The Jefferson Proving Ground Heritage Partnership met Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2005, at Holiday Inn Express at Madison.

Minutes of the January meeting were approved unanimously on a motion by Bob Irwin and seconded by Louis Munier.

The financial report was reviewed and filed for audit.

Ken Knouf reported on a tour of the former Otter Creek Baptist Church site by present members of the church. The group made about a 20-minute fairly rugged hike to the site.

Knouf stated it was a poignant moment for the individuals. They viewed the giant spruce tree still standing there, foundations of the church and other buildings that once were at the location, the church cistern, a well and the cemetery with its deep indentions. It is estimated some 500 to 600 bodies were removed from the cemetery when the government took over the land.

Louis Munier reported one man on the trip knew and recalled where everyone in the community lived.

Materials from the church building are reportedly incorporated in a “Mail Pouch” barn now located on U.S. 421 between Versailles and Madison.

Following a phone conversation between Knouf and Jean McClellan, who are members of the education committee, Knouf reported they decided on a field trip in late April or early May to the Millersburg and Bethel sites. The trip will conclude with a picnic supper at the Benville Bridge.

A stone mason specialist will be inspecting Old Timbers Lodge in the near future.

Despite efforts by David Lee and Knouf no check has been received from the Regatta for parking cars last July.

Report on the website hits was presented by Ilene Harsin, in the absence of her

husband, Ron, who is working out of state. Bob Irwin made the motion to pay the

$106.95 annual fee for the site. It was seconded by Millie Busch and passed unanimously.

A current list of members was distributed. Busch inquired about the categories and fees for membership. This is to be discussed by the executive committee at their next meeting.

Bush and Lilian Carmer had samples of cookbooks from Morris Publishing and listed costs for publishing such books.

Terry Stephenson, HHH RC&D coordinator, reported the partnership information

regarding the grant application to the Rising Sun Regional Foundation should be

available by the last of March.

The resignations of Janice and Bill Sanders as the financial committee were accepted with regret. The Sanders will be moving to New Albany. They were presented with a cake, which they shared with members present.

The St. Magdalene and Old Timbers publications were discussed briefly.

Contributions of $19 were received.

The next meeting is Tuesday, March 15, 2005, at the Jennings County Library at North Vernon.