Thursday, February 28, 2013

Some Very Dead Trees Removed from Greenville City Park (Photos by Cherie Frost)


DarkeJournal.com reader Cherie Frost sent in these photos of many "very dead" trees being cut down in the Greenville City Park. She added:
There are a lot of bad trees that have made it dangerous to even walk in the park. For example, last summer 2 men were fishing at one of the ponds, and a tree fell across the road during the afternoon. You could just walk and count all the dead trees in the park. This will make the park so much safer. Last summer they cut down a few trees, but this year they hired Tree Masters to go in and cut down all the trees that are marked.
Click to enlarge

5th Annual GGSA/GCBL Cornhole Tournament Results


The 5th Annual GGSA/GCBL Cornhole Tournament is in the books as 31 singles players and 28 doubles teams took part in the annual event at Paws Bingo Hall in Greenville. A great collection of local and regional talent appeared in support of The Greenville Girls Softball Association and the Greenville Citizens Baseball League again this year.

The day long event began with 31 players competing in the singles double elimination tournament which was a record for participants in the events five year history. The first and biggest upset of the tournament came in the opening round when last years singles tournament champion, Matt Guy of Alexandria, KY, was upset by fellow Kentuckian, Derrek King. Guy's singles tournament ended with a subpar 2-2 record.

After knocking off Guy in the first round, King fought his way through the losers bracket after a second round loss and then beat Michael Ratcliffe of Frankfort, KY, to setup a finals match up with a relative local in Travis Jess of Piqua, OH.


4-H OPEN HOUSE TO BE HELD

Although the deadline to become a 4-H member in Darke County is not until April 1, 2013, now is the time to begin thinking about joining a 4-H club.

If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about the 4-H program in Darke County, plan to attend the 4-H Open House, Monday, March 4, from 6:30pm-8:00pm in the Youth Building on the Fairgrounds.

Attendees of the open house will have the opportunity to visit club displays and talk to current 4-H members and advisors about what 4-H has to offer.

What exactly is 4-H? 4-H is Ohio State University Extension’s non-formal, educational program for youth. Eligibility for 4-H membership begins when a child has reached age five and is enrolled in kindergarten as of January 1 of the current year (Cloverbud program); participation in the “traditional” club program begins when a child is eight years of age and enrolled in third grade as of January 1 of the current year. Ohio 4-H membership ends December 31 of the year in which an individual attains the age of 19.


LOCAL COUPLE SPONSOR DCCA’S IRISH WAVE ALONG WITH LOCAL BUSINESSES

Irish Wave Sponsor Dr. Tom Brown with
DCCA Executive Director Andrea Jordan.
Darke County Center for the Arts announces Dr. Tom and Suzie Brown, Second National Bank, Zechar-Bailey Funeral Home and Edward Jones Investment representatives Dave Connelly, Steve Litchfield, Todd Subler, Bill Wolke, and Andria Haworth as sponsors for their upcoming fundraiser Irish Wave. DCCA Executive Director Andrea Jordan commented, “We are extremely grateful for the generosity of our sponsors and the wave of excitement and enthusiasm for our newest event.”

Irish Wave, DCCA’s fundraising party celebrating St. Patrick's Day, will feature Irish-themed food, Irish music, and craft beers from Cincinnati's Mt. Carmel Brewery. The event is scheduled for Friday, March 8 at Turtle Creek Golf Club, 6545 U.S. Route 36 East, Greenville. Irish Wave opens at 6:30 p.m. “Continuing the tradition of DCCA fundraisers, Irish Wave is sure to be a great party you will not want to miss,” concluded Jordan.

Music will be provided by Brigid's Cross, a lively duo who sing and play an eclectic selection of Irish music ranging from traditional to contemporary, which will make you want to kick up your heels and dance. The buffet menu provided by the kitchen at Turtle Creek includes Irish potatoes, Irish rarebit on bread, corned beef bruschetta, Guinness-battered onion, bacon and cabbage balls, crab cakes with roasted red pepper sauce, and smoked salmon on Irish soda bread. Bottled beers to be tasted include Amber Ale, Blonde Ale, Nut Brown Ale, India Pale Ale, and Stout; additionally, Scotsman Ale, featuring a lightly smoked flavor balanced by cherry wood, will be available on draft. Eight tastes and a commemorative beer glass are included in the price of admission; additionally, door prizes will be awarded.

Tickets for Irish Wave are $35, and can be purchased at Turtle Creek Golf Club or by contacting DCCA at 937-547-0908 or on-line at www.centerforarts.net.

“Christians in Action” Running/Walking Group to Tackle 5k Run for Education

Last fall EUM launched a ministry called Move/Run For God. Thirteen people completed the course and either ran or walked the Jingle Bell 5K in Versailles last December. We will once again be offering this ministry under the new name “Christians in Action”. Our goal will be to run or walk the 1st Annual 5K Run for Education hosted by EUM Preschool. This race will be held May 4th at the EUM Church Worship center on Sater Street. A 5K course is equal to 3.1 fun and exciting miles.

Our primary goal for this course is to spread the gospel of Jesus while understanding the parallels of endurance running/walking and enduring your faith. It will change your life. This program is for those who make God the center of their lives or those who need to be reminded to do so. Our bible study is fun and friendly as well as useful to our everyday lives and inspirational. We also learn about proper running/walking shoes, gear, injury prevention, nutrition and race edict.

Would you like to change your life? This course is for everyone but is designed for those who have never run. Whether you want to run or walk, you can be ready for your first 5K in 8 weeks. We will meet Tuesdays at 6 p.m. starting March 12th at our downtown campus at 111 Devor St. This ministry is open to anyone whether you attend EUM or not. Contact EUM church at 548-3211 or Jeannie Grosch at 548-6287 for more information. So put on your ‘action’ shoes, grab your bible and join us to change your life physically and spiritually.

Free Movie Matinee at Library

The Greenville Public Library will show a free movie matinee on Friday, March 8th at 2:00 p.m. No tickets are necessary. Movie-goers should go to the third floor meeting room to enjoy Moonrise Kingdom on the big-screen TV with surround sound. This film is a popular and highly acclaimed romantic comedy-drama. Bring your own popcorn!

Greenville FFA Team Places in Contests

The Greenville FFA Agricultural and Industrial Diagnostics judging team of Brady Garber and Patrick Schmitmeyer placed 5th at Darke County contest. The contest was held at Koenig Equipment and employees of Koenig’s ran the contest for teams from Darke County FFA Chapters.

The Tractor Troubleshooting contest involves a team of two members. The team had 4 tractors that were bugged with problems and the team had to identify the bug and then fix the problem. Examples of problems that can be found in the tractors are bad fuses, broken electrical wiring, blown lights, safety switches disconnected, obstructed air flow, and others. It challenges the team members to work in a systematic method to troubleshoot the problem, utilize computers to help in identifying the problem and to correct it. The team members also have a written test to take concerning similar topics. Members have 20 minutes to complete each of the stations of the contest.

Brady and Patrick advanced on to the District 5 Agricultural and Industrial Diagnostics judging contest on February 23rd at the Koenig Dealership in Anna, Ohio. They placed 5th out of 18 teams in the District contest. Special thanks go to Koenig Equipment for setting up the contests and practices for the local chapters.

Commissioners Corner - February 2013

February has been a mixed bag weather-wise this year. One day it is 50 and sunny, then in the afternoon we have snow showers. Hopefully, as February closes, the weather will even out and we will have an early spring for everyone. February has been an up and down month in the Commissioner’s office as well. We have many things we are working on, but once we get things set, we have to wait on a response, or an action to be taken. That can be frustrating, but it is how things go with Government.

The Governor gave his “State of the State” speech earlier this month in Lima, and it’s reception was mostly positive. There are some areas that the Commissioners will be waiting to see how they play out in the Statehouse. One area is the cut in the sales tax. This is an interesting proposal that will affect everyone in the State. However, there is some concern as to how this will affect County operations. The Governor has proposed the sales tax to be cut ½% at the State level, and to statutorily lower the percentage the Counties get based on sales. Some think it is a great idea, but others think that the sales tax locally should be left alone to the Counties to decide. The addition of taxing services previously untaxed is something that makes since in some aspects, but not in others. The Commissioners are taking a wait-and-see attitude on these and other proposals, and we have voiced our opinions to our representatives. The State’s budget will not be finalized until the middle of the year, so we will keep a watch on how things are developing, and make sure we let our voices be heard for Darke County.


