"Lye Soap" © by Abe Lincoln

When I got out of bed and went downstairs the first thing I did; and if I didn’t do it my mother would remind me: “Wash off!”

So I reached up and took the wash pan off the nail where it hung for generations and put it in the old iron sink – the one with the pitcher pump where we got rain water from the cistern. My dad had dug the cistern out and lined it with brick and plastered over the brick. The eve spouts emptied all the rain from our tin roof into the cistern so we always had plenty of soft water to wash in and it was especially great for washing hair. Mom said it was the only water to use if you wanted to get suds from real homemade lye soap.

The water we drank and the water used in cooking came from the deep well pump outback. There was a kind of shed roof, covered with tin that was attached to the back of the house and offered protection when you had to get a bucket of coal or corn cobs for the stoves from the barn. And that’s where the deep water well pump was located. So getting a drink of cold well water involved going outside to pump it.

Take a Video Tour of Greenville Junior High with GreenvilleStrong.com

GreenvilleStrong.com continues to get updated with loads of information and a variety of perspectives on why a new building is needed for Greenville City Schools. After posting a series of interviews from residents, business owners and school faculty, they have now began a series of video tours of the buildings that would be replaced if the levy passes in August.

The first video is up now and features a look at the Junior High. Watch as Director of Administrative Services Jon McGreevey points out the numerous issues that demonstrate the current state of the buildings and why the new facility is needed. He points out issues with windows, bricks and mortar, boilers, water problems, facilities for special education and issues with access points and safety.

Click on the image below to watch the first clip, and check back to GreenvilleStrong.com each day this week as they add videos of other buildings.

SUGAR VALLEY SCHOOL REUNION

The Sugar Valley School Reunion is set for June 22 at the Greenville Masonic Temple, 300 Memorial Drive, Greenville from 1 to 5 p.m. or whenever.

Refreshments will be furnished.

Further information can be obtained from Carolyn Troutwine at 937-548-6813. If no answer, please leave a message.

Hope to see you there!

ANNUAL ELDORA SPEEDWAY BLOOD DRIVE

RACE TICKETS, T-SHIRTS, GRAND PRIZES, AND GREAT FUN!

The annual Community Blood Center (CBC) Eldora Speedway Blood Drive will be on Thursday, June 20. Donors can help increase the summer blood supply and win tickets to some of the best races of the season.
Everyone who registers to donate at the blood drive in the Eldora Speedway Ballroom from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 20 could win one of 26 Eldora Speedway race tickets. Better yet you could be a winner of one of the grand prizes either two tickets for the July 13 Kings Royal event, or racing merchandise signed by Tony Stewart.

Everyone who registers to donate blood at any CBC Donor Center or mobile blood drive beginning May 28 through Aug. 31 will be automatically entered in a drawing to win a Harley-Davidson Road King.
Ten computer-selected finalists will be invited to a special envelope-opening announcement event in September to discover the Road King winner. (Must be 18 to win. Official rules available at www.givingblood.org ).

Everyone who registers to donate will receive a free “King of the Road Summer Blood Drive” t-shirt.
The Eldora Speedway Community Blood Drive will be exciting with race ticket winners drawn every half hour!

The Eldora Speedway Community Blood Drive takes place Thursday, June 20 at the Eldora Speedway Ballroom, located at 13929 St. Rt. 118 in New Weston, OH. Hours are 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and appointments are encouraged. You can schedule an appointment on line at www.DonorTime.com or contact CBC Rep. Dana Puterbaugh at (937) 997-2199 or at dputerbaugh@cbccts.org.

Cancer Association to Hold Chicken/Pork BBQ

Greenville Firemen Honored for Saving the Life of a Fellow Fire Fighter

Update: You can view Steve Baker's video of the ceremony on his Facebook page. Click here.

Steve Baker was at last night's Greenville City Council meeting as three Greenville firemen were honored for their actions in saving the life of a fellow fire fighter.

Lt. Shawn Brandenburg and firefighters Robert Wheeler and Shannon Fritz were able to tend to Fireman Charles Gasper who suffered a cardiac arrest while fighting a shed fire in Greenville.

The three were honored for performing to the highest levels of professionalism under severe stress.

Click on the image below to read and watch WHIO's report.

2013 Poultry Days Parade Photos - Submitted by Chad Arment

Still missing Poultry Days now that it's over for another year? Chad Arment sent us these photos of the 2013 Poultry Days Parade in Versailles, so you can reminisce about this past weekend for the days, weeks, and months to come until next year's affair.

