America in Bloom judges were in town for the national judging on Tuesday July 14th and Wednesday July 15th.    This year’s judges were Evelyn Alemanni from Elfin Forest, California and Virginia Beatty from Illinois who reviewed the eight categories in the America in Bloom judging.  The Rising Sun America in Bloom committee ended their two day visit with a luncheon at Heritage Hall and invited the local America in Bloom participants and the largest tree contest winners.

Front row left to right AIB Judge Evelyn Alemanni, Rising Sun AIB Chairman Janie Eldridge, Sally Branham, Bonnie Schreiner, and Terri Marksberry, Second row Virginia Beatty, Larry Bailey, Lois Latshca, Bill Schriener, Ceil Falk, Mayor Bill Marksberry, and Brigitta Hetzel.

Both judges had positive comments about our town.  They also gave four special recognition awards:

1) The Emergency Services Building Board; they were given a tour of the building by EMT Gary L. Eldridge and had an opportunity to talk with 911 dispatcher Sandy Kinzer about her job and the 911 center.

2) Water Treatment Plant; Scott Henry  gave them a tour and told them about the water treatment process and employees.

3) Ohio County Historic Society; Bill Dichtl gave them a tour of the Museum where they were impressed with the volume of original artifacts.

4) Steve Slack, Rising Sun City Council; Steve gave the group a wonderful tour of the Rising Sun New Cemetery

5) The last special recognition award went to the Rising Sun America in Bloom committee for their coordination and teamwork efforts.

The Rising Sun America in Bloom committee would like to thank Kurt Jasper at Mulberry Inn for their warm hospitality during their stay,  P.G Gentrup for sharing the information about the Bell Tower and Veteran’s program, and a big Thanks to Paul Bovard and the entire Rising Sun Street Department.
The Rising Sun America in Bloom committee would like to take this opportunity to thank all residents who on a regular basis take pride in our community and help make our community a wonderful place to live.