Friday, November 30, 2012

Mississinawa Valley FFA News

MV FFA plays Versailles FFA in Softball


As part of the Versailles FFA September meeting on September 17, 2012, the Mississinawa Valley FFA was invited to play a game of softball and enjoy a cookout with the Versailles FFA chapter. This recreational evening served as a great time for the members from each school to get to know one another and to enjoy some FFA member fellowship. The softball game was enjoyed by everyone, with the Mississinawa Valley chapter coming out victorious! Members of the Mississinawa Valley FFA who attended were Preston Deeter, Datona Jackson, Kyle Jones, Emilio Chavez, Kelsi Amspaugh, Chelsea Skidmore, Makinzi Marker, Kelsey Lumpkin, Hunter Coning, Michael Hummel, Vincent Arnold, Joe Schmitz, Brad Slyder, Levi Livingston, Tyler Jenkinson, and Zach Dirmeyer. The Mississinawa Valley FFA would like to thank the Versailles FFA for inviting us, as it was a very fun evening.


MV FFA Hosts October FFA Meeting

This year the Mississinawa Valley FFA, a satellite program of the MVCTC, held its annual Halloween meeting on October 22nd at Stocksdale's Woods. All FFA members were invited to wear a costume and attend the meeting to eat, play games, and take part in our monthly business. The evening started off with a chili and “Beanies & Doggies” dinner. The officers then led games including a costume contest and an egg toss. The students were very creative this year as there were many different Halloween costumes including witches, sports players, farmers, and many more! A special thank you goes out to Mr. and Mrs. Stocksdale for letting us use their facility. The MV FFA, despite the weather, had a successful Halloween meeting once again this year with over 80 members in attendance!

JOY FM’S MONTH OF JOYFUL GIVING

WJYW-Joy FM (88.9 FM/94.5, 97.7 Richmond) will be holding their 2nd annual “Month of Joyful Giving” December 1-18. This year the station is partnering with Rock Solid Ministries to “Blanket Richmond”. There are many people in the Richmond area who are in need of the warmth a new blanket can provide and the station has a goal of providing two hundred blankets to people in the Richmond area. “You don’t have to go to the inner city of New York to find people in need of a blanket,” stated Joy FM General Manager, Dan Franks. He added, “We’re planning to help people right here in our listening area.”

The station is also helping the Pregnancy Care Centers located in the listening area. The most needed items are diapers, baby wipes, formula, baby cereal, lotions and powders. Franks shared, “We’re looking to provide for some basic needs of babies in our listening area. It seems appropriate since gifts we’re brought to the baby Jesus on that first Christmas.

Perhaps families can see this as an opportunity to be reminded of the true meaning of Christmas.” For those wishing to drop off new blankets or baby supplies, you may do so at the following locations December 1st through the 18th:

  • Bread of Life Christian Book Store-107 W. Main St., Greenville
  • Trinity Gifts and Books-4623 National Road East, Richmond
  • All Old National Bank locations in Union City, Richmond, Portland, Winchester, Losantville, and Farmland.

State of the Heart Hospice and Wayne HealthCare Announce New Hospice Unit for Patients at Hospital

Pictured at the recent signing of the lease agreement with State of the Heart and Wayne HealthCare, are, left to right: Wayne Deschambeau, Wayne HealthCare President and CEO, Ted Bauer, Executive Director, State of the Heart, and Dennis Lockard, CFO for Wayne HealthCare.
State of the Heart Hospice and Wayne HealthCare of Greenville have announced plans to open a unit for State of the Heart Hospice patients at the hospital. Officials said they hope the new hospice inpatient unit, which will have up to five beds designated for patients, will be open in early 2013.

“State of the Heart Hospice has been providing care to area patients for more than 30 years,” stated Ted Bauer, Executive Director of the nonprofit agency. “Many hospices have an inpatient unit, and we have realized for some time that it is something really needed in our community.” He said renovation and refurbishing of the unit will begin immediately.

State of the Heart, with offices in Greenville, Coldwater and Portland, cares for patients and families in eastern Indiana and western Ohio who are confronting a life-limiting illness. “The unit at Wayne HealthCare would be available for patients in our entire service area,” Bauer added. While hospice care focuses on keeping patients at home where they are most comfortable, individual cases sometimes call for an inpatient setting.

