Four veterans who walked on that hallowed ground at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier . Max Socks and Elvin Newmann in front , and Veda and Joe Vertz behind .

By PG Gentrup

Community Correspondent

risingsun @ goBEACONnews . com

I am amazed how fast this month is going , and the very hot weather made several days just miserable . I spent every weekend watching some type of softball or baseball tournament .

I was in Washington , DC June 22-25 on another trip with fifty veterans , and we had a great time . I just love going to DC . As usual , I visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial ( The Wall ) to pay tribute to my two classmates , Tommy Denning and Lary Fogle . My platoon sergeant , Malcolm P Libbey , is also there along with fortyeight others from Southeast Indiana . I ’ m already making plans for the trip next year . I always pick four from the group to present the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier , and that ’ s an honor for them and for me . Walking on that hallowed ground is very emotional , and I tell them if it doesn ’ t get to you , then you shouldn ’ t be there .

Congratulations to Danny and Chris Flood for winning the BBQ contest in Rising Sun . I hope to try their ribs soon .

Risheed Jibriel and Anabel Lillie were the recipients of the eighth grade citizenship award . That ’ s quite an honor . The Academic Awards winners for the high school were Trevor Levi and Jayden McAlister and both are not only smart but did very well in sports .

The Outstanding Athlete Awards went to Lucy Carrigan and Brent Turner . They had

Rising Sun resident Jessa Manning shared a photo of her great dane Whiskey and his best friend Wilber .

outstanding careers at RSHS .

The RSHS Class of 2018 was led by Valedictorian Jaydne McAlister , Salutatorian Kasey Baker , and President Colton McKay . Congratulations to Kendal Miller who received four awards from the Woman ’ s Press Club of Indiana Communication Awardsthree first place awards and one second place . That ’ s impressive . One was the highest award they present , the Kate Milner Rabb Award .

Jerry Bondurant and his wife , Barb , have moved to Rising Sun and have purchased a house on Wilson Street . Jerry and I do a lot of funerals for veterans where we remove the flag from the casket , fold it and present it to the family .

If you haven ’ t been to our Ohio County Historical Museum , stop by and visit Cliff Thies and see all of the items from the past displayed there . The visit will be worth your time and effort .

Be sure that you are registered to vote in the election this Fall . If not , get registered . Don ’ t take the privilege for granted . You must be registered by Oct . 9 . Thanks to those involved with the River Sweep that helps keep our river bank clean . So much debris finds its way here .

I had a lot of company when my sister came in from Georgia with her two daughters . One daughter lives in Georgia and brought one of her kids . The other daughter lives in Florida and brought both of her children . My brother and his wife came down from Illinois , along with his daughter and granddaughter . With my son and his family , and my daughter and her family , the total was nineteen of us here at my house . We all had fun !

Take care and enjoy the rest of Summer . It ’ s not too long before another school year starts .

milan @ goBEACONnews . com

A big thank you to all for a great celebration in Milan at the dedication of our restored Water Tower on June 9 . The day began with tents and canopies being set up along West Carr Street for concessions and a sidewalk sale . People began gathering around 9:00 at the Milan ‘ 54 Museum and the renovated barber shop next door . We opened up the shop and a visiting barber , Terry Campbell , volunteered his time to give free haircuts . It was a great hit ! He was here until 4:00 in the afternoon , and was busy all day long . We had many compliments on his work and especially his personality . The barber shop turned into a place for people to sit and chat as haircuts were taking place just like it was in Chetty ’ s day ! This was the first time the barber shop was operational since Chet was behind the chair in 2003 .

At 10:00 everyone gathered at the Water Tower near the west end of Carr Street to take part in the dedication ceremonies . After a welcome by Tom Kohlmeier , president of the Milan ‘ 54 Hoosiers Museum Board of Directors and 1969 MHS graduate , the Indiana State Police Honor Guard presented the colors while the National Anthem was sung by the Travel- Aires , three of the men who sang the National anthem in the movie HOOSIERS . Remarks were shared by Noel Houze , president of the

The Ribbon Cutting : Tom Kohlmeier , Patty Marshall , Mary Lou Wood , Rollin Cutter , Ray Craft , Jerry Smith , Bobby Plump , Roger Schroder , Glen Butte , and Gene White assist as Town Board President , Noel Houze cuts the ribbon .

Milan Town Board ; Jerry Smith , president of Rising Sun Regional Foundation ; and Bobby Plump , guard on the 1954 Championship Basketball team . Tom Kohlmeier presented framed photos of the water tower to the representatives of the Town of Milan , RSRF , and the team . Members of the 1954 team were introduced : Ray Craft , Rollin Cutter , Roger Schroder , Glen Butte , Gene White , Bobby Plump , cheerleader Patty Bohlke Marshall , and Mary Lou Wood , the wife of coach Marvin Wood . The program concluded with a ribbon cutting , with all guests participating , and a release of balloons . The team , along with Brad Long ( Hoosiers

“ Buddy ”), and the Travel- Aires then retired to the town hall to sign autographs while the crowd continued to get haircuts , visit the museum , and grab a bite to eat at the concession stands . Seeing the town unite as we found reason to celebrate was wonderful . I know many can ’ t understand why we don ’ t let loose of something that happened over sixty years ago , but if you were in Milan that day , you would have been able to feel the pride and camaraderie in sharing a common history . It was a good day for Milan . As Gregg Doyel , sports editor for the Indianapolis Star , said in his article ... that old tower doesn ’ t hold water anymore , just our town ’ s heart and soul . I feel like he is right .