Legislation Aimed at Getting Ohioans Back to Work

Guest Column from State Representative Jim Buchy

Since JobsOhio was signed into law two years ago, businesses have had more confidence to invest and expand, resulting in the creation of more than 120,000 Ohio jobs. The unemployment rate has fallen by nearly 2.5 percent, and with the national unemployment rate increasing last month, Ohio’s rate now stands more than a point lower than the national average.

In Mercer and neighboring counties, we have the lowest unemployment rate in Ohio thanks in large part to a robust agriculture industry. Yet, small businesses in the area, as in much of the state, are being squeezed by the high costs of unemployment insurance.

We must not let up on our pursuit to create more jobs in Ohio, which includes finding ways to help the unemployed get back to work. Just as JobsOhio made it clear early on in the previous General Assembly that we are serious about jobs, the first two bills introduced this year are also focused on job creation.


MARCH FIRST FRIDAY STIRS UP A CULINARY TOUR

Tickets on Sale until tonight at 5pm! Don't miss out (details below)!

First Fridays: Culinary Tour on March 1 brings out flavors
and fun as downtown restaurants, eateries and food related
establishments offer bits and sips. Besty Ward of The A&B
Coffee & Cake Co., CJ Jasenski of Third Street Market, Mandy Mote
of Romer’s Catering and Jeff Besecker of Ozro & Rays are just a
few featured on the tour.
Take part in a Culinary Tour of downtown Greenville during March’s first Friday on March 1. Eat and sip your way through the urban spirited district that is on the rise of a new generation of entrepreneurs. The tour will consist of several small groups guided by energetic foodies & connoisseurs of downtown highlighting amazing gourmet offerings one would not know existed in Darke County.

Sponsored by Jim Buchy, the two and a half hour guided tour will start promptly at 6:00 pm leaving plenty of time at the end of the tour to take in other fine establishments in the historic business district. Businesses participating in the tour include: Montage Café, Romer’s Catering, The Coffee Pot, D’Alessios, The A&B Coffee & Cake Co., Candy Bouquet, Brenda’s Beanery, Third Street Market, KitchenAId Experience, Ozro & Rays and Janet’s Broadway Bakery.

The Culinary Tour is a ticketed event with only 100 tickets available. Tickets are $10 and available at The Coffee Pot and on-line at www.DowntownGreenville.org. Tickets go on sale February 11 until February 28 or until sold out.

As with every ‘First Friday’, downtown is open late! Downtown businesses staying open are: Artifacts, Ink., The A&B Coffee & Cake Co., The Bistro Off Broadway, The Bootery, Brenda’s Beanery, The Coffee Pot, Candy Bouquet, D’Alessios, Danny’s Place, Double M Diner, The Ivy League, KitchenAid Experience, Montage Café, Pamela’s Intimate Apparel, Readmore’s Hallmark, Sadie Grace, Third Street Market, Wayne Cinema and Youniques.

Each first Friday of the month from February to December, downtown businesses extend their hours to embrace the evening atmosphere much like a dense urban center–making downtown the place to be on ‘First Fridays’! ‘First Fridays’ is presented by Main Street Greenville, a non-profit organization committed to stimulating and supporting revitalization efforts, historic preservation and economic growth in Historic Downtown Greenville. To learn more, visit www.DowntownGreenville.org or call 937-548-4998.

BEAR'S MILL EVENT FEATURES HOMEMADE SOUP AND HANDMADE BOWLS


Historic Bear’s Mill will be hosting their 2nd annual “Soup n’ Bowl” fundraising event in the gallery at the Mill on Saturday, March 23. This event will feature handmade bowls created by artists who are donating their work to benefit The Friends of Bear’s Mill, Inc. non-profit organization. Potters Julie Clark, Dionne Fleming, Rita Wiley, and Loretta Wray will craft unique stoneware bowls of varying sizes and styles, featuring a variety of glazes. Each “Soup n’ Bowl” participant is entitled to a stoneware bowl as well as to supper, which includes soup, bread, drink, and dessert.

Each of the participating potters brings a unique sensibility to the craft, as well as an appreciation for Bear's Mill and it's heritage. Resident Bear's Mill artist Julie Clark has lived and worked at the historic site for over thirty years, and is inspired by the beauty and heritage which surrounds her. However, Julie also enjoys the challenge and allure of contemporary design; her artistic pairing of these disparate elements helps her work remain relevant as well as highly regarded even as it changes and evolves.


Immunizations Available at the Darke County Health Department

Spring forward in 2013, and get your little one caught up on their immunizations! Children need shots at 2, 4, 6, 12, and 18 months. Come in to our no appointment necessary walk-in clinic every Tuesday from 8-10:30 and 2-5.


Adults need vaccines too!

The Darke County Health Department offers many vaccines to protect adults against disease including; HPV
(Gardasil for men and women), Meningococcal, Tetanus, Polio, Pertussis, Hepatitis A and B, MMR and Varicella, as well as travel vaccines such as Typhoid and Yellow Fever, and vaccines for the older adult including Pneumonia and Shingles.

Come in to our walk-in clinic

Tuesday from 8-10:30 and 2-5
300 Garst Ave. Greenville, Ohio 45331
Please call with any questions (937) 548-4196 X224

The Darke County Health Department is now accepting the following types of insurance; Med Mutual, Anthem BC/BS, Ohio Medicaid, Molina, Caresource, and Amerigroup.

HEAP FOR SENIORS

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

HEAP FOR SENIORS

Community Action Partnership of the Greater Dayton- Darke County has received funding from the Area Agency on Aging to provide Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Outreach to seniors age 60 plus effective October 1, 2012 through March 31, 2013.

The focus is on increasing outreach to the homebound. CAP will provide outreach, information and assistance completing HEAP applications to individuals in Darke County who are 60 years of age or older and/or have disabilities and need that assistance. CAP will also provide services to frail, isolated, low income elderly and disabled persons and will use its best efforts to promote access to services by low-income minority individuals.

Income Guidelines:

  • One persons in household…………………….up to $22,340
  • Two persons in household…………………….up to $30,260
  • Three persons in household…………………..up to $38,180

For more information and to schedule an appointment, call 937-547-9129.



Bowling and Silent Auction Night Scheduled

The Greenville Athletic Boosters will be holding a Bowling and Silent Auction Fundraiser Night on March 23, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at The New Treaty Lanes.

The event will include all the bowling you can bowl, pizza, bowling shoes, and a silent auction bidding number. There will also be door prizes, bowling prizes and a 50/50 drawing throughout the evening.

Tickets are on sale for $20 person and can be purchased from the GHS athletic office at 548-4416 or Stephanie Baumgardner at 459-2616.

Some of the items that will be available to purchase at the silent auction are 4-night stay at the Lazy Parrott Inn, a front row parking space at GHS football games, Gift Certificates to several restaurants, themed baskets made by the different sports teams and much more.

If you are interested in making a donation such as a monetary donation, a item for auction, or service for auction, please contact Stephanie Baumgardner at (937) 459-2616.

100% of all proceeds go to the Greenville’s student athletes by purchasing equipment and providing scholarships. Thank you in advance for your support.

Diabetes Day set for April 13th at Wayne HealthCare

Type 2 Diabetes is a disease in which your pancreas does not make any or enough insulin, or your body prevents the insulin you produce from working correctly. Insulin is necessary for your body to use glucose, from the food we eat, for energy. High levels of glucose caused by uncontrolled blood sugar can damage your eyes, heart, kidneys, nerves, legs, and feet.

Taking steps to control your blood glucose level can help you to live a healthy life with diabetes. However, these steps can sometimes seem overwhelming.

Break your steps down into Self Care Behavioral Goals which include: Healthy Eating, Being Active, Monitoring, Taking Medication, Problem Solving, Healthy Coping, and Reducing Risk.

Diabetes Day is a wonderful opportunity to learn about some of these behavioral goals.


