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Articles by Chris Ramey
Decatur County BZA/APC Meeting Recap
Board of Zoning Appeals BZA Petition 2026- 14 – Kara Wiggam was approved for a “Conditional Use” to operate a hair salon. This will operate in a temporary structure. The term assigned to the conditional use is 5 years. The property is currently owned by Andy & Lora Wiggam and is located just North of 1105 S State Road 3, Westport in Sand Creek Township. Area Plan Commission APC Petition 2026-19 Park Road Radio LLC requested to table until the December 2, 2026 meeting.
Decatur County Commissioners Meeting Recap
Tim Ortman, Highway Department Superintendent, spoke with the commissioners about conducting a traffic study on US 421. He stated that the study was being considered due to increased traffic in the area. The study would examine the types, number, and weights of vehicles traveling on the road, as well as the speed limits along that stretch.
Decatur County Memorial Hospital Governing Board Meeting
The Governing Board of Decatur County Memorial Hospital held its regular meeting on October 29, 2026, with Chairperson Tammy Williams calling the meeting to order at approximately 7:00 p.m. As part of the Consent Agenda, the Board approved the minutes from the September 24, 2026 meeting and reviewed the September 2026 financial information, including cash and investment balances and capital asset purchases.
Greensburg Decatur County Animal Shelter Issues a Quarantine Notice for Kenneled Cats
Greensburg Decatur County Animal Shelter issued the following statement online today: ⚠️QUARANTINE⚠️ Good afternoon. Today we are starting a quarantine for all of our kenneled cats. This quarantine will last for 2 weeks. A few of our cats have a contagious virus so we just want to get ahead of it before it becomes a bigger issue. This means NO CAT INTAKES for the next two weeks.
Late Ballot Vacancy Opens for Decatur County Council District
A vacancy has opened for a Decatur County Council seat representing Greensburg precincts 6, 7 and 8, along with Washington Township. Under Indiana law, the vacancy will be filled by the Republican Party chairman through an appointment process. Interested candidates must reside within the district and have a primary voting history showing participation in two consecutive Republican primary elections.
Decatur County Council Approves 2027 Budget, SVOR Coordinator Salary Increase and Other Requests
Eric Blodgett of the Decatur County Sheriff’s Department came before the council to request an increase in the salary for the Sex & Violent Offender Registry (SVOR) Coordinator. Blodgett stated that when the position was first implemented, the salary was set to be comparable to that of a jail officer. However, since that time, the job has continued to grow and become a much more in-depth position.
Decatur County Commissioners 10/19/26 Meeting Recap
The meeting began with the usual proceedings. Judge Tim Day received approval to award JRAC funds to Decatur County EMS in the amount of $31,222.70 to upgrade CPR devices. Day also discussed another grant request that is awaiting the fulfillment of certain contingencies. Sean Durbin, executive director of the Decatur County Health Department, received approval to implement the Safe Sitter program using $1,400 in grant funding received from the Decatur County Community Foundation.
Greensburg Native Nicole Ponsler Brings Artistic Vision to New Decatur County Community Pool Mural
Screenshot Nicole Ponsler shared a sneak peak of a mural that she has been working on at the new Decatur County Community Pool. She states that it will encompass seven walls, including the ceiling. Photos were provided Nicole grew up in Greensburg, and it is obvious that Greensburg continues to be near and dear to her heart. She graduated from Greensburg Community High School, attended and graduated Indiana University in Bloomington. She currently lives in Point Arena, California.
Greensburg City Council Meeting Recap
The council approved the meeting minutes from September 8 and the September 16 special meeting. Sarah Hamer, Building Commissioner, presented Ordinance 2026-06 for its second reading. Additional wording was added to clarify that snow removal requirements apply to businesses, not residential properties, as requested by the council at last month’s meeting. The council unanimously approved the ordinance on its second reading.
