RELAY FOR LIFE: PAGE A14 & B1
Since 1882 ~ Successor to The Poseyville News and The New Harmony Times • New Harmony, IN
“Our lib “O liberties ti we prize, i and d our rights i ht we will ill maintain.” i t i ” Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Posey County’s only locally-owned newspaper
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(USPS S4 439-500) 39 5 0 0) Volume 134 Edition 23
Commissioners are OK with MSK Molds’ expansion with conditions By Valerie Werkmeister A small Posey County business owner will be allowed to rezone his property and expand his business, but the plan to do so wasn’t easy. Posey County Commissioners Jim Alsop, Carl Schmitz and Jerry Walden unanimously approved Scott Pate’s request during their meeting on June 3. Pate, of MSK Molds located at 2591 Juanita Avenue in Wadesville, is operating his machine shop at full capacity. When he brought plans to expand to seek a building permit to Mindy Bourne, Director of the Area Plan Commission, (APC) she informed him his property was not properly zoned. He learned the business he had been operating for the past nine years was operating under a non-conforming use permit and was zoned R1 for residential, not M1 for light manufacturing. The APC denied his rezoning request during their May meeting. They feared his property was too small to accommodate his expansion plans. Remonstrators appeared at that meeting as well as the May 20, commissioner’s meeting where they also heard his request. Commissioners decided to take more time to investigate the matter. During their June 3, meeting the commissioners revisited the matter. Each commissioner shared comments about their visit to Pate’s property as well as conversations with his adjoining neighbors. They noted that Pate’s neighbors were primarily concerned with the condition of the road. It is not a county road and as such, the county does not maintain it. A few of the adjoining neighbors stated that Pate is a good neighbor that helps others and keeps his property maintained. Jim Alsop asked Pate if he would be willing to pave the road from the highway up to his business. Pate stated he didn’t feel he could afford the cost to do so. He was willing to fix potholes that occur in front of his business. He also agreed to ensure that semis will no longer make deliveries to his business to help reduce further degradation of the road.
Carl Schmitz added that he would like Pate to operate within the current zoning guidelines and that no future variance requests be issued. Pate agreed and also said he would contact Jerry David Enterprises for materials to patch current potholes in front of his business. A few residents who reside on Rose Lane voiced their displeasure at the commissioner’s decision. They were concerned with semis that may block the road with future deliveries. The commissioners reiterated that Pate had agreed to ensure that semis stop deliveries to his business. Building Commissioner Ed Battieger discussed the status of a nuisance ordinance violation at 371 Old Sand Road owned by Paul Cowan. He observed that a few things had been cleaned up but the property still fell short of being in compliance. Attorney William H. Bender stated his office sent a certified letter that was returned. Battieger knows the address is a good contact since the person that was renting the property had initially responded to the first class letter that was recently sent. They felt the owner had simply refused to sign for the certified letters. Battieger stated the renter is no longer living on the property. Alsop suggested that Bender’s office should send another letter via first class mail to notify the owner he is out of compliance with the county’s nuisance ordinance. He will be given a time limit to comply or the county may pursue further legal action. Assessor Nancy Hoehn introduced Lowell Davis and Trent Pell of Pictometry Intelligent Images. The company produces aerial images with detail that could aid several county departments. Hoehn stated their current aerial imagery is not very clear and doesn’t provide the valuable information this company does. Davis and Pell’s presentation showed how their company is able to not only produce images that look straight down but also street view or views completely
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Hank Denning was just clownin’ around during this weekend’s Relay for Life in Mount Vernon. He is the son of Jeff and Johna Denning. Photo by Peg Heckman
School board honors Greathouse, names replacements
Mount Vernon School Board president Beth Higgins presents a plaque to Horace ‘Buddy’ Greathouse for his many years of service to the school corporation as a bus driver. Greathouse is 89.
By Lois Mittino Gray It’s summer vacation for schools and that means the race is on to complete capital improvement projects before they reopen for business. Members of the Mount Vernon School Board learned that work started on two major projects right on their June 2 meeting day. School Superintendent Dr. Tom Kopatich told members he was ‘wowed’ by how much the work crews completed in just that one day. Work on replacing the high school gymnasium bleachers, replastering walls, and installing better handrails began with one side of the bleachers in the gym already removed and floors taped up to preserve the wood. Work was also done on the end
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Robb Township holds school reunion Attendees of the Robb Township School in Poseyville will hold their 39th Annual Alumni Reunion on Saturday, June 14, 5 p.m. at the Poseyville Community Center in Poseyville. For reservations, please send $14 plus $2.50 for alumni dues to Billie Sue Robinson, 314 Greenfield Road, Evansville, IN 47715 by June 9, 2014. Poseyville High School annual meeting slated for June 14 PHS Annual Meeting will be held Saturday, June 14, 2014, at the Poseyville Community Center, Poseyville, Ind. A reception will held at 5 p.m. with the dinner/program beginning at 6 p.m. Poseyville Autumnfest to be held September 27-28 The Poseyville Autumnfest will be held on the last full weekend of September on the 27 and 28. This year’s theme is Posey County, a tale of two centuries. Posey County is 200 years old this year, so come enjoy the festivities. Again this year, entertainment on Saturday evening will be the Hot Rod Lincoln Band. New Harmony’s Tri Kappa, Kiwanis Club seek nominations New Harmony’s Tri Kappa and Kiwanis Club are looking to recognize a special someone who has generously given of their time for many years to help other people. It is important to nominate someone who deserves recognition as only those nominated will be considered. Nomination forms are available at community locations or by contacting committee members Kenyon Bailey, Carol Scarafia, Paul Allison or Krista Wlson. Consider those who help their neighbors, youth leaders, organization leaders and especially those who tirelessly work in the background and are rarely noticed. The nominations must be in the committees hands by June 26, the award will be presented at the July 4 celebration in Maclure Park. Calling all Posey County Residents Are you thinking about making healthy living part of your 2014 goals? Join Marion VA Nutrition Services along with Posey County Health Department and Purdue Extension for the move! Towards a healthier you classes. This free eight week series covers eating well, sleeping better, moving more, and finding your healthy weight. This program will meet weekly on Tuesdays from 4:30-5:30 p.m., at the Alexandrian Public Library starting July 8-August 26. To register or for more information, please contact Kristina Carter, Posey County Public Health Nurse at 812-838-1330