Greenville Grad to Play Professional Baseball in the Kansas City Royals' Organization

Photo from njithighlanders.com

2009 Greenville graduate Tripp Davis was signed last week to play professional baseball in the Kansas City Royals' Organization. Tripp just graduated from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, where the left hander was a starting pitcher for 4 years and graduated with a GPA over 3.7.

Tripp has already reported to the Royals' spring training complex in Arizona before he will be assigned to one of the Royals' rookie ball level teams.

Congratulations, Tripp!

Click here to read the full story from NJIT.

First Fridays Returns in July - Flicks on Fifth is now Theater on Third

Main Street Greenville is thrilled to announce that a simple change in venue will allow for a $1,500 savings for the Main Street Greenville organization. First Fridays - Theater on Third will take place Friday, July 5 at dusk with a showing of Despicable Me.

In years past, the organization would rent a blow-up projection screen, a HD projector and the sound equipment to present the movie to a large crowd. In addition, the event required us to shut down the use of a side street off of Broadway (5th St.). Trying to think outside the box, we were able to start a mini grassroots movement to eliminate the need of renting any equipment or shutting down any street.

As with all Main Street Greenville events, it wouldn't have been possible without the help and donations of many businesses and individuals in the community. We are thankful to the following for their donations:

• elementsLife - School of Healthy Living - use of building
• Eric Laux with Laux Farm Services- use of HD projector
• Bach to Rock- use of professional sound equipment
• City of Greenville- use of public parking lot
• America's Decorative Concrete- donation of time, labor and materials to paint the screen onto the building

The always-popular outdoor movie event, previously held on Fifth Street will move to Third Street. The movie will be projected onto the elementsLife building (120 W. Third St.), in the parking lot behind Bach to Rock.

This event is free and open to all. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, friends, and family downtown for another exciting night presented by Main Street Greenville, and of course, many businesses will stay open late. We hope to see you for First Fridays - Theater on Third!

Successful weekend for Greenville Baseball

Congratulations to the Greenville Octane 12U All Star Team. The team went 5 for 5 this past weekend at the Arcanum Tim Todd Memorial Baseball Tournament. The Greenville Octane 12U beat the 12U West Milton Bull Dogs in the Championship game to win first place.

Congratulations to the Greenville Wave Explosion 10U All Star Team. The Wave Explosion 10U All Star Team knocked out the 10U West Milton Bull Dogs to win first place.

Photos and text submitted by Rebecca Drew

DCCA ANNOUNCES “BARBECUE AND BLUES”

DCCA presents BBQ & Blues featuring Cincinnati-based
Amy McFarland and The Blues Merchants, at Turtle Creek Golf Course
on Friday, July 12 

Darke County Center for the Arts will host “Barbecue and Blues,” a family-friendly fundraiser featuring music by Cincinnati-based Amy McFarland and The Blues Merchants, at Turtle Creek Golf Course on Friday, July 12. The music begins at 6:30 p.m. with local musicians Aaron Frohna and David Warner performing their version of rock favorites. Tickets for the event are $10. Turtle Creek will have food and a full range of drinks available for purchase throughout the evening.

DCCA Executive Director Andrea Jordan says that “Barbecue and Blues” has become an extremely popular summertime event. “This is a great opportunity to celebrate the season with lively, listenable music in a lovely setting. We invite the community to bring their lawn chairs and blankets and head on out to Turtle Creek for a good time that can be enjoyed by the whole family,” Ms. Jordan said. “Turtle Creek will be offering barbecue with all the trimmings to appropriately accompany the festivities, making for an almost perfect evening for all concerned,” she concluded.

Pitsburg Church of the Brethren to Present Proclaim Quartet in Concert

The Pitsburg Church of the Brethren will present Proclaim Quartet at 6 Pm on Sunday, July 7, 2013. Proclaim is headquartered in Franklin, OH. All member have extensive experience in the Gospel Music field and have joined their voices to praise the Lord. Gary Bates, formerly with Higher Ground, sings lead; Mike Miller, formerly with Touch of Grace, sings baritone; Michael Ankney; formerly with The Dayton Ambassadors, sings tenor, and Noah Wilson, formerly with Acclaim, sings base. The public is invited to come and enjoy the music of this newly formed group. The church is located at the west edge of Pitsburg at 8376 Pitsburg-Laura Road. For more information contact Bruce Shank @ 937-564-2891.