Behind the Kennel Doors: Help End the Long Wait for a Forever Home
When we think about an animal shelter, we often think of a safe place for animals to stay until they find their forever homes. And while shelters provide safety, food, and care, there is another side that is easy to overlook. For the animals waiting behind kennel doors, each passing day can mean loneliness, stress, fear, and uncertainty. They don’t understand why they are there, how long they will stay, or when someone will finally choose them.
Decatur County APC/BZA Meeting Recap
Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting The meeting began with the approval of the September 2, 2026 meeting minutes. BZA Petition 2026- 13 – Chris Bierhaus received approval for a “Variance” to move the setback line from the road to 50’ from 70’ and the side “West” line to 15’ from 30’. This is to build a three car garage and add three rooms to his home. Area Plan Commission Meeting The meeting began with the approval of the September 2, 2026 meeting minutes.
Greensburg Optimist Club Announces Firefighter of the Year
While many individuals were still sleeping, the Greensburg Optimist Club was up and announcing the 2026 Firefighter of the Year Award. Calvin Venable was heading up the committee that chooses an individual to receive the award. The meeting was held at the Greensburg Fire Department. This year, the club announced that Battalion Chief Chris Kachur was chosen to be the Firefighter of the Year. Calvin explained that Chris has more than 30 years of service.
Decatur County Memorial Hospital Governing Board September Meeting
The Governing Board of Decatur County Memorial Hospital held its regular meeting on September 24, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. As part of the Consent Agenda, the Board approved the minutes from the August 27, 2026 meeting and reviewed the August 2026 financial information, including cash and investment balances and capital asset purchases.
Decatur County Commissioners Meeting Recap
The meeting began with the approval of prior meeting minutes, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer. Tim Ortman of the Highway Department stated that deliveries of batteries for the battery storage project have been completed. He said residents should expect one more large delivery at the beginning of October. Following that delivery, the equipment currently placed on the bridges will be removed.
Home on the Range… and Back on the Square: The Bison Returns!
The long missing bison has returned to the courthouse square. Oh, the stories of where it went kept many wondering. Actually, it kind of became a “Where’s Waldo” Decatur County style. He is back standing guard in it’s original spot on the courthouse square. The bison was originally part of the Bison-tennial Public Art Project. The Bison was painted by artists Marci Ping and Lauren Reed with local landmarks and scenes when it was first placed in 2016.
Decatur Council held their 2027 Budget Public Hearing
The meeting began with the approval of the August 18 meeting minutes and the Budget Hearing meeting minutes. The council approved additional appropriations and transfers for the Health Department and Solid Waste. The meeting focused primarily on the 2027 budget, with the council approving a plan to bring all employees to the base pay outlined in the recently conducted Salary Study. Employees who are already at or above the established base pay prior to 2027 will receive a $3,000 stipend.
Celebrating Direct Support Professionals During DSP Week Sept 13th-19th
Each year, nationally, we recognize Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). This is a week when we take a second to honor those individuals who provide daily support to individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. DSPs work with individuals in their family homes, supported living homes, and in the community.
Greensburg City Government: Board of Works and City Council Meeting Review
Board of Works Meeting The Greensburg Board of Public Works and Safety began its meeting with the routine approval of minutes from its previous meeting. Joe Cain, Greensburg Wastewater Superintendent, requested and received approval to purchase a Load Line Pump at a cost of $35,000. The pump will be used by the wastewater department as part of its equipment needs. Mark Klosterkemper, Street Department Superintendent, received approval to dispose of a plow and spreader.
Decatur County Council Budget Meeting Day 3
On Monday August 31, 2026, Council members met to continue their discussions for the 2027 budget. The meeting focused on raises and how to follow the salary study. An ongoing conversation of the meeting was discussing how to bring those below the salary stated on the study to what the study recommends at the same time recognizing and compensating those above the salary study.
Decatur County APC/BZA Meeting Recap
The Decatur County Board of Zoning Appeals began its meeting with the approval of the June 3, 2026, meeting minutes. BZA Petition 2026-9 Trudy Ewing requested a variance to waive the requirement to construct a retention pond in order to comply with the Decatur County Drainage Ordinance. The request falls under the Decatur County Stormwater Technical Standards Ordinance dated November 1, 2023, and recorded April 2, 2024. The property is currently owned by Max G. and Doris M.
