(1) The Switzerland County Commissioners held a series of meetings to discuss possible options for fixing Markland Pike, a heavily traveled county road that connects the upper portion of the county to the Markland Dam. One possibility was to create a entirely new road coming off of the dam and going up over the hill. Some residents believed that this could serve as the first leg for creating a road that connects the dam with U.S. Highway 50.
(2) The excitement of Switzerland County hosting its first boys basketball sectional in 50 years died quickly, as the Pacers lost to South Ripley in the tournament’s opening game. Lawrenceburg would claim the sectional championship.
(3) A federal investigation in Las Vegas led to a federal indictment being handed down against a Vevay man. Howard Awand, who owns the Rosemont Inn Bed and Breakfast in town, was charged with what investigators called “One of the biggest insurance conspiracy cases known.”
(4) Assistant principal and athletic director Kent Dunning announced that he would be leaving Switzerland County High School to become the new principal at Corydon Central High School. His new duties began in July.
(5) Tim Colen of near Fairview was honored as the “Conservation Farmer of the Year” by the Switzerland County Soil and Water Conservation District. He and his wife, Machelle, raise grain on approximately 900 acres of land.
(6) Charlie Haskell, now residing on Nell Lee Road, was honored as the “Silver Star” recipient by the Switzerland County Soil and Water Conservation District. The award goes to a county farmer in honor of his lifetime of work and achievements in agriculture. The Haskells truly ran a “family farm”, milking cows until Charlie Haskell retired in 1996.
(7) The Markland Business Park was certified as “Shovel Ready” by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. That designation means that all of the pieces are in place for a potential company to locate to the county quickly and efficiently.
(8) Jim Wingate was elected as the trustee of Pleasant Township. He replaced longtime trustee Carolyn Griffin, who chose not to run for reelection. Republican Andy Jessup did run for the post, but moved from the area before the election was held, so a caucus of Democrats in the township elected Jim Wingate.
(9) Sara Craig and Brittany Heffelmire were announced as the recipients of the Lilly Endowment Scholarships for 2007. Sara is the daughter of Kevin and Nancy Craig of near Mount Sterling; and Brittany is the daughter of Darla Heffelmire of near Vevay and the late Jeff Heffelmire.
(10) A new program, called “Angel Food Ministries”, came to Switzerland County. The program provides anyone – regardless of income or age – with a collection of food items for a low price. The food is enough to feed one person for a month; or a family of four for a week.