Emailed from Pam Summers

[Thanks again for all the photo submissions]

Great photo from Matt Arnold

Darryl Mehaffie stranded in DC

Darke County's Darryl Mehaffie recently traveled to Washington DC for a conference on community colleges. Darryl got snowed in - and then the conference got scheduled. But he has promised to come back from Washington with gifts. Click the image for the WHIO video report (screen cap from WHIOtv.com).

M&B want you to read this story

About Peyton Manning.

Breakdown of the upcoming storm

Andrew Michael is warning you to stock up on hot cocoa and soup ... as some of us might be stuck inside again for a day or two with another significant snowfall. Find out all the other details at Buck's Blog.

Marco's dominates the local chains in pizza poll

The independents are up next.

High Five Business Winner - Front Street Inn

The High Five for Wave Pride campaign is excited to announce another High Five Business Winner for Wave Wednesday. Marliyn Duvall of the Front Street Inn is a proud Wave supporter. She was spotted by Greenville City Schools Superintendent, Susie Riegle and Scott Ward of WTGR proudly displaying their Wave Pride sign. The Front Street Inn will receive a pizza party donated by MARCO'S pizza as a thank you for their support of Greenville City Schools. If you would like to join the 60+ businesses supporting Wave Wednesday's, please contact 548-3185.

"Obama wants civility" I want solutions!

First, it would be nice if someone is going to blather on about how Obama is the problem as he was the "most liberal Democrat in the Senate" and didn't really make an effort to gain bipartisan support for his proposals, it would be nice if they had the courage of their convictions and put there name to the article.

Apparently, sir/madam, you haven't got the word that we independents find BOTH of your houses unfit. We are tired of your endless political games at the expense of a people facing obvious, serious, difficult problems that need solutions - not more of your gamesmanship.

If you want the support of the American people, solve the Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and medical cost problems that our gobbling up the budget and constraining our opportunity to act. And, sir/madam, if you think the Republican party has the solutions to these, someone is likely to ask what the heck you were doing during the Bush administration when you had the opportunity to lead.

Cut the blather and find/create solutions.

Jay Montgomery

A bunch of great pictures submitted this morning

The next YPOD is at Highmark's - February 10th (cancelled)

UPDATE: Due to advance preparation and the issuing of a “Winter Storm Watch”, the YPOD event scheduled for Wednesday, February 10, at CJ’s HighMarks has been cancelled. Please mark your calendars for upcoming YPOD events to be held on Wednesday, March 10, at The Winery at Versailles and Wednesday, April 14, at CJ’s HighMarks.
________________________________________________________________________________


What is YPOD? Young Professionals of Darke (YPOD) offers a way for young professionals between the ages of 21-40 to connect with other young professionals. This will be a time to meet other young professionals that are interested in meeting new people and furthering their careers. Join us to learn more about YPOD and become part of the change you would like to see in Darke County! Come as you are and enjoy!

A shot from RPR's patio

Gameday: Super Bowl open thread

UPDATE: Saints 31-Colts 17. A few people picked the Saints to win, but nobody had anything close to a 14-point win. A key pick-six late sealed the win for the Saints.

The big game is here, and the graphic above features the two guys who are going to determine the outcome of this Super Bowl. Neither team has a dominating defense. The Saints defense has capitalized on turnovers all years long, but the Colts and Peyton Manning take care of the ball better than anyone else. The Colts defense has dominated at times, but only when Dwight Freeney is at the top of his game - and Freeney is injured. That means that these offenses will run wild - and could very well set a Super Bowl scoring record.

DarkeJournal prediction: Colts 38-Saints 31.

[Graphic via nfl.com]

Back to Level 1 Snow Emergency

Effeective 2/7/10 at 6:00 p.m. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution when driving while this Level 1 Snow Emergency is in effect. Motorists should travel at a reduced speed and remain alert for roadway obstructions and changing roads conditions.