Retrospective ...... A 4 Legals ...................B 5 Classifieds ........ B 6 - 7 Community ......... A 8
zones of the track. The main oval will be repaired after the Relay for Life uses it on the weekend. School Board President Beth McFadin Higgins said, “They are on a strict timeline, a mission. Look at our opening dates.” With that in mind, Kopatich announced that school offices will soon close for the secretaries and aides. “Someome will always be around, but administrators may be working elsewhere and not in their offices,” he said. “The only week we truly close is July 4.” The high school office will reopen on July 21, junior high on July 28 and elementary offices on July 29. Kopatich suggested waiting until those dates to enroll new students. Another summer concern is whether to change the flashing light zones at Marrs and Farmersville Elementary Schools since school is not in session at the morning or afternoon times. “The state makes
this decision, not us,” Higgins explained. “We will check on the issue. They might not want to change it as people may get out of the habit of slowing downight If a person does get a speeding ticket, ‘we don’t get any of the money,’” she joked. Personnel matters were a hot topic. Elizabeth K. Johns was hired to replace David Frye as the Principal of Farmersville Elementary School. She has been principal of Highland Elementary School in Evansville since 2005. Prior to that, she was principal at Tekoppel School and also worked at Vogel and Highland in Evansville. She and her husband plan to relocate in Mount Vernon. Jacquelyn Maier was hired to replace Fran Wood-Osborne as Director of Special Education for Posey County Special Services. She has taught special education at both elementary and secondary levels for 22 years with the district. John D.
Hubbard replaces Timothy Alcorn at Mount Vernon Junior High teaching social studies. He taught social studies in Albion, Ill., and served as the senior military science instructor in the army ROTC Program at USI since 2009. W. Byron Sanders moved up from girls’ assistant basketball coach to head coach at the senior high. The Bristol Myers retiree replaces Steve Mitchell. Resignations were accepted from Marlene Clark as a food service worker and Eric Stemple as assistant high school football coach. Girls’ team sport coaches who are resigning are Keely Hoehn, Leigh Ann Latshaw, Jacquelyn Mayer and Luke Pyle. Amanda McMillian was given permission to travel to present a speech at the eRevolutionTechnology Seminar in Evansville. FFA Sponsor David Ries and ag students
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‘Doc’ Uebelhack opens new chapter By Lois Mittino Gray Mount Vernon Dentist David K. Uebelhack won’t be missing molars or craving canines when he turns off his drill after 40 years in the profession. Rather, he’ll miss the interaction with patients and his wonderful staff. “I have been blessed to have great people to work with all these years. They are like family to me.” Uebelhack will be starting a new chapter in his life on July 2 when he wakes up and realizes he no longer has to open the office. He plans to travel a lot with his wife Becky, especially to the Pacific Northwest. She retired two years ago as a sixth grade teacher and often taught Greek and Roman studies. “I’d really like to take her to Rome,” he said. The retiree also plans to work on his log house at Lake Barkley and do some fishing. He and a group of friends are already preparing for a fishing trip to Canada the middle of July. Grandpa also plans to dote on his three beautiful granddaughters, aged three to 13 years old. Uebelhack, a Mount Vernon High School graduate, attended the University of Evansville and the IU School of Dentistry. He proudly shows off the IU diploma in his office and composite picture of his 1974 graduating class. After graduation, the neophyte dentist received on-site training as a Captain in the US Air Force Dental Corps for two years. He served at Loring Air Force Base, near Caribou, Maine After military service and a short stint in Indianapolis, he and Becky moved back to his hometown to establish a dental practice. Together, the couple married in 1970, raised three children here. Kate, Kristi and Kevin each have one daughter. The first office was at 819 East Fourth Street. In 1984, Uebelhack built the current Southwind Dental Clinic on the corner of Harriet and Fourth Streets. Still lovely after all these years, it even has the original wallpaper. He is especially proud that the building will not
Deaths .............. ...A3 Church ................ A 6 Social .................. A 5 School ................. A 7
Long-time Mount Vernon dentist Doctor David Uebelhack has announced plans to retire from dentistry in very early July. Photo by Lois Gray close, but will be passed to the next generation of dentists to carry on, Doctors Wells and Fullop. How has the practice of dentistry changed over forty years? “Mainly in technology and materials,” he answered. “The old materials we used to use are so antiquated and the office systems were out-of date. Everything continues to improve and with their youth and knowledge, Doctors Wells and Fullop will take this place up to the next level.” Uebelhack would like to invite present and former patients to celebrate with him at a retirement party on Friday June 27 from 5-8 p.m. It is planned for the clinic parking lot at 803 East Fourth Street and refreshments will be served. It will also offer customers a chance to meet the two young dentists who will take over the reins when the retired one takes down his shingle.
Sports ............... B 3 - 4 Bus/Ag ................ A 7 Opinion ............... A 2 TV Guide........ A9-10