Wayne HealthCare President and CEO Wayne Deschambeau stated, “State of the Heart Hospice and Wayne HealthCare have always had an excellent relationship over the years with each focusing on providing the best in patient care. The addition of the hospice unit at Wayne HealthCare is truly a reflection of the continuum of care for patients and families.”

Bauer said the unit will be located on the fourth floor of the hospital, with windows overlooking the Darke County Fairgrounds. Hospice clinical staff will be on duty at the unit and the nurse’s station has direct access to the patient rooms. The designated hospice module can be approached from the rear of the hospital or the front entrance. The unit is away from day to day foot traffic in the hospital, providing a quiet, restful environment, Bauer explained.

FOUR DARKE COUNTY LIONS CLUBS ARE IN THE SPOTLIGHT!

TEDDY BEARS & FRIENDS FOR WAYNE HEALTHCARE PATIENTS BLOOD DRIVE!

Providing big smiles and a little comfort to Wayne HealthCare patients over the last 16 years. That is exactly what the Lions Clubs from Arcanum, Gettysburg, Greenville, and Pitsburg have been doing. These local Lions Clubs partnered with Community Blood Center many years ago and created the Teddy Bears & Friends for Wayne HealthCare program. They make it financially possible to purchase Teddy Bears and other stuffed animals that are given out to patients at Wayne HealthCare during the Christmas Holiday Season. This is definitely a joint effort. The Lions Clubs provide the finances and I purchase the stuffed bundles of love. I don’t take this job lightly either. I make sure to purchase the cutest ones I can find and imagine the smiles and joy they must bring to a child who has to visit the hospital for any reason during the Holiday Season.

So you might ask what does all of this have to do with blood drives? Well not only do these great Lions Clubs provide the finances for the Teddy Bears & Friends for Wayne HealthCare patients, they also host the December Community Blood Drive in Greenville. This is where the two come together. The stuffed animals are brought to the blood drive. Everyone who comes to donate blood gets to sign a special gift tag that is attached to the stuffed animal of their choice. After the blood drive the specially tagged stuffed animals are taken to Wayne HealthCare and distributed to different departments. They are now ready to be given out to patients at Wayne HealthCare, to help make them feel better.

There are many great stories of how this small gesture has made a huge difference in the patient. A few blood donors have actually received letters of thanks from the patient’s family.

Please thank these fine Lions Clubs for making a difference, by providing blood as well as comfort during the holidays to local patients.

The blood drive on December 11, 2012 marks the 17th year for Teddy Bears & Friends for Wayne HealthCare Patients. The blood drive will be held at Greenville Church of the Brethren on 421 Central Avenue in Greenville. Donation hours will be from 12:30 pm – 6:30 pm, and appointments are encouraged.

Thank you so much to the Lions Clubs of Arcanum, Gettysburg, Greenville, and Pitsburg for you community service.

Everyone who registers to donate blood now through December 31 will also receive a special gift. Community Blood Center (CBC) is helping donors bundle up this December with the new “Blood Donor – Save Lives” knit scarf in scarlet and grey.

This neck wear is both practical and stylish and arrives just in time for the gift-gathering time of year. The scarf is free to everyone who registers to donate at any CBC branch and most mobile blood drives Monday, Nov. 26 through New Year’s Eve, Monday, Dec. 31.

The scarlet and grey colors are both holiday festive and unmistakably connected to the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Notice about important changes to CBC’s donor ID system - CBC has assigned new, eight-digit donor identification numbers to all donors. When donors present their current CBC Donor ID card at a CBC branch or mobile drive it will be noted for replacement and the donor will receive a new plastic Donor ID card and key fob card in the mail. Donors must use their new Donor ID number to schedule appointments on www.DonorTime.com.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

St. Mary's G.L.O.R.Y. Youth Ministry Fundraiser at Bob Evans, December 7,8, & 9

St. Mary's G.L.O.R.Y. Youth Ministry is hosting a fundraiser weekend at Bob Evans Restaurant, in Greenville on Friday, December 7, Saturday, December 8 and Sunday, December 9th. Please print out the flyer below and turn it in when you pay for your meal on any of these three days and the youth group will receive 15% from Bob Evans for their ministry at no additional cost to you. Proceeds are used for youth retreats, socials and service projects/missions. We thank you in advance for your help! Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year to Everyone! Call Deb Shiverdecker, Youth Minister if you have any questions or need additional flyers to share with friends and family (937)417-7231.