Now ... Obama wants civility

Our current president campaigned by relentlessly criticizing the previous president. Despite the rhetoric, and despite being graded as the "most liberal" member of the U.S. Senate, the American people accepted Barack Obama's word that he would bring a new kind of politics to Washington.

Continue reading

Some more photos from David D.

And here's the current condition of State Route 49 - northbound at the county line - where the cars are still driving at just 45 mph due to a combo of snow, slush, and ice.

Back to Level 2 (Sunday at 10:30 a.m.)

A LEVEL 2 SNOW EMERGENCY HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR DARKE DUE TO BLOWING SNOW AND HAZARDOUS ROADWAYS.

Darke County Sheriff Toby L. Spencer has reduced the Snow Emergency to a LEVEL 2 for Darke County. This Snow Emergency has been issued to warn those who must travel on Darke County roadways to use extreme caution. Road crews across the county have continued to make progress on area roadways, however some secondary roads remain drifted and all roadways are covered in a thick layer of ice.

Travel on Darke County roads is restricted to those traveling to and from work and for emergency purposes only! If you do not have to travel, please stay home if at all possible.

This Level 2 Snow Emergency takes effect immediately at 10:30 AM.

Motorists are urged to use extreme caution when driving while this WARNING is in effect. Motorists should travel at a reduced speed and remain alert for roadway obstructions and changing roads conditions.

Joy FM's Valentine's Day Giveaway!

Joy FM would like to give you and your spouse a night out for Valentine's Day! We have a prize package for Ohio and another one for Indiana:

On the Indiana side: You could win a dinner gift card from Old Richmond Inn or Galo's Italian Cafe in Richmond. A pair of movie tickets to Kerasot's Theatre in Richmond and a bouquet of flowers from All About Flowers and Gifts in Winchester.

On the Ohio side: You could win a dinner gift card to Cracker Barrel in Piqua. A pair of movie tickets to Cinemark Theater in Piqua and a bouquet of flowers from The Flower Patch in Greenville.

All you need to do to win is call Naomi Miller from Joy in the Morning or Joel Brantingham from the Workday Wrap-Up on Monday, February 8th at 1-877-335-4569 and tell us the story of how you and your spouse met. Then on Tuesday, February 9th, you the listeners vote on the stories you like best. The two stories that get the most votes will win. There will be 1 Ohio winner and 1 Indiana Winner. Good luck and Happy Valentine's Day.

Will residents of Darke County use a Free Dog Park?

The Darke County Friends of the Shelter would like to build a Dog Park next to the Animal Shelter on County Home Road. Will the Residents of Darke County use this facility? It would be free. There will be a few rules to follow, but we want to know what you think. Please let us know your opinion and even suggest a few ideas. Thank you! The Friends of the Darke County Animal Shelter

[Leave a comment]

Level 3 snow emergency to continue through Sunday morning

The Darke County Sheriff's Office has confirmed that the Level 3 snow emergency will remain in effect at least through Sunday morning. Many secondary roads remain drifted shut and impassible. County road crews will resume the snow removal process tomorrow morning. Level 3 means that county roads are closed, except for emergency personnel.

Greenville residents dig out from the snow (WHIO - Steve Baker reporting)

Click on the image.

Sunshine returns (thanks for all the submitted photos)

This photo from C.B.

This photo from Jeannie Grosch.

And this great photo from David D.

From DJ ...

Darke County pizza poll

Our next poll is going to rate the best pizza in Darke County. But before the poll is posted, we want to make sure the list is comprehensive. A preliminary list would include the chains: Pizza Hut, Marco's, and Papa John's. If you want another pizza place(s) added, please leave it in the comments.

Added from the comments: McBo's, Petey's, Red and Ruth's, The Don's Pizza, Teaford's, Picnic's, Sportzsters, Pitsburg Pizza and Grill, Hummer's, Creekside, Chicken Kitchen II, Farmer Brown, Miller's Tavern, Whistle Stop. Keep the suggestions coming.

Change: we're going to do two polls ... 1) the chains, and 2) the independents. Poll added ... VOTE.