Arcanum Historical Society's Annual Anything and Everything Garage Sale

The Arcanum Wayne Trail Historical Society is gearing up for their annual Anything and Everything Garage Sale. It will start on Wed. July 17, 1:00 – 6:00; continue on 18th and 19th each day from 9:00 – 4:00 and Saturday, 20th from 9:00- 12:00. Featured will be air conditioned shopping inside the historical building as well outdoor shopping for the larger items.

Cleaning out the attic and garage?? The historical society would welcome any and all donations for the garage sale to help make it bigger and better than ever.

Call Dick Troutwine @ 692-5128 to arrange pick up of large donated items. Please no adult clothing except hats, purses and jewelry. Children’s clothing would be welcomed. Console TVs and computers are not desirable. Donations for the garage sale may be left on the front or rear porch of the historical building at 123 W. George Street at any time. The building will be checked daily for any donations and put into proper storage for the upcoming summer garage sale.

Youth on the Farm: What Type of Farm Work Can They Perform?

Are you looking for someone to help bale hay, hoe out marestail, apply nitrogen, move livestock or some other task on your farm. These summer tasks create both a high need to employ youth on the farm and the challenging task of understanding farm youth labor laws.

Peggy Hall and Catharine Daniels, OSUE Agricultural & Resource Law Program, have compiled the information below to help us understand our responsibilities in hiring children on the farm.

Imagine Farmer X is getting ready to cut hay and has hired Youth Y to help, who is 14 years old. What exactly can Youth Y help with? Can he drive the tractor? Can he ride on the tractor? Does it make a difference whether Youth Y is the son, daughter or grandchild of Farmer X? Are there implications for allowing Youth X to perform farm work that he or she shouldn’t perform?

These questions are important to consider before hiring minors to work on your farm this summer. In a series of blog posts, we will discuss various aspects of federal and state regulations applying to minors working on farms. You can follow the blog at http://ohioaglaw.wordpress.com. First is the issue of what type of work the law allows you to assign to youth workers on the farm.

Whose child?

Fort GreeneVille Chapter DAR Awards John and Karen Burkett for Community Service

Fort GreeneVille Chapter DAR member Karen Burkett and HoDar John were awarded the DAR community Service Award. The Chapter recognized the Burkets for their outstanding voluntary achievements in cultural, educational, patriotic, and historical endeavors in the community.

Pictured with the Burketts accepting their award is Regent Chris Nehring.

Spencer Landscaping Donates to The Gathering at Garst

The Gathering at Garst Committee would like to recognize Spencer Landscaping for their continued support of The Gathering at Garst. This is the third year that Spencer’s has generously donated landscaping around the Lowell Thomas house. They designed, installed and even added an automatic watering system to the project. The beautiful roses are in full bloom and the rest of the landscaping will continue to enhance the Thomas House for year’s to come. This year the north side of the home will be landscaped adding even more beauty to the grounds.

Spencer Landscaping will have a display at The Gathering at Garst and will be happy to answer any questions you might have about this project or help you with your own landscaping ideas. We appreciate the support that local businesses like Spencer Landscaping bring to this event.

Mark your calendars now and plan to attend the third Gathering at Garst on the grounds of Garst Museum on July 27 and 28. Musical artists will be performing throughout the two-day event. Be sure to visit our website at www.gatheringatgarst.com for frequently updated details or LIKE our Facebook page to learn more.

DARKE COUNTY RELAY FOR LIFE IS REQUESTING YOUR SUPPORT

The Darke County Relay for Life Event is only one month away. With more than 15 teams working towards public awareness, preparation for the relay event, and fundraising, there are many opportunities for new individuals to join in and many activities to support.

Dawn Sanders is the Auction Chair and will gladly accept donations from Clubs, individuals or businesses to be auctioned at the Relay event on July 19th & 20th. Dawn can be contacted at 937/564-5959 or dmsmomof4@yahoo.com.

Wednesday, June 19th is the deadline for your presale BBQ Chicken Dinner tickets for a chicken dinner that can be picked up on Thursday, June 27th from 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm behind the Midmark Education Center, 1 Vista Drive, Versailles. These dinners prepared by Romer’s Catering include ½ chicken, applesauce, chips and a dinner roll for $7.00. You may contact Michelle Alt at 937/526-8767 or 419/852-1963.

This Sunday, June 23rd is Dollar Dog Day at the Versailles Christian Church, 105 W Ward St, Versailles. All proceeds go to the Darke County Relay for Life. Hot dogs are just $1.00 and you can run it through a wide variety of toppings. There will also be chips and drinks available for purchase and games to entertain children and adults.