Click here to download and print a flyer to take to Bob Evans for the fundraiser.

First Congregational Christian Church Family Christmas Celebration and Carry-In

THE PUBLIC IS INVITED:

To the First Congregational Christian Church Family Christmas Celebration and Carry-In!

~December 2nd at 5pm~

We will serve dinner and ask only that you bring a side dish to share. Following the meal we’ll enjoy “THE CHRISTMAS GIFT PRESENTATION” featuring the talents of many. Just as the Wisemen broughtJesus gifts, we are going to share our gifts and talents with each other! There will also be Christmas Trivia, singing carols and decorating our tree as we fellowship together and get in the Christmas spirit!

Join us at 115 West Fifth Street in Greenville!

Call 548-3575 with questions

MV FFA Holds Annual Fun Night

The pie eating contest was highly competitive, and enjoyable for everyone.
On Wednesday, September 19, 2012, the Missisinawa Valley FFA held their annual member fun night. The annual fun night serves as a great opportunity for the freshmen and any new members to meet and get to know the other members. The evening began with the September FFA meeting and ending with a highly competitive pie eating contest. Following the meeting, the members enjoyed pizza and pop before heading to the gym for fun and games which included four corners, dodge ball, and basketball. There were around 80 members present and the night proved to be very successful and enjoyable for everyone.

SPECIAL DINNER PRESENTED TO GTS EMPLOYEES

Seated are some of the employees and family members of GTS
On November 15, 2012, Ms. Ann Bohler presented Greenville Transit System employees and their families, including Pam Garland, Transportation Director, to dinner at the St. Claire Home. The evening consisted of a wonderful buffet dinner with appetizers and plenty of dessert. Ms. Bohler worked out the details with General Manager, Kathy Cool to present the employees with a special thank you dinner for their services to her throughout her time riding the transit. Afterwards, everyone was given a tour the beautiful home, which was fully decorated for the Christmas holidays.

Greenville Transit System’s employees would like to thank Ann for her generosity and say how much we appreciated the dinner and the tour. For information on riding the Greenville Transit System call (937)547-1811. Greenville Transit System is funded by funds from Ohio Department of Transportation, FTA, City of Greenville, and rider fees. MV Transportation operates the transit system for the City of Greenville.

MV FFA Hosts 43rd Annual Fall Fair

The Mississinawa Valley FFA chapter held their 43rd annual Fall Fair on October 4th, 2012. There was a great interest in the chicken and ham dinners this year as the chapter sold over 2000 dinners! Each meal consisted of a chicken half or 2 slices of ham, applesauce, green beans, a roll, a drink and pie. The meal is prepared entirely by the student members of the chapter along with some help from the Mississinawa Valley Cafeteria Staff. Every year, the MV FFA works hard to make the Fall Fair a success, and with the help of the members this year’s event was record setting.

Like in years past, each FFA member brought in a minimum of 3 exhibits that were judged and displayed in the Ag shop for the community to come see. The different categories of items included: hay, grain, flowers, eggs, fruits, vegetables, baked goods, and shop items. The most points earned in each category were awarded as follows: Shop: Sydney Drew, Flowers: Kasey Hummel, Cake/Pie: Kasey Hummel, Vegetables: Kasey Hummel, Grain: Kara Jessup, Hay: Chelsea Skidmore, Fruit: Kasey Hummel, Eggs: Brad Slyder, Canned Goods: Jessica Rieman, and the overall winners were 1st place Kasey Hummel, 2nd place Chelsea Skidmore, and 3rd place Sara Timmerman.

Many of our dedicated community members come out each year during the day and help judge our Fall Fair items. The judges included: Mary Boettger, Megan Wagner, Greg Beherns, Bill Stocksdale, Velma Breymier, and Paul Armstrong. The MV FFA would like to thank all of the judges for spending their time helping us out and making our Fall Fair possible every year!

Also, a special thank you to all of the members, whom without all of your hard work and dedication, Fall Fair would not have been a success! Another big thank you goes out to our local Main Street Market for donating bags and Cal Maine for donating boxes. The Mississinawa Valley FFA is very proud of the successful event we had this year and is looking forward to the many other events we have planned.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

ANOTHER ELDORA FIRST… NASCAR CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES COMING TO ELDORA

...Here's the Press Release from Eldora on the Announcement, check out the embedded video of the truck test -JL...