Community Action Partnership to provide Winter Crisis, PIPP Plus programs started Nov. 1

Community Action Partnership Darke County is still accepting applications for the Emergency Heap Program until March 31, 2013, or until funds are depleted.

Under the Winter Crisis Program, eligible households may receive a one-time payment of up to $175 for a utility emergency and $750 for bulk fuel. The Winter Crisis funds can pay a customer’s initial payment for the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP Plus), a PIPP Plus default, a reconnection fee or a deposit. Users of bulk fuel, propane or bottled gas or solid fuels may also be eligible for assistance. A customer may receive a delivery of fuel if their tank contains 25 percent or less of its capacity.

Income eligibility for the Winter Crisis Program is 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. For a family of four, household income cannot exceed $46,100 a year. They must be on PIPP Plus or sign up for PIPP Plus or another payment plan.


Wednesday, February 27, 2013

UPDATED: WHIOtv.com: Observer’s behavior leads to school lockdown

Update: WHIOtv.com has updated their story after school officials clarified that the individual missing and eventually found was actually a college student who was attending school to observe an elementary classroom. It also appears that the erratic behavior was due to a medical condition, therefore no charges will be filed.

Original Post: WHIOtv.com is reporting that Tri-Village Schools were briefly locked down today when a teacher was reported missing. About 45 minutes after the report was made, it appears the man was found on 121 with no shoes while his vehicle was still at the school.

This story will be updated when more information is available. In the meantime, click here to read the report at WHIOtv.com.

"COMEBACK SPECIAL" 16-PIECE BAND TO PERFORM ELVIS TRIBUTE

Professional Elvis Presley Tribute Artist Ryan Roth will perform with the 16-piece band, Comeback Special on Saturday, March 9th in Versailles. This exciting show kicks off at 7:30PM in the Versailles Performing Arts Center located at 280 Marker Road.

Roth is well-known in Elvis performance circuits for his amazing vocal abilities and sound. He frequently competes and performs around the country.

Last spring, Roth joined up with the band, "Comeback Special" and the group performed on the Graceland Crossing stage in Memphis, TN this past August during Elvis Week.

"Comeback Special" arrives complete with a horn section and choir of vocalists, and provides a very authentic sound, similar to the TCB Band who accompanied Elvis in the 1970's.

"The horns really make this show," one recent audience member stated. "I can't get over the quality of these performers."

Enjoy your favorite Elvis tunes and more as you recreate the experience loved by so many fans over the years.

Tickets for this concert are now on sale by calling 937-507-1513. Prices are $15 for adults and $5 for those ages 17 and under. Proceeds go to Versailles' Towne & Country Players' upcoming production of The Wedding Singer.

YMCA Of Darke County To Hold Annual Meeting!

The YMCA of Darke County will hold its annual meeting on Monday, March 25, 2013 at 7:00 pm in the Romer’s side room. The meeting will include Board of Director elections, staff recognition, volunteer recognition, 2012 highlights, and what lies ahead for 2013. All YMCA of Darke County members are invited and will want to attend this meeting to gain a better understanding of what the Y is all about. Further, members will have the opportunity to meet the Board of Directors, the Executive Director, as well as management staff. Light refreshments will also be served. Come and see why the Y is for everyone!

For more information or to reserve your seat, please contact Gail Hostuttler, Executive Director, at 937-548-3777, ext. 22 or ghostuttler@ymcadarkecounty.org.

Tom & Etta Mae Foley Memorial Dinner and Auction is Scheduled for Saturday, April 20


St. Mary’s School is pleased to announce the Tom & Etta Mae Foley Memorial Dinner and Auction is scheduled for Saturday, April 20, 2013 and will be held at Paws Bingo Hall in Greenville, Ohio. This is the largest single day fundraiser for the school so we are hoping for another successful year. The auction will begin at 6:00 and features a live and silent auction ran by Mike Baker of Midwest Auctioneers. The dinner will be catered and donated by the Fairlawn Steakhouse and tickets will be available at the school. Make sure to mark your calendars and let your family and friends know the date of our auction. Also feel free to contact the school if you have any items you wish to donate at 548-2345. We are also accepting monetary donations which will be used to purchase items for the auction.

Mississinawa Valley FFA celebrates FFA Week


The Mississinawa Valley FFA celebrated FFA week during the week of Feb 17-23. During the week, there were many fun activities and dress up days planned, including ag Olympics on Thursday. The dress up days were as follows: Tuesday was camo day, Wednesday was Ag Occupation day as well tractor drive in day, and Thursday was blue and gold day as well as truck drive in day.

For Thursday, members had the chance to earn the new chapter T-Shirt through participation points, or if they didn’t have the adequate number of points, they could buy the T-Shirt. The t-shirts served as an incentive for those members who go above and beyond for the FFA.

Ag Olympics served to be a very enjoyable day for the closing of the week. Some of the activities at ag Olympics was a milk chugging contest from a calf bottle, food eating challenges, a tractor tire flipping contest, “plunger darts,” and an ag mechanics combo challenge. Also, there was a question every morning on the announcements, dealing with FFA history, that the classes were asked to answer and submit for prizes.

As well as all of the high school activities, the MV FFA hosted a coloring contest for the entire elementary in which papers were passed out and students were asked to color the picture of a tractor. FFA week proved to be a success with a lot of participation, as many students enjoyed all activities.

WHAT DOES THE Y MEAN TO MEMBERS?

Your local Y is more than just a gym to belong to. Sure, there’s an Olympic-sized, heated pool, indoor tennis court, whirlpool hot tub, free weights, and treadmills. Sure, there’s a variety of classes to fit almost anyone’s interest. But there is also a spirit of community, of belonging. Every member has their own reason they belong to the Y.

New member Jeffrey Osborne says one of the reasons he and his family joined is because “it’s a fun place to hang with friends, and a safe place.” A safe place is important, as research has shown that when people have a safe, supervised place to go, physical activity increases and time spent in front of a screen decreases.

Scott Meyers, who recently joined with his wife and young son, says, “It’s somewhere to take the kids.” The variety of activities available at the YMCA of Darke County is great for families with children. Play time is an important way families can have fun together without worrying about all the other things going on in their daily lives. It can provide valuable bonding time and a way for family members to connect.


Bowl for Kids' Sake: This Weekend

Click to enlarge

How Are Farm Commodity Prices Set

The price of agricultural commodities, such as corn and soybeans, are set in open market trading, where buyers and sellers come together at exchanges such as the Chicago Board of Trade. This firm brokers large quantities of certain products through futures contracts.

Corn, for example, is sold through 5,000 bushel contracts. The contract stipulates that the corn will be delivered to the contract holder on a specified date in the future. Commodity buyers bid on these contracts to ensure they have a reliable supply of corn at a predictable price. Speculators may also bid in hopes that the value of the corn increases before the contract comes due. The buyers consider factors such as the weather, the number of acres planted and the anticipated demand for corn as they bid.


Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Fees Celebrate Golden Anniversary

Rev. Hershel and Barbara Fee, in 1963 and 2013
Rev. Hershel and Barbara Fee are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. Hershel and Barbara were high school sweethearts and were married on March 3, 1963. Hershel has been in ministry for over 40 years and Barb currently serves as the City of Greenville Treasurer. Both have been active advocates in the community for many years. Their children are Hershel, Jr. and Debbie Fee of Rainsville, Alabama, Jeff and Robin Fee of Pickerington, Ohio and Eric and Kristin Fee of Greenville.

Their family is hosting an open house celebration in honor of the couple on Sunday, March 3rd from 1-3 PM for family and friends at the Lighthouse Christian Center – All Seasons Place. A card shower is also taking place with congratulations being sent to 142 Cherry Hill Drive, Greenville, Ohio 45331.

Versailles Lady Bowlers- District Runner-Ups


On Monday, February 25th, the Lady Tiger Bowlers went up against 23 other teams in the Southwest District Tournament. The top 5 teams would then advance to the State Finals in Columbus on Friday, March 1st. With Versailles being the 3rd highest team in all 4 Sectionals, they were seeded in 3rd to start the tournament. “To finish as high as we did in all of the Sectionals is a big advantage at Districts. We get to cross with the other top 3 teams in our 3 regular games.” said Coach Phlipot.