Decatur County Memorial Hospital Board Meeting
The Governing Board of Decatur County Memorial Hospital held its regular meeting on August 27, 2026, with Chairperson Tammy Williams calling the meeting to order at approximately 7:00 p.m. As part of the Consent Agenda, the Board approved the minutes from the June 25, 2026 meeting and reviewed the June and July 2026 financial information, including cash and investment balances and capital asset purchases.
Decatur County Council Held Second 2027 Budget Meeting
The Decatur County Council held its second budget meeting on Tuesday, August 18, continuing discussions as the county works toward developing its 2027 budget. The meeting lasted just under seven hours. During the meeting, council members reviewed individual departments and discussed specific line items within their proposed budgets. The council also discussed Riverboat funding and how those funds would be distributed over the nine agencies that requested funding.
Decatur County Council Monthly Meeting Recap
The meeting began with the normal business approvals. A representative of the Superior Court and Magistrate Court received approval to purchase new court recording equipment, updated computers and monitors in the Superior and Magistrate Courts, a piece of equipment that can be used to digitize court hearings that were recorded on cassettes, and a new laptop for Judge Bailey.
Decatur County Council Opens 2027 Budget Meetings: Key Takeaways from Day 1
The Decatur County Council met for their first day of budget meetings on Monday August 17th. The meeting lasted nearly three hours. The council heard from several departments during the meeting.
Minde Myers’ Tails & Trails Memorial Jeep Ride 8/29/26
The Jeep Ride is in 2 weeks! Pre-Registration is now closed, but you can register same day. Jeep Registration- $30 Motorcycle Registration-$20 Meal Tickets- $10 Tee Shirts- $20 Registration begins at 10 am at the Decatur County Fairgrounds Farm and Home Building Located at 1635 W Park Rd, Greensburg, IN 47240.
Decatur County Commissioners Discuss Highway Department Updates, Comprehensive Plan and Community Pool
The meeting began with the normal approvals. Tim Ortman, Decatur County Highway Department, provided an update on what his crew has been working on. Tim stated that they have most recently been focused on storm repairs, with 24 trees coming down and flooding in the area. Ortman was glad to report that the county suffered no damage to any county roads or bridges. Ortman stated that the Battery Storage Facility’s widening of the intersection off of Highway 3 has been completed.
Greensburg Board of Works & City Council Meeting Recap
City of Greensburg Board of Works The meeting began with the normal approvals of the past months meeting minutes. The board approved a 1-year extension for website maintenance for the city. The pastor from the Bethel Apostolic Church received approval for a road closure on August 30th from 11am-5pm for their annual “Friends Day”. This is a gathering of the community for a festival style gathering. Joe Cain, Wastewater Superintendent received approval to purchase a lift station.
City of Greensburg Water Board, Airport Board, BZA, and Plan Commission Meeting Review
Greensburg Water Board Meeting The meeting began with the normal approvals. Zach Wirrig and Chris Stephen opened all bids for the Broadway & 10th Street Project. Several bids were received with the lowest bid being preliminarily awarded to Lykins. The award is contingent upon verification of a review of all documentation. The board approved all claims that were received.
From Gold Award to Great Community Resource: Pet Pit Stops Are Here
The wait was paws-itively worth it! Today, the Friends of the Greensburg & Decatur County Animal Shelter and local Girl Scout Ambassador Elizabeth Walden cut the ribbon and officially unleashed the Pet Pit Stops! Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate! “The Pet Pit Stops are designed to be a take something, leave something pantry for pets in the community. I hope the community can come together to appreciate and share the boxes with those who may need them,” stated Walden.
Library Reports StoryWalk Vandalized, Asks Community to Help Protect Outdoor Attraction
The Greensburg-Decatur County Public Library is working to restore its popular StoryWalk after discovering it had been vandalized. According to a post shared by the library, staff became aware of the damage on Thursday, July 23, while librarians were preparing to replace the current story with a new one. During the changeover, they discovered that several of the StoryWalk panels had been vandalized.
