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Tuesday, March 17, 2015
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Volume 135 Edition 11
Input abounds on school plans By Valerie Werkmeister As the MSD of North Posey moves forward with plans to make improvements to its schools with its design build project, the new school board seated in January requested information to help them better assess the present uses and needs for each school. During the Monday, March 9, school board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Todd Camp told the board the design build project is moving forward. The previous board contracted with Performance Services to draw up plans and obtain pricing information based on a wish-list of projects. The new board was told they would ultimately make the final decision on what projects are actually carried out. Camp reiterated the point that, “Performance Services has completed a massive amount of work,” and the scope of the project has been narrowed. He added the corporation has already been billed for work that has been completed. Camp added, “We’re into this now.” There have been discussions regarding the need for additional classroom space at North Elementary School (NE) and a separate gym constructed at both North and South Terrace Elementary Schools (ST). Currently, both schools have a multi-purpose room that doubles as a cafeteria and gym. Despite a recent report by another local news source, no final decisions have been made regarding the project. A televisions news report that indicated that the gymnasium projects at both local elementary schools created a stir earlier in the month among North Posey residents and borad members alike. Although the gymnasiums could be approved at some point, for the report to indicate the gymnasiums were a “given” was incred-
ibly premature. Camp completed a utilization study at the board’s request. The board received a copy of his report prior to their meeting on March 9. The report contained detailed information about each room, the number of students per class and comments about how that room could be utilized. It also included information and recommendations provided by the teachers, however this section of the report was omitted before it was sent to this writer. Amy Motz, Human Resources Officer, stated, “This section included the emails from any teacher that wished to comment on this particular study. It was given to the Board as is; meaning we printed their email and included it in the packet. Without asking permission to release to the media, I did not feel comfortable doing so.” Several teachers agreed to offer their comments on condition of anonymity for fear of any retribution or discipline they might receive for their criticism regarding the project. Overwhelmingly, all of the teachers felt the most important aspect of the project, no matter how it proceeds, should focus on the needs of the students in the classrooms. Each teacher stated that while a new gym sounds nice, gym class is only offered two or three days each week. The number of games that would be played does not necessitate the need for a gym. It was also clear through the statistics provided in the report that there are more congestion and classroom space problems at NE compared to ST. The report notes that a teacher work and copy room as well as the Alyssa Juncker wowed the audience as Maria in Mount Vernon’s performance of ‘The Sound of Music.’ Photo by Zach Straw
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Poseyville Pride Initiative asks for self-examination By Valerie Werkmeister The Town of Poseyville is embarking on an initiative that town council members’ hope will instill a sense of pride back within its residents. During the council meeting last Wednesday, March 11, Ron Fallowfield discussed what is being called the Poseyville Pride Initiative. He read a statement that explained the sentiments of the plan. “We will ask the townspeople to look at their properties and ask themselves if it represents and encourages the pride Poseyville has always tried to maintain. As a part of this, if either the town office or Enjoying the annual St. Matthew’s fundraiser and auction on Saturday evening are Anne Buchanan, council has received a complaint Justin Buchanan, Stephanie Brenner and Joe Brenner. They dressed the part for the annual ‘themed’ on the condition of, or issues with event. Photo by Dave Pearce properties, we will be sending out letters asking residents to clean up or repair their properties,” Fallowfield said. Early Sunday morning Deputy Dan vehicle near the intersection of State Residents who need financial or Montgomery was monitoring traffic on Road 62 and Overpass Road. The labor assistance may contact town State Road 62 just west of the Posey vehicle left the roadway and collided officials for help. Fallowfield said County Line Road. At approximately with a guardrail. The driver then made area churches and civic organiza3:35 a.m., Montgomery observed a dark an effort to maneuver the vehicle back tions may be able to provide the gray 2007 Mercury passenger car travelonto the highway, but was blocked by requested assistance. He added, “This is in no way ing west at a speed of 103 miles per hour. the arrival of Deputy Montgomery. Deputy Montgomery immediately acThe driver identified as 21-year-old trying to embarrass or anger any tivated his emergency lights and tried to James Schmitt, of Mount Vernon, was individual household. Poseyville stop the vehicle. The driver accelerated removed from the vehicle and taken has always been complimented by in an attempt to flee from the pursuing into custody by Deputy Montgomery. outside visitors on how clean and neat the town was. This has not officer. The driver lost control of the Continued on Page A14 James Schmitt been happening lately. This is a
Posey man uninjured in high-speed crash
project that can make the town and residents proud of our community.” During the town-wide yard sale on May 9, large containers will be available for scrap metal or other large household items that residents need to discard. The containers will be located at the Poseyville Recycle Center. Officials intend to do its fair share by cleaning town properties that includes grounds, streets and parks. Boy Scout Devin Kiesel is planning an Eagle Scout project that will coincide perfectly with this project. Kiesel was on hand during the meeting to request financial assistance from the town to complete his project. He will ‘spruce up’ the Welcome to Poseyville signs at each of the town’s entrances. One of the signs will be moved to the northern end of town closer to the interstate, although permission must first be secured from the property owner before the plan can be finalized. Kiesel will replace the deteriorated posts the signs are currently mounted on with a composite material and add caps. He will add landscaping and lighting as well. The council approved his request and will allocate $2,185 towards
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Briefly St. Wendel Middle School presents ‘The Comic Book Artist’ On Thursday, March 19, 2015 Saint Wendel Middle School will present ‘The Comic Book Artist.’ Everyone loves comic book superheroes and you will love this action-packed spoof of the comic book genre complete with singing superheroes and dancing villains. Free admission to performances at 1 and 7 p.m. Democrat Women to hold Bingo planning meeting The Democrat Women’s Club will meet on Tuesday, March 17 at 6 p.m., at the New Harmony Ribeyre Gym Annex. They will be planning/discussing the Bingo event that will take place on April 9 at the Legion Post in Mount Vernon. PC Pound Puppies Spring Craft and Gift Show scheduled The 2015 PC Pound Puppies Spring Craft and Gift Show will be held April 11, 2015 at the Posey County Fairgrounds from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., admission is free. Featuring a large variety of vendor items, there will also be a dance revue, a classic car cruise-in, and delicious food items. Several dozen raffle baskets will be given away. Vendor space is still available. For more information, call Cathy Powers 812-963-3890 or 812-499-6413. This is an important fund-raiser to benefit Posey County dogs in need of veterinary care and to fi nd a new forever home. In the past ten years, hundreds of dogs have been saved due to the efforts of this non-profit organization. Please come and support this worthy cause.
Judy Whitten shakes hands with Hunter Bish, a representative from Congressman Larry Bucshon’s office, while Senator Jim Tomes greets another participant at Saturday mornings Meet Your Legislator event held at the Poseyville Community Center. Photo by Theresa Bratcher
St. Peters UMC to hunt eggs, teach true meaning of Easter St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, 2800 St. Phillips Road will have a Community Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 4, 2015, at 11:30 a.m. Bring your own baskets. Crafts will be offered. Learn the true meaning of Easter. Visit with the Easter Bunny. Lunch will be served for all after the hunt.
Retrospective ...... A 4 Legals ............... B 7 - 8 Classifieds ...... B9-10 Community ......... A 5
Deaths .................... A3 Church ................ A 7 Social .................. A 6 School ............... A 1 0
Have a happy St. Patrick’s Day Sports ........... B1, 3-4 Bus/Ag ..................... A11Opinion ...... A 1 2 TV Guide.......... B 5 - 6