Paige Holsapple set a new school record by rolling a 278. She also rolled a team high 635 series and was earned 4th spot out of 8th on the Southwest District Girls All District Tournament Team.

The first game, Versailles was paired up with Beavercreek. The Tigers got off to a good start by rolling a 907 their first game. This put them in 5th position after 1 game. As with all tournament competition, teams switch pairs of lanes after each game. “This is where good teams can make a move when lanes are switched. The teams that can make the better adjustments the quickest can make up ground very fast.” stated Coach Davidson. After a couple of frames, the lanes were playing a little different from the 1st pair. The Lady Tigers started to roll. Led by Paige Holsapple’s new school record of 278, they finished with the tournament high game of 1,038. This leaped Versailles into 2nd place behind Beavercreek. Game 3 the girls fought through the tougher lanes and had a hard time carrying out the corner pins. However, they were able to make most of the spares and ended up finishing with a 920. This was good enough for 2nd position after the 3 Regular Games with a score of 2,865. Going into the Baker Games, Versailles was only behind by 68 pins to Beavercreek. “Unlike other sports, there can be a “home field” advantage. This is due to the fact that these tournaments need to be held in a large bowling center and there are times when it is 1 or 2 schools home bowling center. Being only 68 pins behind, we had a legitimate shot at the District Title.” said Coach Davidson.


Ansonia Grad Wins Big on "The Price is Right"

Jacob Barga, an Ansonia native and Midmark employee living in California, appeared on "The Price is Right" yesterday morning. How did he do? Well, the clip posted below is titled "Jacob's Big Win..."


But wait... Jacob also got to spin the wheel for a chance to go to the showcase showdown. How did he do? Here's a couple of hints (you can watch the full episode here, a clip of just this segment isn't available).



Congratulations, Jacob!

Light Foundation's Youth Turkey Hunt Application Deadline is March 13th

APPLICATION DEADLINE MARCH 13, 2013

THE LIGHT FOUNDATION’S 5TH ANNUAL
YOUTH WILD TURKEY HUNT
APRIL 19-21, 2013


Applications for the Light Foundation’s Youth Wild Turkey Hunt are now available. The Light Foundation is excited to offer our area youth a great hunting experience. This will be an all weekend retreat, starting Friday night with a kick off dinner and continuing through Sunday midday. Participants will stay overnight at Chenoweth Trails in our Yurts, so pack a bag and get ready for a wild weekend adventure.

Applications are available at all Darke County Schools and online at www.mattlightfoundation.org. Applicants have to be 12-17 years of age, must be a Darke County resident, have a 2013 Ohio hunting license, and submit an essay on this years’ topic “Success”. The application Deadline is March 13th and the top winning essay applicants will be notified by April 3rd.

The Light Foundation would like to thank our youth hunt sponsors: Applegate Livestock, R&D Holdings, Gander Mountain, Jon Coomer, Pheasants Forever, AMS, Quaker Boys, Koenig, Frank Miller Lumber, Economy Maintenance, Eikenberry’s & Greenville Bob Evans. We would also like that thank WTGR, Darke County Schools, Alex Stewart and the students from the Greenville High School Interactive Career Tech Course, our youth guides and spotters, and of course all the private landowners who have donated the use of their land for the event. The successful hunt could not be possible without your time, efforts and sponsorship. For more information about The Light Foundation please go to www.mattlightfoundation.org and Like us on Facebook.

Greenville City Schools Kindergarten Registration


Davidson wins Gold at Districts, Advances to State

As in wrestling, swimming and golf, bowlers can qualify for the State Championships as an individual if their team does not make it through Sectionals and/or Districts. The Versailles Boys Bowling Team just missed making it to State for the first time ever this past weekend at Beaver-Vu Bowl in Beavercreek by 17 pins. (see separate article)

“Michael has had a goal to make it to the State Bowling Championships since his freshmen year. As a coach, I can say this kid has worked his tail off the last few years and I am extremely excited for him. As a Dad, it is and incredibly proud and humbling moment.”

“During warmups, we discussed which ball and line to play as I do with all the kids. We both felt the Brunswick Nexxxus ball was giving him the best look on the lane. Michael started off the first game by rolling a fine 249. His second game he made a couple of small adjustments early on as each game is bowled on a different pair. He started off with a strike and a spare. He then proceeded to string strikes up until the last ball of the tenth frame leaving one pin standing for a new school record of 279. “The lanes were really starting to change for everyone so more adjustments were needed to be made. The Nexxxus was still the ball to throw, he just needed to make some moves with his feet and his mark.” He started out with a double and then left a rip 7 pin. It looked as if he was going to make the spare, but he missed it by a hair to the left. Michael did not let that get him down and fought back to roll a 244 game for a 771 series. He crushed the old school record of 709 that he set last week in the Sectional Tournament.


Versailles Boys Bowlers Miss State by 17 Pins

With High School Bowling still being only 1 Division, which will finally be changing to 2 Divisions in the 2013-14 Season, the road to State was going to be a tough one. “All of you guys need to be on your game today. This is a tough field of teams, but there is no doubt in my mind you guys can end up in the top 4.” With 24 teams competing in the Southwest District, only 4 Boys teams would qualify for the State Championships in Columbus this weekend.

This year’s District Championships were held at the 68 lane Beaver-Vu Bowl in Beavercreek, Ohio on Saturday, February 23rd, 2013. The format was 3 regular games and 6 baker games. Total pinfall would determine the State Qualifiers. The Tigers started out with a nice game of 1,000 which put them in 7th place behind Kettering Fairmont, Oak Hills, Centerville, Middletown, Fairborn and Northwestern. The second game was even better posting a score of 1,053. This put them in 4th place and right in the thick of things. The lanes conditions were starting to change quite rapidly and the boys were making crucial adjustments. The Tigers rolled a 940 the 3rd game to post a 3 Game Score of 2,993.


Kestrel Boxes Built


The Darke County Park District recently hosted a program on the American Kestrel. Participants spent a portion of the program learning about North America’s smallest falcon, the American Kestrel. The group discussed habitat, diet, behavior and nesting habits of the kestrel. Each participant successfully built a Kestrel nesting box that they then took home in an effort to attract a nesting pair of kestrels to their own yard!

If you missed out on this program, please visit our website at www.darkecountyparks.org for all of our upcoming programs.


Premier Senior Insurance to Hold Free Informational Sessions

Premier Senior Insurance will be holding a series of FREE public Coffee Break informational sessions to familiarize local residents in Ohio and Indiana with their Medicare insurance choices. The topic will be Medicare Alphabet Soup – Understanding Your Options. Our next session will be on Thursday, March 21, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. to be held at the Greenville Public Library located at 520 Sycamore Street - 3rd Floor Greenville, OH. This session is designed to help those who are new to Medicare but all seniors who still have questions are welcome to attend. This is not a sales event but is intended for educational purposes only. For valuable information and driving directions, please see our website at, www.premierseniorinsurance.com. Interested seniors are asked to reply with intent to attend by calling 937-569-4048.

Monday, February 25, 2013

Tri-Village Blended Learning Academy Provides Customized Learning for All

Students have been taking advantage of a unique learning opportunity and customizing their own learning at Tri-Village this school year by enrolling in courses through their Blended Learning Academy. The flexibility this program affords allows students to best meet their educational needs, while providing them all the opportunities available at TV including access to the STEM Lab, athletics, and extra curricular activities. .

Tri-Village Blended Learning Academy (BLA) allows students to approach their education in a variety of ways. Students can take their entire curriculum online or pair online courses with on-campus courses in a traditional learning environment. Students can work on their virtual courses at home or using a computer at school. TVBLA offers core content areas to all students in grades K-12 as well as electives for grades 7-12.

While taking courses through the Blended Learning Academy, students continue to have access to a multitude of benefits that the Tri-Village community has to offer. Elementary students can participate in field trips daily specials with their grade level. High school students can participate in extra-curricular activities including our 3 star rated FFA program, our nationally recognized STEM program, morning tutoring and remediation, state ranked athletic teams, and club and music programs. High school students also have access to 18 college credit hours through Indiana University courses offered on campus.