The Arc of Indiana Stands with Families to Preserve Medicaid Waiver Financial Eligibility Protections
The following statement was written and released by The Arc of Indiana. The Arc of Indiana understands the concern and uncertainty created by recent discussions about considering parental income and resources when determining financial eligibility for children receiving Medicaid Waiver services. At this time, nothing has changed. Under current Indiana law, parental income and resources are not considered when determining a minor’s financial eligibility for Medicaid Waiver services.
Decatur County Commissioners Meeting Review
The meeting began with the normal approvals. Leah Kane, Arts and Cultural Council Representative received approval to proceed with installation of a mural on the Connection Trail near Barachel Lane in Greensburg. The mural was made possible through a grant from Visit Greensburg. The commissioners stated that they were excited to see this project and that they reviewed the artist’s portfolio that will be doing the mural and that she had great work.
2026 Tree County Players President’s Award given to Morgan Straber
Morgan Straber is the recipient of the 2026 Tree County Players President’s Award. Each year, Tree County Players presents the President’s Award to a member who goes above and beyond in sharing their talent, time, and passion to help our organization thrive. This year, we are proud to recognize Morgan for her outstanding dedication and service to TCP.
North Vernon Woman Arrested on Warrant
In June of 2025, Detective Allen Ritchie began an investigation after receiving a report of a sexual assault involving a minor. After a year-long investigation, Det. Ritchie was able to develop enough evidence and probable cause for a warrant to be issued for Amber Giddings’ (32-year-old) arrest. On August 1, 2026, Deputies with the Jennings County Sheriff’s Office and Officers from the North Vernon Police Department began searching for Amber.
South Decatur Car Show Rescheduled Due to Weather
The South Decatur Car Show fundraiser orginally scheduled for Saturday August 1st has been rescheduled due to forecasted weather. The reschedule date will be Aug. 7th 4 – 8 pm. Post Views: 0 Related
Margaret Mary Health Celebrates Grand Opening of New $125 Million Dollar Hospital in Batesville
Community leaders, donors, and Indiana Governor Mike Braun join dedication ceremony marking new era of care in southeastern Indiana PHOTO CAPTION: Governor Mike Braun — Liz Leising, President & CEO of Margaret Mary Health — George Junker, Margaret Mary Health Chairman of the Board of Directors — Jonathon Maple, Executive Director of the Margaret Mary Health Foundation — Dr. John Gryspeerdt, Chief of Staff of Margaret Mary Health — Dr. Thomas Brown, former Chief of Staff of Margaret Mary...
Governor Braun Expands Health and Wellness Access with Grand Opening of READI 2.0 Investment in Batesville
BATESVILLE — Indiana Governor Mike Braun joined local and regional leaders in the Accelerate Rural Indiana (ARI) region yesterday for the dedication and grand opening of the new Margaret Mary Health Hospital in Batesville.
National Weather Service Indianapolis presented Decatur County EMA with their StormReady Certification
The National Weather Service Indianapolis presented Decatur County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) with their StormReady Certification. Decatur County Executive Director Mike Snyder has been working diligently to update protocols, and processes so that the department would earn this certification. Mike Ryan, National Weather Service Indianapolis Representative presented during the media briefing today. He stated that he has been proud to partner with the Decatur County EMA.
Friends of the Greensburg & Decatur County Animal Shelter to Host Pet Pit Stop Ribbon Cutting
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE GREENSBURG, IN — The Friends of the Greensburg & Decatur County Animal Shelter is excited to announce a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the official opening of two new Pet Pit Stops in the community. The event will take place on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at the Pet Pit Stop located at the Decatur County Annex Building, 315 S. Ireland Street, Greensburg, Indiana.
