South Gibson Star-Times

By Elizabeth Elpers Owensville--The Owensville town hall meeting was called to order at 6:33 pm. on Tuesday, March 7. The first order of business was the approval of last month's meeting minutes. Also approved were the claims from Februar y 8 thru March 7, to- taling $163,375.04. The next major topic of discussion was the acquisition and installation of a new water meter system. The town of Ow- ensville currently uses Master Meter, but are looking to install new meters through Utility Supply. It was noted that several other towns around the countr y utilize this meter system and have had great suc- cess with it. The town received a quote of $263,700 for the replacement meter system, which includes a cellular antenna that allows for hourly meter readings. This quote does not include the cost of installa- tion. The board is awaiting a quote from BMB for installation costs prior to absolute approval of the costly project. However, the town received grant funds from ARP in the amount of $304,000 to cover the meter system. The board is hopeful this new sys- tem will be a great long-term investment for the town of Owensville, and it doesn't hurt that all of the system's parts, includ- ing raw materials, are made right here in America. It is estimated that the bulk of the work will not be completed until some- time next year. The board plans to revisit the project at next month's meeting. Another issue up for discussion was the adoption of a resolution on the ground at the former Montgomer y Manufacturing site. This site was the old location of the clock mechanism factor y. The company claims that it has cleaned up the contam- inated soil and has asked that the board pass an ordinance stating the contamina- tion has been eliminated. The ordinance would also state there would be no wells for water use in the town of Owensville. However, the board was not comfortable putting that ordinance in place at the time of the meeting and there still exists con- cerns that the contamination is not, in fact, completely cleaned up. The board asked to have a meeting in which the public would be allowed input into the matter. Jeremy Wade of the Owensville Fire De- partment was asked to discuss the current protocols for the use of the REH Center when severe weather threatens. In the past, residents that do not possess ade- quate shelter have been allowed to enter the REH Center for safety during tornado warnings. However, Wade voiced con- cerns that the aging building, itself, may not be able to withstand a strong storm. It was suggested that until the insurance company and/or a structural engineer can inspect the stability of the building, it should not be used as a storm shelter. Rather, citizens may want to come up with another plan for shelter for the interim, in- cluding local churches. It was suggested that once the proper entities have been contacted and inspections have been com- pleted, a definitive plan be set in place by the board in terms of storm safety, and then that plan be passed along to members of the community. Junk violation citations were mailed out on Februar y 22 and the warnings are due to expire on March 9. These citations were issued for property owners that were found not in compliance with town ordinances dealing with yard and dwelling upkeep. At the time of the March 7 meet- ing, most of the properties in violation had not shown much improvement. The board determined it best to send out a second notice prior to elevating consequences, which can include fines and liens on prop- erties. May 13 is the town-wide clean up day which may aid some violators. In more positive news, the Owensville Police Department is looking for ward to receiving a new department vehicle within the next several weeks. The new Dodge police cruiser is currently being made- to-order at the Dodge plant in Michigan. Officer Roger Leister informed the board that the Oakland City Police Department had shown interest in purchasing the cur- rent Owensville PD's 2014 Ford Taurus police vehicle for $12,000, including all of the equipment inside the vehicle. The board approved the sale of the 2014 Ford Taurus to OCPD, pending a written quote. The board also approved the purchase of new equipment that would be needed for the new police vehicle, at a cost of $11,908. Finally, patron concerns were heard. Owensville resident Percilla Taylor voiced her concerns about the "illegal" parking of a town work vehicle on a public street. Taylor provided the board photos that she had taken which she stated proved that the vehicle obstructed the view of traffic, which she stated is in violation of town ordinance. The board disagreed the ve- hicle was parked illegally and did not be- lieve that it obstructed the view of vehicles traveling on the street, and therefore, did not find the town vehicle in violation of the town ordinance. The meeting was adjourned at 7:48 pm. $1.00 12 PAGES Tuesday, MaRCH 14, 2023 VOLUME 68, NUMBER 35 NEWS TIPS Phone: ������������������������812-753-3553 Email ��������������� editor@sgstartimes�com INSIDE Classifieds �������������� B6 Sports �������������������� A5 Opinion ������������������ B1 Church ������������������� B4 History ������������������� B5 Two Sections Fort Branch 47648-0070 (USPS #205-620) Sports B1 The town of Owensville held its monthly meeting on March 7 Francisco Man MIA from The North Korean Battle of Chosin Reservoir Finally Laid to Rest By James Rae, Jr. editor@sgstartimes.com For more than 70 years, United States Army Sgt Charles Garrigus was missing in action from the North Korean Battle of Chosin Reser voir. On Friday, March 10, Sgt Garrigus was finally laid to rest near the home of remaining family members now living south of Indianapolis. Garrigus grew up in Francisco, so Gibson County was his home before heading off to war. Now, after more than seven decades, Sgt Charles Garrigus is coming home for good. Garrigus is now receiving a proper burial and sendoff as he is remembered and honored for his time of ser vice. Loved ones can now finally have some peace of mind knowing that their long, lost relative is forgotten no more. US Army Sgt Charles Garrigus can now rest in peace because he is no longer MIA. Thank you for your ser vice Sgt Garrigus and peace be with you and your sur viving family members. A funeral procession is shown for Sgt. Garrigus. This is the funeral service for Sgt. Garrigus. Military members are shown walking with the casket of Sgt. Garrigus. (Photo Credit on all photos: Gibson County Veterans Service Of ficer George Pickersgill who attended Sgt Garrigus's Service, https://www.facebook. com/GibsonCountyNewsTalk) GSHS FFA are the Cream of the Crop By James Rae, Jr. editor@sgstartimes.com The Gibson Southern High School FFA (Future Farmers of America) competed at District X Convention this past weekend and did not come home emp- ty-handed. FFA members took home two first place awards and three second place awards at District X Convention. Here is a list of the winners: First place for leadership am- bassador- FFA President, Mylie Rexing First place for secretar y book- Vanessa Schmitt Second place for Essay- Ben Scott Second place for Quizbowl- Annie Lucas, Meredith Johnson, Maci Spindler and Lucy Pohl Second place for Plant and Soil Demonstration- Isaac Pohl. GSHS FFA members are not only growing crops but also gaining valuable knowledge and resources along the way. Gibson Southern High School continues to plant the seeds of excellence when it comes to the importance of agriculture in the community. Congratulations to all FFA members as hard work and dedication does pay off! FFA President, Mylie Rexing is shown holding two awards for 1st place in leadership ambas- sador. FFA member, Ben Scott is shown holding award for 2nd place in Essay category. FFA member, Isaac Pohl is shown holding an award for 2nd place in Plant and Soil Demon- stration FFA member, Isaac Pohl is shown holding an award for 2nd place in Plant and Soil Demon- stration. This shows four FFA members taking 2nd place in Quizbowl, from left to right: Annie Lucas, Meredith Johnson, Maci Spindler and Lucy Pohl. Junior Titan wrestlers win PAC

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