The Tri-Village Blended Learning Lab is a free program that affords students, regardless of location, the opportunity to customize their own education and graduate with a Tri-Village High School diploma. For more information please visit our website (www.tri-village.k12.oh.us) or contact Tri-Village Schools at 937-996-1511

Alleged Scam Artist Arrested, GPD Warns Residents Against Similar Scams

After investigating a series of scams that have taken place in the past several weeks, the Greenville Police Department obtained an arrest warrant and arrested 52 year old Randy L. (Briekler) Hofacker on February 22, 2013. Hofacker is suspected of and booked into the Darke County Jail on one count of theft from an elderly person. The Ohio Revised Code defines an elderly person as: “Elderly person” means a person who is sixty-five years of age or older.

Several reports were filed with the Greenville Police Department where a subject would come to the victim’s residence and obtain money regarding repairs to their house, money for gas for a vehicle, money for a flat tire, money to get a vehicle out of a ditch, or assist them in cashing a check and then keeping the cash.

Citizens are urged to not loan money to people asking to borrow money if they don’t personally know them and to contact the Greenville Police Department at (937) S48-1103 if they have been victims to similar scams.

Coffee with the Commissioner at Wayne Lakes Park: March 2nd

Commissioner Mike Stegall will be at Wayne Lakes Park on Saturday, March 2nd for a “Coffee with the Commissioner” gathering.

Commissioner Stegall will be there starting at 9:00 a.m. This is the first time the Commissioner has been to Wayne Lakes and since this is where he grew up, he is looking forward to the visit. This meeting, like all the others, will be very informal with everyone able to ask questions about government, or happenings in the County. Everyone is invited to attend and the meeting will be held at the Community Center located in Wayne Lakes. All participants are encouraged to ask questions and interact with your county officials.

Please join Commissioner Stegall in Wayne Lakes Park on March 2nd for another “Coffee with the Commissioner.”

Darke County Relay for Life Kicks Off Planning for 2013

The Darke County Relay for Life Committee recently held their organizational “Kick Off” meeting. The meeting was led by Co-Chair Lois Lyons. Also on hand was Co-Chair Dawn Sanders and American Cancer Society (ACS) Staff Partner, Mark Kaufman.

The meeting was designed to introduce the many volunteers by committee and team and to address any questions, as well as, brainstorm for the Darke County Relay for Life event which will be held at Heritage Park in Versailles on July 19th – 20th.

Committee chairs were formally announced as:

  • Survivor Chair: Joyce Johnson
  • Luminaria Chair: Joni Robinson
  • Logistics Chair: Shelly Gasson
  • Auction Chair: Dawn Sanders
  • Entertainment & Activities Chair: Marcus Elleman
  • Financial Chair: Diane Elsas
  • Food Chair: Rose Schlater
  • Publicity Chair: Kathy Magoto & Laura Gower
  • Sponsorship Chair: Vicki Everetts
  • Health Promotions Chair: Carrie Drees
  • Online Chair: Lynne Mangen

Each committee consists of a supportive group of volunteers, but new volunteers are always welcomed. Volunteers bring their personal stories and vision to the fundraising efforts of the Relay event. Volunteers are our neighbors, friends, and relatives who desire to work together to raise awareness, network with cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, family and friends and help in the fight against cancer. The funds raised go to the American Cancer Society to fight against all types of cancer, as well as, provide support programs.


KYRGYZSTANI DELEGATES WELCOMED TO NEW MADISON LIBRARY

Five Kyrgyzstani delegates participating in the Open World Program will spend March 1st -9th in the Columbus area meeting with representatives from area libraries and exploring the role of libraries as community centers of technology.

Located in the mountains of Central Asia, The Republic of Kyrgyzstan is home to more than 5 million people. In 1991, the country gained independence after the fall of the USSR and is currently a democratic federal republic with both a President and Prime Minister. Kyrgyzstan has a literacy rate of 98.7%, and the majority of the country’s internet users utilize public internet sources via libraries and cyber cafes. During their time in Central, Ohio, the delegates will explore how libraries act as community centers for technology use as well as how they provide access to public information through the internet. The delegates hope to return to Kyrgyzstan with new ideas, skills, and contacts to help put these concepts to practice after the program.

The Columbus International Program will host the delegation in partnership with the Council of International Programs, USA who administers various programs on behalf of Open World. Managed by the independent Open World Leadership Center under Congressional mandate, Open World is designed to enhance understanding and cooperation between the United States and Eastern European countries by developing a network of leaders who have gained significant, firsthand exposure to America’s process of small business development and implementation of business legislation. The Open World Leadership Center has awarded this grant to The Council of International Programs USA, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio to administer this and similar exchanges in 2012 and beyond. The Columbus International Program is an affiliate of CIP USA which was founded nearly 50 years ago by Henry Ollendorf. Mr. Ollendorf was a refugee from Germany living in Cleveland Ohio who felt the atrocities of World War II should never be repeated. Since its founding, CIP USA has hosted thousands of international professionals and training programs.


WE NEED YOUR HELP!

The Versailles Area Historical Society & Museum are looking for items relating to the 1901 Versailles Fire, The Buckeye Overall Company, Beare’s Coffee Shop, Ward Drug Store, The Black Swamp Society, local church artifacts, early pictures of North Star, Brock, Webster, Frenchtown, Russia, Willowdell, Osgood, and Yorkshire.

We are also looking for salvage items from a local one room school house in the area. We are also interested in early scouting materials/items and photos are needed for an upcoming display.

We are also looking for early gardening and canning /kitchen tools. If anyone has any Poultry Days history or costumes we are in need for an upcoming display. Please contact Deb at 423-1106 or Jim at 467-1585 or the Museum and leave a message at 526-4222 if you can help. We appreciate you!

Garst Museum Announces New “Museum in a Suitcase for Children” Program

(L to R) Museum in a Suitcase for Children docents
Linda Newbauer, Anna Lee Dickerson, and Marian Eley.
The Garst Museum is excited to announce an additional traveling Museum in a Suitcase program. The new program is specifically created for groups of children ranging from the second to sixth grades. Garst Museum docents will bring a suitcase of museum artifacts to your local group or classroom and present a unique program highlighting the Garst Museum. The forty-five to sixty minute programs are free and are available for schools and activities such as Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, or 4-H clubs.

Garst Museum also offers a Museum in a Suitcase program for local adult groups. Both Museum in a Suitcase programs are offered at no charge and include opportunities to handle museum artifacts and to learn and reminisce about times gone by.

For more information about either Museum in a Suitcase program, please contact the Garst Museum at 937-548-5250 or via email at information@garstmuseum.org.

The Garst Museum is located at:
205 N. Broadway, Greenville, OH 45331
937-548-5250

Winter Day Camp Included Winter Wildlife Scavenger Hunt


Darke County Park District recently hosted a Winter Day Camp for those students who didn’t have school on President’s Day. The entire camp was spent following clues on a winter wildlife scavenger hunt. The clues led campers from the Nature Center out to the prairie, through the woods, over the creek and everywhere in between! Participants took home a bird feeder that they made to attract winter wildlife to their own home.

If you missed out on winter day camp, visit our website at www.darkecountyparks.org for all of our upcoming programs, including summer day camps. Registration is open NOW for our Summer Camps. Call the Nature Center today at 937.548.0165 to sign up, space is limited!

Sunday, February 24, 2013

IRISH MUSIC, FOOD AND BEER FEATURED AT DCCA'S ST. PATRICK'S DAY EVENT

“Irish Wave,” Darke County Center for the Arts fundraising party celebrating St. Patrick's Day, will feature Irish-themed food, Irish music, and craft beers from Cincinnati's Mt. Carmel Brewery. The event is scheduled for Friday, March 8 at Turtle Creek Golf Club, 6545 U.S. Route 36 East, Greenville. “DCCA wanted to schedule a festive event coinciding with the Irish holiday; we've worked with Turtle Creek to plan a delectable menu, with the golf club's distributor to bring in outstanding beer selections, and have booked fun-loving, talented musicians to add the crowning touch to what we believe will be a great party,” said DCCA Executive Director Andrea Jordan. “Irish Wave” opens at 6:30 p.m.