Indiana Medicaid Waiver Changes Bring New Challenges and a Renewed Call for Advocacy
For Hoosiers who receive Medicaid waiver services, 2026 has brought significant changes—and more changes may still be ahead. Changes involving Medicaid waivers, Participant Assistance and Care, behavioral services, and Home- and Community-Based Services can be confusing and, for many families, upsetting. The system can be difficult to navigate even under normal circumstances.
Decatur County Council Addresses Budget Requests, Grants, and Highway Superintendent Pay
A representative of the Decatur County Detention Center provided council members with a copy of the second-quarter Commissary Report. Cleo Duncan presented information about Project We Care. Duncan, along with a small group of like-minded individuals, is seeking the public’s help in assembling care packages for military personnel stationed around the world.
City of Greensburg Water & Airport Board Review
City of Greensburg Water Board Meeting The meeting began with the normal monthly approvals. Darren Burkhart, HNTB representative provided an update on the Broadway & 10th Street Project Update. Darren stated that they have received approvals on their permits and that the project was officially advertised for bidding on June 27th. Their is a pre-bid meeting scheduled for July 23rd at 10am to be held at City Hall. Bids will be opened during the August 4th Water Board Meeting.
Commissioners Discuss Contract Renewals, Comprehensive Plan Updates, and Proposed Land Purchase at July 6 Meeting
Tim Ortman, Highway Department received permission to enter into an agreement with Enterprise to get rid of 3 pick up trucks and replace them with vehicles through Enterprise. This agreement also includes fleet management and sets the department up for vehicle rotations moving forward to ensure that the county get their use out of the vehicles but also ensures a return on investment when it is time to sell them.
Decatur County 4-H Fair Parade Set for Sunday, July 12
GREENSBURG, Ind. — The 2026 Decatur County 4-H Fair Parade will step off at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 12, 2026, celebrating this year’s theme, “Harvesting the American Dream.” Parade participants should arrive for lineup between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Volunteers will be available to assist participants with staging.
Decatur County Area Plan Commission Approves Rezoning Petitions, Advances St. Paul Comprehensive Plan
The meeting began with the approval of the June 3, 2026, minutes. APC Petition 2026-12 Trevor Stapp received approval to rezone 6.04 acres from an A-1 zoning classification to an I-1 zoning classification to operate a Light Industrial office and warehouse. This request falls under Decatur County Ordinance Section Number 1204. The property is owned by the petitioner and is located at 12040 S CR 800 W, Westport in Jackson Township.
Friends of the Greensburg & Decatur County Animal Shelter Announces Minde’s Tails & Trails Memorial Ride
The Friends of the Greensburg & Decatur County Animal Shelter Board and its volunteers are gearing up for a new community fundraiser while honoring the memory of a beloved former shelter director. The Minde’s Tails & Trails Memorial Ride is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, activities beginning at noon at the Greensburg Decatur County Animal Shelter. The idea for a Jeep ride had been discussed for some time.
Extreme Heat Serves as Reminder to Protect Pets
The following information was gathered by the Greensburg Decatur County Animal Shelter The Heat is miserable out. Imagine how bad it would be if you had fur! Here are some tips for pet safety through the hot summer days. Limit outdoor activity to early morning or late evenings. Have constant access to fresh cold water and quality shade such as trees or tarps. A dog house does NOT provide relief and can actually retain heat.
KEEP YOUR PETS SAFE THIS 4TH OF JULY!
The following information was provided by the Greensburg Decatur County Animal Shelter. Fireworks may be fun for us, but they can be frightening—and even dangerous—for our furry family members. Follow these simple tips to help keep your pets safe this Independence Day! Keep Pets Indoors Even pets that normally stay outside should be brought inside before the fireworks begin. A quiet, secure room with familiar bedding can help them feel safe.
Terkhorn named Greensburg Optimist Club Officer of the Year
*Images were posted by the Greensburg Optimist Club* Detective Matt Terkhorn of the Greensburg Police Department has been named the Greensburg Optimist Club’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, recognizing his dedication to public safety and his commitment to the community. Terkhorn was nominated by Staci Schutte for his work at St. Mary’s School, where he serves as a positive presence for students and staff.
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