Friday, June 28th & Saturday, June 29th will be the Annual Rummage Sale at the Trinity Lutheran Church, 204 E Wood St, Versailles. All proceeds benefit the Darke County Relay for Life. Friday hours are 9:00 am – 6:00 pm and Saturday 9:00 am – noon.

Now through August is the “Pantene Beautiful Lengths” pony tail fund drive more information can be requested by contacting Carrie Drees at sweetcarriedrees@yahoo.com. Drop off points are at the EUM Church at 111 Devor St, Greenville and Worch Memorial Public Library at 790 S Center St, Versailles.

To keep up with the upcoming events and the teams sponsoring these events you may check out Darke County Relay for Life on Facebook also available by using this link: www.facebook.com/pages/Darke-County-Relay-for-Life/.

If you would like to join the relay effort you may contact Lois Lyons at 937/526-9744 or loisversailles@aol.com. Support and assistance is always welcomed. The efforts of the Darke County Relay for Life benefits the entire county and will be held July 19th & 20th at Heritage Park in Versailles.

Building Corynna's Room Nears Completion, to Hold Public Open House

The Building Coynna's Room project is nearly complete with final inspections taking place on Monday, June 17, 2013.

An open house will be held at the project on Saturday, June 22, 2013 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, at 626 Sweitzer Street in Greenville. All are invited to view the project and meet many of the volunteers and donors that made the project a reality.

Stop by and see the great work that has been done, and see the fruits of the community coming together to help such a great family.

Fort GreeneVille Chapter DAR Donates to Dayton VA Hospital

Fort GreeneVille Chapter DAR recently delivered donated items to the Dayton VA Hospital. The chapter collected 44 items of clothing, 14 afghans, 1 throw, and 7 lap robes. Pictured are Chapter Regent Chris Nehring and VA Hospital representatives.

Wavaire Show Choir Camp

You are invited to attend a portion of this summer’s Wavaire Show Choir Camp. Your son/daughter will need to attend all of the following sessions being held at Memorial Hall in Greenville. The students will be learning songs and dance routines and perform them with the Wavaires on the Friday evening concert.

• Wednesday July 24 – 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
• Thursday July 25 – 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
• Friday July 26 – 10:15 – 11:30 a.m.
• 7:00 p.m. Concert at Memorial Hall

The cost of the camp is $40.00 which includes a T-shirt, music and clinician costs. Checks are to be made payable to the GHS Vocal Music Boosters. If your 6th – 9th grade son/daughter would like to attend, click here to download and print the form, and mail your check to:

Greenville City Schools

Attn: Angie Marker

215 W 4th ST

Greenville OH 45331

Deadline is July 12, 2013

Visit Our Downtown Greenville Farmer's Market!

Here is a quick video featuring just a few of the friendly faces and great products we have available at our Downtown Greenville Farmers' Market! The 20-week market runs from June - October and takes place every Saturday from 9 am - 1 pm (rain or shine), located in front of the courthouse.


Stop in to explore the wonderful produce, baked goods, plants, meat, handmade craft items, and more!

Would you like to become a vendor at our market? We are always accepting applications - if you have something you would like to sell at the market, please contact the Market Manager - Morgan Aultman at 937-467-3095 or morgan_aultman@yahoo.com.

The market is presented by Main Street Greenville and is sponsored by Greenville National Bank and KitchenAid.

Rise in Near-Drowning Incidents Remind Ohioans of the Need for Water Safety

A recent analysis of the number of children treated in emergency departments for near-drowning incidents has officials at the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) emphasizing the need for safe water practices. ODH tracks near-drowning incidents, which are reported to the state agency by emergency department personnel on a daily basis. The emergency department data show a clear seasonal trend in near-drowning incidents from the months of May-August. Children and youth are at an increased risk for drowning during these summer months. Parents should closely monitor their children’s play during water activities.

ODH also monitors death certificates to ascertain the number of drowning deaths. In 2012 in Ohio, 29 children and 69 adults died from drowning, according to preliminary ODH death certificate data.
“Playing in the water is an excellent way to have fun and get exercise,” said Dr. Ted Wymyslo, Director of the Ohio Department of Health. “However, water can be dangerous. Respecting the risks water poses is the best way to keep our families safe.”

While children can drown in water anywhere, young children (aged 1 to 9) are at greater risk of drowning in swimming pools while older youth (aged 10 to 19) are at greater risk of drowning in natural bodies of water and is the second leading cause of death in children aged 0-4 according to the CDC.