The buffet menu provided by the kitchen at Turtle Creek includes Irish potatoes, Irish rarebit on bread, corned beef bruschetta, Guinness-battered onion, bacon and cabbage balls, crab cakes with roasted red pepper sauce, and smoked salmon on Irish soda bread. Bottled beers to be tasted include Amber Ale, Blonde Ale, Nut Brown Ale, India Pale Ale, and Stout; additionally, Scotsman Ale, featuring a lightly smoked flavor balanced by cherry wood, will be available on draft. Eight tastes and a commemorative beer glass are included in the price of admission; additionally, door prizes will be awarded.

Music will be provided by Brigid's Cross, a duo who sing and play an eclectic selection of Irish music ranging from traditional to contemporary. The Brigid's Cross performance is made possible by the sponsorship of Second National Bank, and Edward Jones Investment representatives Dave Connelly, Steve Litchfield, Todd Subler, and Bill Wolke, and Andria Haworth, as well as Tom and Suzie Brown, and Zechar-Bailey Funeral Home.

Tickets for “Irish Wave” are $35, and can be purchased at Turtle Creek Golf Club or by contacting DCCA at 937-547-0908 or on-line at www.centerforarts.net.

$1.00 Bag Days set at Clothing Bank

Carole Schafer, CAP employee, is shown with some winter items for sale!
Clothing Bank Bag Days at Community Action Partnership of Darke County, has been set for March 6 & 8 from 9 – 3 pm on all winter clothing only: sweaters, flannel shirts, heavy pants, all winter items, all you can fit in the bag for just $1.00 each! Bags will be provided by Sue Waddell, Clothing Bank Coordinator. Sue stated, “We need to clear the Winter items to get ready for Spring and Summer, so come on out! There’s lots of room in the bags, too!” The Clothing Bank is located in the basement of the CAP building at 1469 Sweitzer St., Greenville, OH. Normal hours are from 9 – 3 on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Building Materials Needed at Park District

The Darke County Park District is taking on a new endeavor in creating an 18th Century Blacksmith Shop and we need your help in making our newest pioneer project come to life! Several local blacksmith professionals have expressed interest in volunteering their time and skill to create a working blacksmith shop of yesteryear. Your support is needed to complete the shop! The Park District is requesting logs, rough-sawn lumber, brick for hearth and chimney, and once plans are approved, volunteer labor.

If you do not have material donations and would like to help out, tax deductible donations can be made to the Park District in any amount. Donations of $100 or more will enable the donor to have their name or family’s name on a permanent plaque inside the blacksmith shop. For more information on our newest pioneer venture, please contact Jim Poeppelman at 937.467.4397 or the Park District Office at 937.548.0165. Thank you for supporting YOUR Darke County Parks!


Saturday, February 23, 2013

“DISCIPLINE, THE ACRONYM” – A FREE PARENTING WORKSHOP

A free parenting workshop titled “Discipline, the Acronym” will be presented Saturday, March 9 from 9:00 am to noon at the EUM Worship Center located at 1451 Sater Street in Greenville, Ohio.

This three-hour workshop is for parents of all aged-children and will provide an overview of ten discipline tips, the first letter of each spelling out the word "discipline." For instance, D= distraction, I= ignore immature misbehaviors, S= structure the environment, etc. This workshop will explore the critical values of discipline guidelines that may be used for most child age groups. Participants' questions will guide specific responses as we work through all of the tips.

The workshop is written and presented by Beverly Hughes, BA. “I have taught parenting skills through Children's Services, Juvenile Court, to pregnant teens through the schools, and now in churches. Families are more distracted and disjointed than ever before. Families do not need judgment and punishment as much as family advocates to model, encourage, and support them.”

Grandparents and caregivers are welcome and childcare is available if requested when registering. Call 548-3211 for more information or to register.

The Parenting Workshop is a ministry of EUM Church. Our 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. The Downtown Campus, 111 Devor Street, houses our offices and preschool. For more information, go to www.eumchurch.org or call 548-3211.

MARCH BLOOD DRIVES ANNOUNCED FOR DARKE COUNTY

Spring into action and donate at one of these great Darke County Blood Drives.

Scheduling your appointment is easy. Go on line to www.donortime.com to schedule your own appointment. You can also contact Dana Puterbaugh, Darke County - Account Representative @ 937-997-2199 / dputerbaugh@givingblood.org to schedule your appointment.

Please remember that appointments have priority and Walk –Ins are always welcome as the schedule permits. This just means that if you walk in and all appointments are filled at the time you come to the blood drive we will let you know when the next available appointment is and you have the choice to either wait or come back at the time that is available.

Please always allow 45 minutes to 1 hour to get through the entire process, even if you have an appointment.

Friday, March 1, 2013
Midmark Corporation
7:00 am – 11:00 am
Employees Only


Woodcock Watch

The spring courtship ritual of this unique bird is a treat to behold.

Join a Darke County Parks’ Naturalist on Thursday, February 28th at 5:30pm as we spy on the male woodcock as he struts his stuff and shows off his aerobatics for the ladies. Quite an unusual looking “shore”-bird, the woodcock is present most of the year, but we only get good looks during its short mating season. Meet at the Nature Center (4267 State Route 502 West) and we’ll carpool to our viewing location. Please be sure to pre-register by calling the Nature Center at 937.548.0165 in the event that we need to change our date to mesh up with the ground thaw (and the start of the mating season). Dress for the weather and bring binoculars if you have them.

For more information on this and other programs offered by the Darke County Parks, please visit our website at www.darkecountyparks.org

Friday, February 22, 2013

Greenville's Fletcher Among Governor Kasich's State Board Appointments

Today Governor John R. Kasich announced the following appointments:

Marvella K. Fletcher of Greenville (Darke Co.) and Robinson W. Joslin of Sidney (Shelby Co.) have been appointed to the Edison State Community College Board of Trustees for terms beginning February 22, 2013, and ending January 17, 2019.

Renee L. Jessen of Berkey (Lucas Co.) and Rebecca Salinger of Ashtabula (Ashtabula Co.) have been reappointed to the State Veterinary Medical Licensing Board for terms beginning February 22, 2013, and ending December 31, 2015.

John A. Brandt of Westerville (Franklin Co.) has been appointed to the State Veterinary Medical Licensing Board for a term beginning February 22, 2013, and ending December 31, 2015.

Children’s Art Class Openings

One of our young students working with family member on tulip painting that will be part of a group project.
The Art-Rageous Experience – Children’s Art Program has a few openings for children aged 4 through 7 years old in the current session of classes – and your child can begin immediately. The children work on all kinds of visual arts each Saturday morning along with the support and encouragement of their parent or other adult. There are different projects each week and they also learn about different artists, art techniques and there are visits from local artists with some of their art work.

These classes are fun, age appropriate, and keep children’s mind and hands busy! The classes are sponsored by Council on Rural Services and taught by an experienced teacher/artist at a local downtown Greenville setting.

Art programs also teach many other skills while doing art. Such as: problems have more than one solution and that questions can have more than one answer, teaches students that small differences can have large effects, and requires students to use their eyes and hands to give form to their ideas. Art helps young children explore creativity, to pay attention to detail, build self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment.

Fees for the classes are family affordable with full scholarships available if needed, all supplies are furnished. To enroll your child in this class, call Council on Rural Services at our local toll free number 1-866-627-4557 and ask for Debby Brayfield.

Come and join us – we are busy creating!

Maple Sugarin’ at the Prairie

The trees have been tapped, the temperatures are just right and the sap is flowing! Join the Darke County Parks on Saturday, March 2nd from 7:30am-4:00pm for Maple Sugarin’ at the Prairie! This early spring day at Shawnee Prairie offers guided tours through history and science as we learn the process of turning sap into syrup. After our tour through the woods, we’ll visit the Sugar Shack, where you can warm up in the steam-filled evaporator room as the sap spends countless hours on a boil to reduce it down to syrup. Then head out to the Log House where you can visit with our 200-year-old pioneers and discuss 18th century life. There will also be a 50/50 raffle. Finally complete the day at the Nature Center where the gift shop will be full of maple goodies for your sweet tooth!

