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It’s a bird, it’s a plane . . . it’s Swope! |
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Written by Staff report
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Wednesday, 27 August 2008 |
 Richard Swope, left, drenched with water, took a spill in the Ohio River during the Tobacco Festival Parade.
“As I understand it, he was flying low to the water when his wheel hit the water and drug him in,” Pennington said.
According to Swope, he had flown into Ripley to watch the parade when the plane’s engine started acting up. Swope was approximately 1,700 feet above Ripley, and decided to bring the craft down where it would not do any damage to the village or spectators.
“I was waiting to see the parade and the engine started acting up on me,” Swope said. “I didn’t have too many choices. (US) 52 or 68 were both crowded, and 52 is narrow. I was continually losing altitude and brought it down in the river. I had to.”
Pennington said the Ripley Police Department was on the scene quickly, since they had been up the street directing traffic for the Tobacco Festival parade. They were joined by two members of the Ripley Fire Department, and hitched a ride on a passing boat to reach the scene. Swope emerged from the crash unhurt, and was taken back to shore by another boater. Swope’s plane was towed to shore by a civilian boat as well. |
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 28 August 2008 )
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Written by Staff report
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Wednesday, 27 August 2008 |
 The winning Bed Race team, from left, of Brenda Parsley, of Georgetown; Samantha Mullen, of Georgetown; Jordan England, of Ripley; Trent Maloney of Georgetown, and Lori Maloney of Georgetown (not shown) dash down Front Street Saturday.
The event began on Thursday, Aug. 21, with the 2008 Ohio Tobacco Festival Queen pageant, but officially kicked off for another year with the annual parade on Aug. 22. Groups, organizations, businesses and political parties entered floats in the parade while trying to emulate the festival’s theme, “Lost But Not Forgotten: Ohio’s Tobacco Market.”
The queen pageant had 11 local girls competing for the title that was held by Nicole Iezzi-Blessing in 2007. After a long show where the girls showed off their personality, public speaking skills, and talents, Batavia resident Hannah Kaltenbach was named the 2008 Ohio Tobacco Festival Queen. Kristine Cahall received the title of first runner up, and Alexandra Waters was the second runner up.
The parade was an exciting event this year, as many people, school bands, politicians and organizations participated. Following the parade, many Brown County politicians and tobacco industry representatives attended the annual VIP dinner at the Ripley American Legion Hall.
Congresswoman Jean Schmidt attended the VIP dinner and thanked everyone for their effort in keeping the tobacco market alive.
“I think people forget the importance of tobacco in our community and economy,” Schmidt said. “Tobacco keeps Brown County and Ripley strong.”
The VIP dinner was also used as an awards ceremony, as the OTF Committee presented three $500 scholarships to Brown County students who are looking to go into the agriculture industry. Scholarships were awarded to Josh Michaels, who hopes to go to school for beef management; Quinton Scott, who will be majoring in welding engineering; and Caleb Holton, who will be studying food science.
Also at the VIP dinner, OTF Director Greg Applegate presented the 2008 grand marshal, Charles Crisp, with a plaque for his efforts in promoting and aiding the tobacco industry over the years. Crisp is a longtime Ripley resident who retired from the Pepsi Cola Bottling Company in 1992 after 45 years of service. He is a past member of the Kiwanis Club of Ripley, as well as a 30 year member, and the past director of the Brown County Agricultural Society. Crisp was also presented with a certificate of special congressional recognition by Schmidt in recognition for his service to the community. |
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 28 August 2008 )
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Just one polling place in question |
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Written by Bryan Peck
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Wednesday, 27 August 2008 |
With one of the most important elections in history right around the corner, polling stations across the United States have been working to prepare for a large voter turnout this November. A lot of work goes into making sure the different polling locations are up to the standards of the United States Government. The Brown County Board of Elections recently met with Brett Harbage, an Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator, to help the county get its polling places up to date with ADA regulations.
According to Harbage, the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed 18 years ago, and prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, state and local government, public accommodations, commercial facilities, transportation, and telecommunications. The act also covers the United States Congress.
“These are not new requirements,” Harbage said. “Secretary of State (Jennifer) Brunner has made them a priority and has made a big push to get local polling places up to date. I’m just here to help the board get into compliance so there are no problems.” |
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 28 August 2008 )
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