Here are some important water safety tips:

Ladies Night... of Health and Fitness: June 20th

Grab your Best Girlfriends and join us for the elementsLife Ladies Night of Health and Wellness, Thursday, June 20 from 6:00-8:30pm. The evening will begin with a Gentle Yoga Mini-Class followed by a healthy meal served by Brenda's Beanery... After dinner we will kick off our rotating schedule of Wellness Practitioners, Presentations and Product information including Mini-Massage and Bio-Mat Sessions. Our night will end with a Mini-Meditation Session and plenty of time to revisit your favorite presenters.

Tickets are $15 per person and all proceeds go to The Halo Project –Bio-Mat fund, which provides Bio-Mats to individuals currently facing long term illnesses. You can purchase your tickets at Brenda’s Beanery, Sadie Grace, The Coffee Pot or Imminence Massage or contact elementsLife (937) 417-3592 or email at elementsLifeSOHL@yahoo.com or visit our website for more information at www.elementsLife.com. Don’t delay…limited tickets available for this wonderful event.

Ford Soccer Skills Challenge: Sunday, June 30th at North Park in Greenville

Mercer Savings Bank Celebrates 125 Days of Giving Back

In celebration of Mercer Savings Bank’s 125th Anniversary, the bank is giving back to the community. Mercer Savings Bank will donate $125 to 125 different charities and organizations for 125 days. Mercer Savings Bank’s goal is to give back to the communities that have contributed to Mercer Savings Bank’s 125 years of excellence.

On May 29, 2013 Mercer Savings Bank donated $125 to Darke County American Red Cross. Above, Mercer Savings Bank’s Employee, Sheryl Hatfield, left, presents the donation to Darke County American Red Cross Resusci Anne, accompanied by American Red Cross administration volunteer, Pam Clack. “We count on the support of our community to enable us to do the great lifesaving work that the American Red Cross does every day here in Darke County,” stated Lynne Gump, Executive Director of the Darke County Chapter.

Vehicle Pursuit/Mobile Meth Lab in Darke County

On June 15, 2013 at approximately 2:46 pm a Darke County Sheriff’s Office Deputy initiated a traffic stop in the 4500 block of US RT 36 west on a blue 2000 Chevy Venture mini van with three occupants.  

Upon the deputy’s approach to the vehicle, the driver and occupants fled the scene.  Deputies pursued the suspect vehicle through central and southwestern Darke County.   The pursuit ended in the 1300 block of Richmond-Palestine Road.  The vehicle’s driver fled on foot and the male and female passengers stayed in the vehicle.  

The driver was identified as Garrie M. Noble Jr., 23, Eaton Ohio.  Noble was wanted on an outstanding warrant out of Montgomery County Ohio.

 

K-9 officers from  the Preble County Sheriff’s Office, Wayne County Indiana Sheriff’s Office and Randolph County Indiana Sheriff’s Office also responded to the scene. K-9 officers searched the area for Noble with no success.

 

The Darke County Sheriff’s Office Clandestine Lab Team also responded to the scene to neutralize and dismantle an active Clandestine Lab, which was discovered inside the vehicle. 

 

On June 15, 2013 at approximately8:13 pm Darke County Deputies were alerted by residents in the area of the pursuit, that a male subject matching the description of the suspect was going door to door asking for a ride to Eaton Ohio.  Deputies arrived on scene and identified the suspect, Garrie M. Noble Jr. Noble was taken into custody without incident. 

 

All information will be submited to the Darke County Prosecutor’s Office.

Preschool Picnic at Darke County Parks

It’s June, and to start the summer off right, the first annual Preschool Picnic was held. Children who attend the monthly Parent and Preschool Adventures class were invited to stay after class this month for a picnic at Shawnee Prairie Preserve to celebrate the beginning of summer. During class, we discovered what solution made the biggest and best bubbles. We found a winner! Everyone went home with a new bubble wand to use at home. We then headed out for a hike to see how the woods had changed from last month. On our way, we stopped and created sidewalk art of our favorite things in nature with chalk on the blacktop trail. After our hike we cooled down with a story and then washed up for lunch. We ate lunch in the shelter house and wrapped up this exciting day with a popsicle!

