“Our liberties we prize, and our rights we will maintain.”
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Since 1882 ~ Successor to The Poseyville News and The New Harmony Times • New Harmony, IN Posey County’s locally-owned newspaper
(USPS 439-500)
Tuesday December 13, 2011
Volume 131 Edition 51
campaigns to increase enrollment, pursuing charter school status and researching alternative funding options such as tax referendums— when detailing his reasons for voting for consolidation, but said it came down to what is best for the kids. “The tax referendum would not provide any financial relief for the 2012-2013 school year,” said Wilson. We would be forced to make cuts to make it through that year, cuts that we feel would adversely
ness, but next year, we could have two classes that would have two students in them. We are forced to ask ourselves, ‘Is that acceptable? Are we doing a disservice to the kids in that class?’” The results of a recent survey conducted by the New Harmony Student Council showed that 24 percent of students in the high school and junior high indicated thay did not plan on attending
School’s out in New Harmony By Rhys Mathew Students, teachers, parents and New Harmony alumni filled the New Harmony School library on Dec. 8 for an emotional meeting during which New Harmony School Board members voted unanimously to pursue consolidation with another school district. New Harmony School Supt. Fran Thoele said, “This decision has been a long process, and after much work by many people, I have to recommend that the corporation
move forward to consolidate with another school corporation.” Board President Jim Scarafia called for a motion to approve the decision, saying “It is with much pain and great anxiety that I ask for a motion to approve work to go forward with consolidation with another school corporation.” Board member Jason Wilson detailed many of the steps the board took in recent years to prolong the school’s presence in New Harmony—including marketing
Roger and Alex Wades, if you look carefully, can be seen just to the left of the front door of their home on Springfield Road just south of Wadesville as they complete the decorations on one of the annual
affect the education of the students.” School consultant Phyllis Amick, who has advised the school board and administrators since her study of the situation, had indicated that immediate cuts would need to be made, including teachers and programs. Wilson also called attention to the school’s difficulties with declining enrollment, saying, “At what point is class size too small? We pride ourselves on the small-
favorites. The reflection of the home in the lake in front of the home only anhances the beauty of the residence and decorations. Photo by Dave Pearce
Posey man faces ten years after admitting felonies
Griffin Old Timers meet
The Griffin Old Timers Sack Lunch Picnic for December will be held at the Griffin Fire House at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, December 16. Everyone of any age with an interest in Griffin is invited to attend and talk about Griffin. If you have questions call Gary Gilmore at 812-431-1599.
Free Christmas wrapping
Stressed this Christmas season? Let us take something off of your “To-Do” list! Free Christmas gift wrapping open to the public at the Lighthouse Assembly of God Church. Located at 1005 E. Tavern Street New Harmony, Ind 47631 on Friday, December 16 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
By Dave Pearce According to information this week from Posey County Prosecutor Travis Clowers, Tobius Whitfield confessed to committing six felonies and was sentenced. In July, Whitfield was arrested after work from Posey County Sheriff’s Deputy Tom Latham and Mount Vernon Police Detective Thomas Rueger turned up evidence that Whitfield had been involved in some, if not all, of the following
burglaries. Burglaries had been reported at the Donald Beste residence in Mount Vernon along with the Country Cupboard-Fast Fuel Whitfield in Blairsville, Big J’s Tattoos in Mount Vernon, and the Mount Vernon Flower Shop. Clowers was adamant in stat-
ing that the fine work by area law enforcement resulted in a “very strong” case against Whitfield and that his confession was not the result of any type of plea bargain agreement. Whitfield pleaded guilty to six felonies and was sentenced to ten years in prison. Also arrested in the burglaries was Kyle Billings. Billings has been charged with four felonies and is awaiting trial.
