred days before the rubble of the home was found.
Sunman’s Christmas Parade organizers were offering $500 for the best Christmas float.
Vending machine Book Nook was installed at Jac-Cen-Del Elementary with children enjoying being able to select their own.
DECEMBER:
The community was devastated when just before Thanksgiving Day two young men from the county tragically lost their lives in a head-on collision. Nathan Vogelsang, 24, Dillsboro, and Landen Comer, 19, Osgood, both were killed in the collision on US 421 just north of Versailles.
The Milan Christmas Walk was attended by hundreds as they celebrated the fifth year of the event on November 30. This was reported in the next paper with lots of photo coverage.
Ralph Meyer, Napoleon firefighter, lost his life in the line of duty. He was the past Chief of the department with four generations of his family serving.
The Spirit of Christmas was alive and well throughout the county with Santa making appearances. JCD FFA held a Petting Zoo fundraiser for their FFA with students bringing their animals for a great time behind the high school on a cold winter’s night.
The announcement of Margaret Mary Health offering an Immediate Care facility was made.
Brookville resident Crystal Pence, 29, was charged with felony murder after shooting her brother, Ronald Pence, 32.
The Ross’ Run Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution hosted a Stars & Stripes Celebrate America 250 party.
Milan School Board heard the need for expansion of the elementary school. They noted they have larger classes and know they will need to expand soon.
Just for Him Ministries out of Osgood was gearing up for another trip to Black Mountain, North Carolina, where they worked tirelessly after the Hurricane ripped through the area earlier in the year. Also, Boxers and Bloomers were taking donations for local children.
Versailles Main Street organizers outdid themselves with their “Home for the Holidays” event that boasted an ice sculptor, reindeer and so much more. The event began with honoring Pearl Harbor Day and John Raymond Stratton, the first Ripley County casualty of World War II, who was killed on the USS Arizona and never recovered.
South Ripley Schools continued their streak of excellence being named “Best Schools.”