Don’t miss out on the rest of the summer classes! Join a Naturalist for a monthly, hour-long program designed to investigate nature through activities, games and exploring. There are programs for 2-3 year olds (held on Wednesdays) and a program for 4-5 year olds (held on Thursdays). July’s topic is “Splish; Splash” We will meet at Prairie Ridge Parking Lot (behind Maid-Rite) and wade in the creek! July’s 2-3 year old dates are the 10th and the 24th and the 4-5 year old date is the 11th. Each program runs from 10-11 am. Parents must attend along with their preschooler. Pre-registration is required and the cost is $2.00. Also coming up in August we have a program on Beautiful Butterflies at Shawnee Prairie. Call the Nature center for more information at 937.548.0165. Hope to see you then!

Picnic at the Pool

Click to enlarge

The Arcanum Pool will host Picnic at the Pool on Sunday, June 23. Organizers are very excited to present a special, fun-filled day for our community. Mayor Judy Foureman and her staff will be the “Chefs of the Day” cooking hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill and serving a complete lunch with potato salad and applesauce for $3.00 from 12 Noon to 2 p.m. Drinks will be available at the pool concession stand. Fun games are planned for the kids during break times and attendees will be able to Swim All Day for $2 per person from Noon to 6 p.m.

Special thanks to Sutton’s Foods for donating the barbecue grill and food for this event. Look for upcoming dates for Picnic at the Pool in July and August. Questions? Call the pool at 692-8230 and speak to one of the managers, Julie Willis or Alychia Wright.

Season passes are still on sale at the pool. Support your local pool! Arcanum Pool is located at 1 Pool Drive at the end of Weisenbarger Court near the park entrance.

Good Agriculture Practices Workshop

Find Darke County Parks on Facebook!

Darke County Parks has Facebook! There are many different ways to find out about what is happening at YOUR Darke County Parks from our website, to the newsletter, but Facebook lets you know what is happening each day! Like us on Facebook and you will get the most up to date information about upcoming events and interesting things seen and heard around the Park District! Just search for Darke County Parks. (or click here).

Don’t have Facebook? Check out our website at www.darkecountyparks.org to learn more about your Parks. Or, you can always call the Nature Center at 937.548.0165 for information on any programs the Parks’ has to offer!

Free Summer Activities for the whole Family!

The Darke County Park District would like to remind you that you don’t have to travel far for free, fun-for-the-whole-family activities. The Park District maintains 12 park areas, all with walking trails, scattered throughout the county. All parks are open EVERY day from sunrise to sunset. Shawnee Prairie Preserve is also home to the Nature Education Center which is open Monday-Saturday from 9-5. From a Bird Observation Area to our Live Classroom housing over 15 species of animals, the Nature Center has much to do and see (Admission is Free). The Log House will also be open on Saturdays from 1-4.

There are also many upcoming summer programs that the whole family will enjoy. During Creek Critter Crawl, June 29th at 2:00pm, we will hop in Greenville Creek to cool off and see what critters are living in our creek. Shawnee Prairie Preserve will be hosting a Summer Concert featuring the popular band, Higgins-Madewell on July 20th at 7:00pm. We will also lead a bike ride for the family on July 6th at 10:00am and August 8th at 6:30pm, both at Tecumseh Trail in Gettysburg. For more information on all of our upcoming programs or trail maps for each park visit our website at www.darkecountyparks.org , call the Park Office at 937.548.0165 or visit the Nature Center at Shawnee Prairie Preserve (4267 State Route 502 West). We hope to see you out enjoying YOUR Darke County Parks!

Superintendent Fries Answers a Few Frequently Asked Questions About GCS' Proposed Facilities Plan

Doug Fries, Superintendent of Greenville City Schools, submitted the following answers to a few questions that are commonly asked...

What will happen with old buildings?

The Ohio Facilities Construction Commission will fund the demolition and abatement of the three elementary buildings along with the Junior High School if it is determined to be in the best public interest to do so. There is money allocated at the rate of 57% local and 43% from Ohio to handle the cost of demolition and abatement. The building contents can be used or sold and the remainder of the ground could be used for green space or sold to the highest bidder. Should it be determined that the buildings have a use to the public or private citizens which will benefit the community, they could be considered for any purpose available or sold at that time.

Who pays for the disposal of the old buildings?

Ohio will fund 43% of the cost of demolition and abatement which is anticipated to be a total of more than $ 3,000,000. Each building will be assessed separately for potential community uses. The state will only share in abatement if the buildings are razed. If a determination is made to demolish the buildings at a later date, it would be entirely on the taxpayers to fund such a project.

Why is North School still used by someone else for the purpose of a school?