By Pam Robinson Larry and Marilyn Marshall of Blairsville count garbage as a blessing. High school dropouts, the owners of Marshall Disposal Service know the value of a hardearned dollar. Their strong Protestant work ethic has brought them financial prosperity, but their Pentecostal faith has delivered them from pride and prejudice regarding social class. They are sincerely grateful to God for their remarkable success as they celebrate their tenth anniversary in the trash hauling business. “God has blessed us. We’re two high school dropouts. There’s no reason that we should be living in this home. There’s no reason that we should have a business with 3,700 customers. There’s no reason,” Marilyn asserts. “I believe God put us here to help people. I really do. I believe that’s Marshall Disposal’s #1 goal—not just to pick up trash.” The Marshalls aren’t just paying lip service to God with their praise. They buy and trade locally whenever possible, and they pass on no fuel surcharges, no administrative fees and no environmental fees. In their hiring, they have worked to lend a hand up to people struggling to land a job as a result of inappropriate, past choices. They pay SAFE house residents, for example, to paint all their dumpsters. Likewise, in
their work with teens at Bethel Pentecostal Church in Evansville, they reach out as Sunday school teachers to help the youth avoid mistakes, like dropping out of school, in an era and area where temptations abound. Ten years ago, Larry and Marilyn Marshall were struggling
themselves. A trash hauler, Larry was out of work again as a result of his employer’s business decision. His frustration motivated him to announce to Marilyn, “We can do this on our own.” The couple didn’t even own a trash truck.
Loins to benefit wrestling
Smoked pork loins will be sold on Saturday, Dec 17 to benefit the Mount Vernon Wrestling program. Pick up your loin in front of the high school between 3-4 p.m. the price is $25 for half loin. Call 838-4356 for more information.
West, PCHS partner
The Posey Humane Society and West Elementary School have formed a partnership to match pets with Posey people. Students at West are sponsoring animal adoptions, both cats and dogs, for no or low fees. They are excited about helping to place animals in good homes. For more info on adopting one of the sponsored cats or dogs, please call the Posey Humane Society at 838-3211, and leave your message.
Ham loaves again available
Due to popular demand the Johnson United Methodist Woman have made ham loaves again. They are now available at the church for pick up on Friday from 9 to noon or by special arrangement. The price remains at $2 per loaf and includes cooking instruction and sauce recipe. Please contact Marsha Bailey 682-4852 or leave a message on the church office answering machine.
ThePCN
Marshalls turn trash into business
Inside this issue... Retrospective ................. A4 Legals.............................. B7 Classifieds ................. B5-6
Continued on Page A7
Continued on Page A7
Mount Vernon School Board to purchase adjoining lot at West School
By Rhys Mathew The Mount Vernon School Board approved the purchase of a property adjacent to West School at the Dec. 5 meeting. The property, which sits at 1025 West Fourth Street, was purchased for less than the average of the two required appraisals at $53,550. The money will come from a capital projects fund that was approved to be spent on property. Mount Vernon School Supt. Dr. Tom Kopatich said, “Over the past few years, money has been allocated to be spent on improvements to the Central Office, but I feel the money would be better spent on this project.” Board member Randy Boyer felt that safety and security of the students were two main reasons to purchase the property as structures on the property currently inhibit the view of Fourth Street when exiting the school. The structure also blocks visibility of the school from the street. One board member voted against buying the property. Board member Heather Allyn said, “I have issues with spending money on things that do not go directly into the classroom. I don’t want to spend money on something that may be unnecessary.” The motion to buy the property for $53,550 passed four votes to one; the board will now move forward with plans for the property. The Board hired Jessica Reinitz as an assistant boys’ swim coach; Reinitz swam for Mount Vernon High School and Lindenwood University, and has coached at Brittlebank Pool and in USA Swimming. The Mount Vernon High School Swim Team Booster Club donated a laptop for use in swim meets; the laptop will store swim team times, display meet results live on the Internet and will be used for Internetbased swim meet entries. Kindergarten round-up will take place on Feb. 1, and the make-up day in case of a snow day will be Feb. 8. Mount Vernon kindergarten classes are full-day classes. The board also approved the calendar for the 2012-2013 school year. The board will meet again on December 19 at 5:45; the January board meetings have been moved to Tuesday, Jan. 3, and Tuesday, Jan. 17, both at 5:45. Future topics will include an appraisal for another property adjacent to West School, the District Technology Plan, air quality policies and school bus purchasing.
Only 13 Days till Christmas
Go to www.poseycountynews.com Community ........... A5 Social ...................... A6 Deaths ................... A3 Sports ................... B1-5 School............ A10-11 Bus/Ag.................... A7
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