The Friends of the Parks will once again be serving up a hearty breakfast of waffles, sausage, juice, coffee and of course pure Ohio Maple Syrup! Carry-out is Available. Breakfast will be served from 7:00am-10:30am. For tickets, call the Nature Center at 937.548.0165 or purchase them from any Friend of the Parks member for a $5 donation.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Needs Sponsors for Bowl For Kids’ Sake Event

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby and Darke Counties announce the annual bowling fundraiser, when hundreds of area bowlers team up to support the agency’s biggest event of the year. We’re recruiting bowlers and sponsors to help with our bowling party. Bowling For Kids’ Sake is a national event with almost 700 local agencies holding their own bowling parties to fund their year-round one-to-one mentoring program between caring adults and children facing adversity.

Bowl for Kids’ Sake 2013 will take place at Bel-Mar Lanes in Sidney and Treaty Lanes in Greenville on Friday, March 1 from 5-6 p.m., and at Bel-Mar Lanes and Treaty Lanes on Sunday, March 3 from 12-5 p.m.

Bowl for Kids’ Sake is open to the public and local community members can form 4 – 5 person teams. Each team member collects donations and comes out to enjoy the party. Sponsorships available at this time include team sponsorships for $300. This allows the company to enter a five-person team of the company’s employees and a lane banner during the two day event. A Lane Sponsorships are also available for $125, placing the company name above one of the lanes during the day-long event. All sponsor names are announced throughout the day. Many fantastic prizes will be awarded at this event!

Individuals and businesses are needed as bowlers and sponsors. For more information or to register a team, please call the Sidney office at 937-492-7611 or the Greenville office at 937-547-9622, or visit our website at www.bigbrobigsis-shelbydarke.org.

Controlling Pests on the Farm

Modern seed genetics help stave off insect problems in crops. Farmers also use Integrated Pest Management techniques which involve inspecting crops and monitoring crops for damage, and using mechanical trapping devices, natural predators (e.g., insects that eat other insects), insect growth regulators, mating disruption substances (pheromones), and if necessary, chemical pesticides. The use of biological pesticides is an important component of IPM. In technical terms, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the coordinated use of pest and environmental information with available pest control methods to prevent unacceptable levels of pest damage by the most economical means and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment.

Technology has also assisted in controlling weeds in crops also. Several years ago Round-Up Ready Soybeans and then Round-Up Ready Corn were introduced to the market. This allowed farmers to plant the seed and then come in later with Round-Up and kills all vegetation except the desired crop. This transformed how we controlled weeds in our crops for several years. But just like human viruses have developed resistance to some antibiotics we began to see weeds that developed a resistance to the herbicide active ingredient in Round-Up, glyphosate. If you see a field heavily invested with a weed you have probably found a resistant weed like marestail (horseweed), giant ragweed or pigweed.


DCCA PRESENTS “OPERATION LUNCH LINE” IN LOCAL SCHOOLS

“Kid Power Operation Lunch Line,” an interactive musical show designed to help children discover the value of good nutrition, will be Darke County Center for the Arts final presentation in its Arts In Education series for this school year. The show which will be performed for kindergarten through third grade students in all local public schools during the week of March 15 is free and open to the public.

“This show uses spectacular visual effects to take the audience on an amazing journey inside the human body of a boy named Max who doesn't eat properly,” explained Keith Rawlins, Artistic Director for DCCA. “Through audience participation, students educate and motivate Max to make good decisions, and in the process expand their own knowledge of how to maintain a healthy lifestyle,” Mr. Rawlins concluded.

DCCA's Arts In Education Series opened October 4 and 5 with a performance for junior high students of Through the Eyes of a Friend, an informative and moving performance offering insight into the life and times of Anne Frank. Jonathan Kingham and Ryan Smith led songwriting workshops for high school students from November 12 through 15, and Eisenhower Dance Company will explore the many aspects of movement and dance for fourth-through-sixth-graders February 25 through March 1. “This diverse lineup exemplifies DCCA's goal for our AIE programs to expand imaginations and inspire creativity while teaching valuable lessons on a broad range of academic subjects,” stated Mr. Rawlins.

Arts In Education is sponsored by Dayton Power and Light Company Foundation, Greenville Federal, Maid-Rite Sandwich Shoppe, Vectren Foundation, Edison Community College, The Andersons Inc., BASF, Littman-Thomas Agency, and Mercer Savings Bank, and receives support from the Ketrow Foundation and the Lydia E. Schaurer Memorial Trust Fund. DCCA also receives operating support from the Harry D. and Esther Stephens Memorial and the Ohio Arts Council, which helped fund this program with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence, and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.

Performance schedules for Arts In Education shows are determined in cooperation with the schools. Contact DCCA at 937-547-0908 or dcca@centerforarts.net for specific performance times of “Kid Power Operation Lunch Line” or to learn more about the Arts In Education series.

Arcanum Historical Society has Special Guest

The Arcanum Wayne Trail Historical Society, located at 123 West George St, on March 14th at 7:00 p.m., will have a special guest, David Conner. He will greet the audience at the meeting in first person recounting when he arrived in Greenville, Ohio about 1810 and moving on to Ft. Recovery, an Indian territory and later establishing a trading post on the Mississinawa. The Pioneer Fur Trader will focus on the summer of 1812 in the Indiana Territory and share his experiences with the historical society. Mr. Conner, moved who westward with the Indians, was a gruff man who did not like trading with the white man. Later, he moved westward into Indian territory ending in Grant County, Indiana about 1825 owning about 2000 acres.

Historian Tom Franklin will be the presenter and dressed in costume of trading post owner, David Conner and tell the trader’s story. Mr. Franklin has an extensive background in western fur trade and mountain men. He is on the Board of Directors of Randolph County Historical Society and the Board of Directors of the Mississinawa Battlefield Society. This presentation is open to the public. This is an encore presentation for Tom Franklin to the Historical Society with a previously highly attended event. It is imperative to return and hear Mr. Franklin continue his stories.

Other upcoming events for the society are the continuation of the popular Euchre Parties every first and third Friday of the month at 1:00 – 3:30. No partner needed is needed in advance to participate as well as no advanced reservations, just come, play Euchre and enjoy the afternoon.
The Spring Fling and Barn Siding Yard Décor sale held by the Historical Society at Old Fashions Day will be the kickoff event prior to the return of the Farmers Market during the summer. The Spring Fling sale will feature chairs of all kinds, wooden, decorated, slatted back, metal chairs and more. Don’t miss a trip to the delicious homemade goody table of ready to use or freeze items that will be included in the sale, items will be to tasty not to be purchased and taken home.

As always, the Historical Society is accepting any donated items for use in the spring sale, garage sale and Christmas Bazaar. Items may be left on the front or back porch at any time. Continuation, and highly appreciated, is the aluminum cans project for recycling. Cans may be left on the back porch. Look for current events, historical research and membership information on the website of the society at www.arcanumhistoricalsociety.org.

DINING WITH DIABETES

If you have diabetes, if you have a family member with diabetes or if you support and care for someone with diabetes, you will want to enroll in Dining with Diabetes, an educational class designed to help you learn to reduce sugar, salt and fat in food and better control blood sugar.

Dining with Diabetes will be offered on Wednesday, April 3rd, 10th, and April 17th, at the OSU Extension Learning Center, 603 Wagner Avenue, Greenville, Ohio. The class fee is $25.00, which covers the food for demonstration and tasting, recipe booklets and other educational materials. Pre-registration and payment are required. The deadline is March 28, 2013.

Instructors for the course are Diane Barga, Program Coordinator, Ohio State University Extension, and Karen Droesch, Diabetes Educator, Wayne Health Care.

If you need additional information, call 937-548-5215, or e-mail barga.8@osu.edu.

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Why would my A1C Level be High?

A1C is a blood test that shows your average blood glucose throughout the day, for the last 2-3 months. The American Diabetes Association recommends that your A1C level be 7% or less (an average blood glucose of 154 mg/dl), and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists recommends that your A1C level be 6.5% or less (an average blood glucose of 140 mg/dl).

So why would your A1C level be higher than your average blood glucose level. You may be testing your blood glucose the first thing in the morning. It may be within target range at this time; however, your blood glucose may increase throughout the day. You may be basing your blood glucose readings on your premeal blood glucose levels. This does not take into account your blood glucose levels after you eat. Your blood glucose may also increase throughout the night when you are sleeping.