The district chose to no longer use it for classrooms to downsize their operational cost. North School had the smallest footprint of any building in the district and was the oldest facility owned at the time. Ohio Public Schools are subject to many rules and regulations that are not necessarily required for other owners. North school had areas needing abatement which was estimated to cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. It had no elevator making handicapped accessibility difficult as special education populations grew.

Mr. Fries also provided a couple of slides to illustrate some of the proposed utility and costs savings the new buildings are projected to deliver. Continue reading to view them.

Greenville City Schools to Host Public Meeting

The Greenville Board of Education and Administration will host a public meeting about the upcoming bond issue to be held on the August 6th ballot.

The meeting will be held on Monday, June 24, 2013 at 7:00 P.M. in the Memorial Hall Auditorium.

Greenville has the opportunity to construct a new K-8 school facility with renovations to the high school with funding assistance from the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission. Anyone in the Greenville School Community is invited to attend the public meeting and get answers to questions you have on the upcoming construction project pending voter approval.

For more information visit: www.greenvillestrong.com

Winners of Annie’s Wild Raffle Announced

This year’s Annie’s Wild West Gala was a great success and loads of fun. The Gala is a fundraiser for The Garst Museum and The National Annie Oakley Center.

Part of Annie’s Wild West Gala was Annie’s Wild Raffle. Pictured (left to right) are the three raffle winners along with Dr. Clay Johnson, Garst Museum’s executive director. Tim Bright won the Bose Quiet Comfort 15 headphones, Kris Osterbur won the Apple iPad, and Pat Lemmer won the weekend accommodations in Gatlinburg.

The Garst Museum would like to thank all the donors, guests, ticket buyers, and volunteers who made this year’s Gala a great success.

The Garst Museum is located at:

205 N. Broadway, Greenville, OH 45331

937-548-5250

web site: www.garstmuseum.org

email: information@garstmuseum.org

Arcanum Lion's Install 2013-2014 Officers

Left to right: David Wilson, John Weisenbarger, Dick Stroh, Alan Fourman, Matt Huffman (rear), Bob Kimmel, Dick Troutwine

The Arcanum Lion’s held their spring dinner meeting with a full house of members and guests present at the local historical building. Two new members were inducted into the club at the dinner. Lion Duane Byers sponsored Duane Byers, Jr. and Jason Byers for new membership and installation was completed by Co-President Lion Dick Mathias.

Co- President Lion Winston Brumbaugh thanked the Co-President Dick Mathis, Secretary Don Taylor, Treasurer Terry Mills, Second Year Director Bev Fourman, First Year Directors Dick Troutwine and John Weisenbarger, Lion Tamer Alan Fourman and posthumously Tail Twister Lonnie Norris. President Brumbaugh recapped the accomplishments for the past year to include manning the Darke Co. fair gate, parking cars for Garst Gathering, the annual pie auction, spring golf outing and chicken BBQ dinner.

Creek Critter Crawl!

Join the Darke County Parks on Saturday, June 29th at 2:00 pm as we visit one of the most pristine stretches of Greenville Creek as it meanders through Worth Family Nature Preserve (Springhill Road just off of 502 West). As we wade in the water, we’ll use our nets and search for macro-invertebrates, fish, crawdads and anything else we may encounter! Fun for the entire family! Be sure to dress for wet, wear close-toed shoes (no flip-flops!) and bring drinking water. For more information or directions, call the Nature Center at 937.548.0165 or visit our website at www.darkecountyparks.org

Cancer Association Gourmet Dinner Raffle Winner

Guests of Kay Sloat, the winner of the Cancer Association’s Gourmet Dinner Raffle, are from left to right: Bill Young, Jeni Berger, Jon Hein, Kay Sloat, Jack Sloat, Rose Hein, Dan Berger and Barb Young. Hosts Bill and Kris Osterbur are standing.

Kay Sloat of Greenville was this year's winner of the annual Cancer Association of Darke County's Gourmet Dinner for Eight Raffle. The dinner took place Saturday, June 1, at the home of Kris and Bill Osterbur, Greenville. The Osterburs are a part of the group that prepares, serves and cleans up from this special dinner.

Eikenberry's Super Valu once again donated the ingredients for the dinner. Minuteman Press donated the tickets for the raffle, which was held at the February board meeting for the Cancer Association. The meal was prepared by volunteers who are some of the members of the Gourmet Dinner Club of Greenville: Randy & Amy Breaden, Tom & Suzie Brown, Anne Brumbaugh, Bill & Nancy Cooper, Tom & Julie Graber, Steve & Eileen Litchfield and Bill & Kris Osterbur. All proceeds, $2,643.32, went to the locally operated and independent Cancer Association of Darke County (CADC).

