South Gibson Star-Times

$1.00 16 PAGES Tuesday, MaRCH 7, 2023 VOLUME 68, NUMBER 34 NEWS TIPS Phone: ������������������������812-753-3553 Email ��������������� editor@sgstartimes�com INSIDE Classifieds �������������� B8 Sports ����������������� A7-8 Opinion ������������������ A7 Church ������������������� B6 History ������������������� B7 Two Sections Fort Branch 47648-0070 (USPS #205-620) Sports A5 Severe Storms Roll Through Gibson County By James Rae, Jr. editor@sgstartimes.com Strong storms rocked the South Gibson viewing area on Friday, March, 03 as resi- dents took cover and protected themselves. The National Weather Ser vice issued its first tornado watch from 11:17 AM to 4:00 PM CST for Gibson County. This was quickly elevated to a Tornado Warning by the NWS from 12:41 PM to 1:30 PM CST for Gibson County. Residents in this area were advised to take shelter immediately. There was also a severe thunderstorm warning issued by the National Weather Ser vice that ran from 12:28 PM to 1:15 PM CST for Gibson County. The day ended with a special weather statement from the NWS issued for Gibson County from 4:03 PM to 7:00 PM CST alerting motorists to dangerous driving conditions due to high winds. Severe storms blew through the Gibson County community leaving a considerable amount of destruction in its path. Ever ything from damaged roofs and garages to downed trees and tree limbs, mother nature certainly made its presence known on Friday, March 03. Flooding was also a major issue for local residents and businesses. Safety is always of the utmost importance when dealing with dangerous storms and these storm cells are not to be taken lightly. It's always best to heed the warnings and take the necessar y precautions to protect yourself and others from harm. Bad weather can pop up at any time and proper preparation and smart decision making can help save lives. Safety first is always the best policy! a resident takes a photo of a tornado between Owensville and Princeton. (Photo Credit-Justin spade shared to Gibson County News & Talk's Facebook page) a garage is destroyed by tornado one mile west of Haubstadt. (Photo Credit-Cher- yl spindler shared to south Gibson star-Times' Facebook page) Flooding takes place inside the busi- ness of R'z Cafe and Catering. (Photo Credit-R'z Cafe and Catering on their Facebook page) Titans Beat MD for Sectional Fort Branch Town Council Holds Special Session Meeting By: Elizabeth Elpers Fort Branch- Members of the Fort Branch Town Council held a special session meeting on Wednesday, March 1 at 4:00 p.m. Items on the agenda included changes to employee ben- efits for new hires and addressing the ongoing litigation issue among the town of Fort Branch, Train Station Apartments and past tenants. The first item of business on the agenda was the effective date of insurance for new hires. This includes insurance across the board such as medical, life, short-term disability, long-term disability, optical and dental. Previously, new hires were subject to a waiting period of 90 days before they were eligible for insurance benefits. However, on Wednesday night, board members unanimously approved to allow new hires to take advantage of insurance benefits as early as the first of the month following the date of hire. Items also discussed were paid time off and holiday benefits. Prior, new employees had to work for a period of one year and 90 days be- fore accruing any sort of vacation days. New hires were also expected to work a full 90 days before they were entitled to earning any sort of vacation pay, sick days or personal days. Again, town council members voted unanimously to do away with the 90 waiting period. New em- ployees would begin accruing PTO and holiday benefits right away and would not have to wait an additional 90 days to begin accumulating vacation time. Town council members noted there were a few long-time street and water/sewer depart- ment workers retiring this year. By incorpo- rating these new changes into the employee handbook, the town of Fort Branch is hoping to entice potential quality employees to apply for these positions, excel and hopefully, stay for the long term. Especially since Covid hit, many people are looking for better opportunities for work-life balance. Many companies and orga- nizations are having to rethink the way they do things in order to keep good employees while also encouraging potential, new hires to apply, inter view and stay. Long-time town manager, Randy Wheaton was asked his opinion on the new changes, and he was in support. Lastly, the ongoing litigation issue with the town of Fort Branch and the Train Station apartments was addressed, specifically the is- sue of the guaranteed deposit returns for ten- ants that are no longer living at the apartments. There was no resolution offered at the time of the meeting and as stated previously, the par- ties are currently still in litigation and therefore, unable to provide further details at the time of this article. Grand Opening of Shinnyville Hill This is the front of the new shinnyville Hill. By James Rae, Jr. editor@sgstartimes.com Owensville—It's always exciting when a new business opens up because it not only creates a buzz in town but also helps the local economy. Small to medium-sized businesses are the life- lines for many communities across the nation and Gibson County is no exception to this rule. A grand opening/open house occurred on Sat- urday, March 4 from 10AM-2PM at the brand new Shinnyville Hill. Shinnyville Hill is owned and operated by Todd and Sonya Teel and is located at 4467 W 525 S, Owensville, IN 47665, just five miles from Highway 41, off 168. The weather was ideal on Saturday heading up to the new location with the sun out, nice cloud cover and comfortable temperature, so a perfect day for a grand opening. There was a great turnout as the parking lot was already filled up when I arrived at 11 AM. As soon as you enter Shinnyville Hill, you pick up on a wel- coming vibe and friendly atmosphere. Teel's Coffee and Chocolates is in the front of the store, so as soon you enter you are hit with the sights and smells of fine chocolates and coffee. Sonya Teel said, "Teel's Coffee & Chocolate will continue selling coffee beans in a variety of fla- vors, gourmet chocolates and a variety of choc- olate covered nuts. Our signature Dirt Clods along with the chocolate pizza was designed by the late Barb Edwards many years ago." Upon entering, bright and colorful flowers on display pop out along with floral arrangements neatly displayed. There were also local vendors on site and this event included free samples of food items, refreshments and desserts. I also spotted a lot of home décor displayed through- out the building along with a display of soaps, lotions and shampoos. Teel also stated, "We have added fresh and silk flowers to accommodate the events held on site and arrangements that are available for ev- er y day pick-up. Also, we've added design floral wreaths, saddles, side vases for grave sites, fu- neral arrangements and take orders on custom flowers arrangements, corsages, bouquets and more. In the retail area, we've added ceramics from Karla Goodman along with Artisan Home- stead goats milk products from Mr. and Mrs. Lamar. We have made the back of the building a Venue location for different events such as: hosting weddings, receptions, business meet- ings, Christmas parties, birthdays, graduation parties, reunions, and more. We will be add- ing more items as time goes on and we will be looking for local item makers! Our goal for the wine is to be available by 2025 at Shinnyville Hill Winer y!" I wish the Teels all the best with their new business in Owensville as Shinnyville Hill looks to become a staple in Gibson County. The Grand Opening was a big success and it's safe to say that Shinnyville Hill is off and running in the right direction. There's actually a ver y interesting stor y behind the meaning of Shinny- ville Hill and there is an article in the Histor y section where you can find out more. This is the front area with flowers. This is a display case of various soaps, lotions and shampoos.

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