Testing your blood glucose at alternating times throughout the day will help you learn how food, activity, stress, illness, and medication affect your blood glucose. To learn more about what can affect your blood glucose levels, interoperating your results, improving blood glucose and lowering your risk of complications consider attending group classes at Wayne HealthCare.


Sharon Short at Author's Night

The Friends of the Greenville Public Library are proud to announce writer Sharon Short as their special guest at Author's Night Friday, February 22nd. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. at Montage in downtown Greenville - in plenty of time to enjoy supper or food & drinks throughout the evening. J.R. Price and Bill Westfall provide lively, fun music; Sharon will go on at 7:00.

Sharon Short is the author of the novel My One Square Inch of Alaska (published by Penguin Plume) in which a pair of siblings escape the strictures of their 1950's industrial Ohio town on the adventure of a lifetime. Opening chapters of this novel earned Sharon a 2012 Ohio Arts Council individual artist's grant and a 2011 Montgomery County Arts & Cultural District Literary Artist Fellowship.

Sharon is the Literary Life columnist for the Dayton Daily News, directs the renowned Antioch Writer's Workshop in Yellow Springs, and is adjunct instructor of creative writing and composition at Antioch University. Sharon has also published two mystery series as well as short stories, essays, and a humor column that ran for 10 years in the Dayton Daily News.

Learn more on Sharon's webpage www.sharonshort.com, Facebook page www.facebook.com/SharonShortAuthor, or Twitter feed @SharonGShort. Author's Night is free and open to the public. Be sure to come and enjoy this delightful author.


Kasich Pushing for Expanded Medicaid, Singles Out Jim Buchy for Support

The Columbus Dispatch reported on Governor Kasich's State of the State Address, specifically his "impor[ing] [the] GOP to expand Medicaid."

Obviously, for a conservative in today's climate to suggest the expansion of a federally funded program is politically risky. The Dispatch even cited a Tea Party group who "threatened a primary challenge for any Republican lawmaker who votes in favor of the expansion."

The article goes on...
“I know it’s controversial,” Kasich said, before he called out a Republican representative by name. “We’re not ignoring the weak. Jim Buchy (of Greenville), the Lord doesn’t want us to ignore them.”
Kasich's reasoning for the proposed expansion is "the $13 billion he says it will return to Ohio over seven years and because of the funding it would free up to treat the mentally ill," according to the Dispatch.

It'll be interesting to see what political push back will happen from Kasich's stance, but I also wonder what the specific reaction from law makers like Buchy will be? Maybe he will address it in a future guest column?

Varsity Girls Bowling Team Sectional Champions!

The Versailles Varsity Girls Bowling team competed in the 2013 OHSAA Sectional Bowling Tournament at Marian Lanes in Huber Heights on Wednesday, February 13th. The team format for the Sectional Championships consists of 3 games of regular bowling followed by 6 baker games. The 4 teams with the highest total pin count advance to the District tournament. Schools competing in this Sectional were: Ansonia, Bellefontaine, Benjamin Logan, Catholic Central, Chaminade-Julienne, Graham, Greeneview, Greenon, Indian Lake, Kenton Ridge, Mechanicsburg, Mississinawa Valley, Northeastern, Northwestern, Russia, Sidney, Shawnee, Southeastern, Springfield, Urbana, Versailles, and West-Liberty Salem.

“Coming off last week’s big win over Coldwater to win the WOHSBC, it would be real easy to have a letdown this week. Stay focused and bowl your game and things will work out great today,” stated Coach Davidson. The girls started off the first couple of frames a little shaky, but proceeded to get it together to finish the 1st game with a fine 869. This put them in 2nd place after one game. After moving lanes for the 2nd game, they turned it on with a 948. They were now in the lead by 1 pin over Greenon. As in all tournament play, the Lady Tigers moved onto the next pair and was able to fire a 958. After 3 games, there is about an hour break to tally the scores and to re-seed all the teams based on their qualifying socres. Versailles was in great shape and in 1st place over the 2nd place team (Sidney) by 150 pins.


PICTURES WITH THE EASTER BUNNY

Get your Pet's Picture taken with the EASTER BUNNY on Saturday, March 9th, 2013 from 10am to 2pm at Greenville Walmart in the Garden Center.

The “Darke County Friends of the Shelter”, a 501c3 organization, and Wal-Mart will be taking pictures of your companion animals with Easter Bunny. All animals must enter Wal-Mart through the Garden Center entrance.

The cost of the photo is only $3.00 and all proceeds will go to the "Darke County Friends of the Shelter" helping the dogs and cats at the Darke County Animal Shelter.

Children are also welcome to have their pictures taken with the Easter Bunny. Bring your whole family for a picture! Wal-Mart will offer a photo package deal for Easter.

All pets must be on a leash or in a pet carrier. Please come and support the Darke County Friends of the Shelter!

For more information you can contact the Animal Shelter at 937-547-1645.

Versailles Boys Bowlers Advance to District Tournament


The Versailles Varsity Boys Bowling team competed in the 2013 OHSAA Sectional Bowling Tournament at Marian Lanes in Huber Heights on Friday, February 15th. The team format for the Sectional Championships consists of 3 games of regular bowling followed by 6 baker games. The 6 teams with the highest total pin count advance to the District tournament. The following teams competed in the sectional: Ansonia, Bellefontaine, Benjamin Logan, Catholic Central, Chaminade-Julienne, Graham, Greeneview, Greenon, Indian Lake, Kenton Ridge, Mechanicsburg, Mississinawa Valley, Northeastern, Northwestern, Russia, Sidney, Shawnee, Southeastern, Springfield, Tri-Village, Urbana, Versailles, and West Liberty-Salem

“The way these guys finished the last half of the season, there is no reason they cannot make it out of Sectionals. They just need to have confidence in themselves and make it happen.” TheTigers were in 1st place after game one by rolling a 1,073. They dropped to 2nd place behind Bellefontaine by rolling a 979 the second game. The 3rd game the lanes were starting to really transition and the Tigers were able to roll a nice 950 game to put them in 3rd place after 3 games.


Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Tri-Village Rescue Services upgrades fleet


The Board of Trustees and the members of the Tri-Village Rescue Services are proud to put into service a 2012 Braun International Terra Star ambulance purchased on Valentine’s Day to replace the oldest ambulance in the Tri-Village fleet.

The New unit was a demo from Braun ambulance. This unit traveled all across the country to different ambulance shows, which helped to reduce its price tag from $190,000.00 to $150,000.00, saving the tax payers almost $40,000.00 dollars. The unit only had 20,000 miles on it, which is not a lot for this type of chassis. The unit replaced a 16 year-old Braun ambulance that was starting to have major issues and costing the district a lot of money to maintain. The new unit has all the newest in safety equipment for both the patients and the crew. Eric Burns, the Chief of the department, is quoted as saying “This will be a 12 to 15 year truck buying the heavier chassis we will be able to extend the life of our ambulances. We now have two ambulances that will last this organization well into the future. The nice thing about Braun ambulance is that we can take the boxes off when the chassis needs replaced and put the box on a new chassis and save money on the units by continuing to use the same box. We chose Braun because they are built in Van Wert, Ohio and we can get quick service without having to ship the truck out of state.”

Larry Royer, the President of the Joint Ambulance District, stated that the new truck is going to be a win-win for the district. Not only will it be dependable but it will save us in repair cost. Over the last 25 years I have helped replace 4 ambulances here at Tri-Village Rescue and have seen the cost of those ambulances go from the mid $50,000.00 dollar range to well over $150,000.00 and they are only going to get more expensive with the increase in government regulations placed on the manufacturers of these units. If we purchased this ambulance as a new unit just built, it would have cost the district an additional $60K with the new regulations so we saved a great deal of funds doing it this way.

Delbert Braun, President of Tri-Village Rescue Services Board, stated that Chief Burns and his staff have shown by replacing the old unit with a demo unit that the Members and the Board of trustees are cautious concerning the districts funding and saving the district money. We as members of the Tri-Village Rescue Services district are blessed to have such an outstanding group of medical professionals volunteering for our organization.

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