Andrew Michael reporting on the snowstorm from Sidney (nearly loses his camera)

Video here.

It could be worse

If you think the snow is bad here in Darke County, just be happy you're not stuck in Washington DC, like Wayne Lakes resident Darryl Mehaffie - who is at a conference and buried under the 20 inches of snow that has fallen there. Darryl forwarded these photos - and below the photos you can see how the weather has taken its toll on one Baltimore meteorologist.

Don't even think about driving yet

David Dill forwarded the following photos Saturday at about 11:30 am - the first showing State Route 49 in Abbottsville. One of the busiest roads in the county is completely covered with snow - and obviously still dangerous. [Thanks David D. for all the photo contributions]

God's Stop Sign

Sometimes life just goes too fast! How did it become February 6th, 2010 already!! My family, work and writing projects keep me so busy that sometimes I forget to breath. I often tease my children that I have "hyper-brain syndrome". Of course they think that is a bonafide diagnosis. I rarely slow this brain of mine down. Sometime though, God has a way of taking the reigns and saying "whoa... girl". I LOVE being snowed in! It is like winning the lottery for me. I get "free day" A day to cuddle up with my kids, relax with a movie or book, or just write for the fun of it. It is blissful. I love looking outside at God's handiwork where I can tell he raised the big old "stop sign" just for me!

On this blissfully beautiful day just STOP, breath, and take in the wonder. Do something to relax and reflect just how lucky we are to be alive in this magical world of ours.

Please, just enjoy God's proverbial stop sign, even if just for today.

Julia Bowlin, M.D.

Earn College Credit in English and Social Studies While Still in High School

Dual Enrollment Program – English and Social Studies

Miami Valley Career Technology Center (MVCTC) and Wright State University (WSU) are partnering to deliver college courses on the MVCTC campus during the school day. Dual enrollment is not PSEO. Dual enrollment allows students the opportunity to remain on the MVCTC campus, take a college level course, and earn both high school and college credit. When a student is enrolled as a dual-enrollment student, s/he is also a student at the college, where s/he has the same benefits as any other Wright State University student.

Continue reading

Almost 7 inches on the ground so far

Dill has leveled off - but now also has a massive drift behind in front of his house. Looks like it's right a 7 inches at 10 pm.

Dill is up to 6.5 inches at 6:30 pm - near Abbottsville.

This photo was sent in by David Dill at about 4:00 p.m. Thanks for sharing your precision snowfall measuring device with us ... :)

Some music for a snowy Friday night

Darke County's own Tommy Renfro has a selection of seven songs you can listen to, for free, right now on his myspace page.

Click this link and then scroll down and look for the music player (same as the image to the right, but bigger there).

Then leave a comment with your favorite song. First vote: Children Go.

You can visit Tommy's website here.

Darke County Sheriff Issues Level 3 Snow Emergency (Friday, February 5th, 2010 at 3:30 PM)

A LEVEL 3 SNOW EMERGENCY HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR DARKE DUE TO FALLING SNOW.

Darke County Sheriff Toby L. Spencer has issued a LEVEL 3 SNOW EMERGENCY for Darke County. ALL ROADWAYS IN DARKE COUNTY ARE CLOSED EXCEPT TO EMERGENCY PERSONNEL!

A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for Darke County through 6:00 PM on Saturday, February 6th, 2010. Additional heavy snow is likely through the day today and continuing through Saturday. Road conditions will continue to deteriorate.

This Level 3 Snow Emergency takes effect immediately at 3:30 PM.

Channel 7 covers traffic problems on 49 South

Video here.

Seven inches in Sidney

Our friend Andrew still has his wooden ruler from grade school. Seven inches of snow at the DJ northeast bureau.

A few pics of the park and Shawnee Prairie from TH

Level 3 Snow Emergency Declared

Effective 3:30 pm. All Darke County roadways are now closed, except for emergency personnel.