The evening began with peppered goat cheese with French bread and a roasted yellow pepper spread with spring veggies while the guests enjoyed time in the Osterbur’s living room. The menu, requested by the winner, consisted of: French onion soup, a tossed salad with home grown greens and a raspberry vinaigrette dressing, rolls, Prime Rib, Duchesse potatoes and asparagus with Hollandaise sauce. The dessert, a menu surprise, was a chocolate ganache encased orange poppy seed cake.

Annie Oakley Golf Tournament coming soon!

Clockwise from top left: Dave Knapp of Dave Knapp Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Donald Hittle and Scott Fleming of Hittle Buick, GMC, Inc., Jim Troutwine of Troutwine Auto Sales, Inc., and Ron Garrett of Ron Garrett Chevrolet, Inc.

The 32nd annual Annie Oakley Golf Tournament is fast approaching. Get signed up with your team today for a chance to win a new car or truck from one of four Darke County area car dealers!

This year’s tournament is scheduled for Monday, July 22nd at the Turtle Creek Golf Course and will feature a shotgun start with scramble format, chances to win great prizes and lunch/dinner for the golfer and their spouse. Most importantly, the proceeds from this fun and exciting event will benefit the local and independent Cancer Association of Darke County.

Each golfer has the opportunity to win a new car or truck valued at $ 27,500.00 for a hole-in-one on the sixth and seventeenth hole. Dave Knapp Ford, Lincoln, Mercury; Hittle Buick-GMC; Ron Garrett Chevrolet and Troutwine Auto Sales are together sponsoring this year’s Hole-in-One competition. Golfers scoring an Ace on #8 will win choice of Premium Golf Equipment. An Ace on Hole #11 will win a Yamaha Golf Car. Also, there are various other cash awards for Team Winners.

Additional information and entry forms for the 32nd annual tournament are available at the Cancer
Association of Darke County (209 E. Fourth St. Ph: 548-9960) or from any tournament committee member.

Mote & Associates Supports Greenville City Schools Bond Issue

AN ACOUSTIC EVENING WITH THE QUEST

Tim Yount and Chad Lemons of the Quest will be performing an acoustic show at EUM Church located at 1451 Sater Street in Greenville, Ohio on Friday, June 28 starting at 7:30 pm. Cost of admission is $10 which includes a copy of the demo CD, as well as a copy of the live performance. Be the first to hear new songs and vote on which ones should be included on the next demo CD.

Jeff Harper is Senior Pastor at EUM Church and regular worship services are Saturday at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday at 8:15, 9:45, and 11:15 a.m. at our Worship Center located at 1451 Sater Street (corner of Sater and Sebring-Warner Road) in Greenville, OH. Kidmunity Children’s Ministry is available for kids age birth through grade six at the 6:30 pm, 9:45 and 11:15 am services. The Downtown Campus, 111 Devor Street, houses our offices and preschool. For more information, go to www.eumchurch.org or call 548-3211.

Let’s Celebrate! National Garbage Man Day is June 17

It’s dirty. It’s difficult. It can even be dangerous. Driving a 25-ton truck and collecting waste and recycling is not a job for everyone.

Rumpke is celebrating the men and women who keep our neighborhoods clean and green on June 17, National Garbage Man Day. The proposed new holiday, conceived by a Florida-based company, encourages raised awareness for sanitation industry workers.

“Through rain, snow, sleet, and heat our garbage men and women work in all weather conditions to keep our communities clean,” said Regional Vice President Mike Bramkamp. “This is a day to take a moment to say thank you.”

Customers can celebrate by using this printable card, which can be left for drivers on collection day or mailed to 5474 Jaysville-St. Johns Road, Greenville, Ohio 45331. Customers can also use an online feedback form.

Rumpke employs more than 1,000 drivers in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. Current openings are posted at www.rumpkejobs.com.

Rumpke Consolidated Companies, Inc. has been committed to keeping neighborhoods and businesses clean and green since 1932 by providing environmentally friendly waste disposal solutions. Headquartered near Cincinnati, Rumpke is one of the nation’s largest privately owned residential and commercial waste and recycling firms, providing service to areas of Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio and West Virginia. Rumpke divisions include Rumpke Recycling, Rumpke Portable Restrooms, The William-Thomas Group, and Rumpke Hydraulics.