--
==================================================================
This mobile text message is brought to you by AT&T

Darke County Sheriff Issues Level 2 Snow Emergency (Friday, February 5th, 2010 at 2:00 PM)

Level 2 issued at 2:00 pm and upgraded at 3:30 pm [see story above].

Darke County Issues Level 1 Snow Emergency (Friday, February 5th, 2010 at 12:00 PM)

Level 1 issued at 12:00 PM and upgraded to Level 2 at 2:00 pm [see story above]

UPDATE: Photo forwarded from David Dill, 11:45 a.m., shows State Route 49 near Abbottsville already covered with snow.

Procedural vote on next Greenville levy

The Greenville School Board took a procedural step today in order to put the middle school bond issue back on the ballot in May. The procedural vote to commit funds is required before a vote (expected next Wednesday) to formally put the bond issue back on the ballot. The vote today was 3-1, with Funderburg voting against, and Bowman not present.

Mixed data on unemployment

The new national jobs report shows that the economy lost 20,000 jobs in January. Yet - due to the way unemployment is figured - the official unemployment rate actually dropped to 9.7%. In response to the report, House Minority Leader John Boenher asks: "Where are the Jobs?"

Judge Julie Monnin thrown in the slammer!

Local Judge goes to jail (at her choice)!

Judge Julie Monnin, Darke County Municipal Court, is going to spend one night in jail as part of Mercer County Sheriff’s test run for their new Adult Detention Center.

Judge Monnin discovered the opportunity from a staff member, investigated it further and applied to be considered as part of the first “guests” at the new jail facility. She was accepted and is now planning to spend 24 hours as a “practice inmate.”

Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey presented the opportunity to the public so that the corrections staff could learn the new operations of the facility with “practice inmates” before the real ones arrive on February 28, 2010.

“As a judge who orders defendants to jail, this is an opportunity of a lifetime for me. I look forward to gaining insight in this process that I would otherwise never get to experience. It’s on-the-job training at its best!” said Judge Monnin.

[DarkeJournal assumes full responsibility for the headline.]

Epic snowfall? 6 to 10 inches is definitely within our reach (Updated 2/5)

Darke County's own Andrew Michael is providing up-to-the minute updates on the coming snowstorm. Here is the latest ... "the new models are showing some enhanced snowfall.... Again, if you see any icing, or especially any prolonged icing, expect your snowfall totals to be less, but if you are seeing all snow, I think 8" would not be out of the question for the mid part of the Miami Valley with some locations seeing slightly more."

Read the rest at Buck's Blog - and check out Andrew's video report here.

We may have misunderestimated this guy

Corpsman is pronouned "kor-man" not "corpse man." But at least he's not an imbecile like the last guy.

Not the worst Greenville levy blowout in recent history

Some of the post-levy discussion has included talk that Greenville suffered its worst defeat in levy history. However, DarkeJournal reader and local historian, LH, has pointed out that the Greenville School District suffered a worse defeat in the November 2003 election:

Ag Society announces Grandstand Schedule for 2010 Darke County Fair

February 4, 2010. The Board of Directors for the Darke County Agricultural Society are pleased to announce the Grandstand Events and pricing as well as the free Grounds Entertainment for the 154th Great Darke County Fair that runs August 20 – 28, 2010. To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Grandstand, all 7 sessions of Harness Racing will have free admission.

Continue reading

DINE OUT---RAISE MONEY!!

The Greenville High School PTSA and CJ’s Highmarks have teamed up for a fundraising event! For every Gift Certificate purchased thru the program, a portion of the proceeds will be given BACK to the school. The next time you stop in CJ’s Highmarks for lunch/dinner, mention that you would like to purchase a gift certificate for the benefit of the PTSA for the High School, and then use your certificate to pay for your meal! It’s that easy! Purchase additional gift certificates for holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, or just for appreciating someone. The program will run thru the end of the school year, and the more gift certificates sold, the higher the proceeds. Contact Teresa Ramge at 937.547.3975 for more information or to purchase gift certificates.