NASCAR Camping World Truck Series tackles Eldora’s high-banks on Wednesday, July 24
Inaugural Mudsummer Classic marks another historic first in Speedway’s 60th Season Celebration

Eldora Speedway and NASCAR announced today another milestone event in the legendary half-mile oval’s rich history as the 60-year-old track will play host to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in 2013. The Inaugural Mudsummer Classic on Wednesday, July 24 will mark the first NASCAR-sanctioned National Tour event held on dirt since September 1970 in Raleigh, N.C.

“Eldora typically hosts 10 different touring series each year, and we’re very proud to have NASCAR join the list of series that will compete at our track,” said Tony Stewart, the three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion and owner of Eldora Speedway. “NASCAR’s history began in the sands of Daytona and on the dirt of the Carolinas, and having the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series on the dirt at Eldora brings that history back to a new generation of fans, as well as Eldora’s own fan base.


“The same fans who come to watch a dirt Late Model, a World of Outlaws Sprint Car or USAC Midget might not be the same fan who takes in a NASCAR race. But by bringing NASCAR to their world, at one of the most well-known dirt tracks in the country, will make the Inaugural Mudsummer Classic a must-see for fans of dirt-track racing and NASCAR.”

NASCAR Trucks Officially Coming to Eldora in its Return to Dirt

We've talked about the rumors several times over the last few weeks and it's now official. NASCAR is coming to Eldora.

The Truck Series will hold it's first race on dirt on July 24, the Wednesday night before the Cup Series heads to Indianapolis (maybe a week long trek for race fans to hit Eldora on their way to Indy?). According to ESPN, it'll be the first race in any of the top 3 series of competition to be held on dirt since 1970.

According to this ESPN article, track owner Tony Stewart called it "a dream come true."

Click here to read the full article at ESPN. Who will be in line to get tickets?

Commissioners Corner - November 2012

The best part of November is when all the political ads are over, all the election rhetoric is finally finished, and all of us can start thinking about Thanksgiving and family. Congratulations to all the local elected officials and continued good fortune in their next terms. The current Commissioners are still intact, and we look forward to working together and continuing the progress that has been done in the last couple of years.

November has been very good to Ohio and Darke County so far. Ohio’s unemployment rate dropped from 7.1% to 6.9% at the end of October. Darke County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is at 5.5%. The Federal unemployment rate actually increased to 7.9% in October. We continue to be much better than State and Federal unemployment rates. Greenville was named by Ohio Magazine as one of the States “Best Hometowns”. At the Holiday Horse Parade, several proclamations from the Commissioners, The State House, and the Governor’s office were given to the city in recognition of this achievement. Of course, we have all known for a long time that Greenville and all of Darke County is a great place to be. We look forward in trying to make Darke County even better in the future. In a related incident, Site Selectors Magazine, a publication put out by people who look for places to open or grow businesses, has named Ohio the Number 2 State in the country for businesses. Last year, Ohio received the Governor’s Cup from Site Selectors Magazine as being the best in the country. This year we came in second to North Carolina. Ohio, and particularly the Dayton Development region of which we are a part, is leading the charge in the Midwest as we were the only State named in the Midwest. The Dayton region was named the #1 region in the State for economic activity. Congratulations to all involved in this honor, and we will continue to pursue economic growth in Ohio and especially our region. Finally, it looks like all of our school systems continue their success in achieving excellence in education. Congratulations to all the schools and may they continue to achieve higher and higher goals for all of our children.

Early Morning Winter Hikes (Note the time change)

There is something invigorating about crisp winter morning air! Join a naturalist as we hike the trails of Shawnee Prairie (4267 State Route 502 West) each and every Tuesday morning.

We will focus on birds, tree ID, winter animal tracks and anything else that catches our eye! Hikes will begin at the winter start time of 9:00am in December, January and February. Meet in the Nature Center parking lot dressed for the weather.

 If you have any questions, call the Nature Center at 937.548.0165 or visit our website at www.darkecountyparks.org Don’t forget your binoculars!

Free Chair Massages at Library

The Greenville Public Library' “First Friday”event on December 7th will be free chair massages for the public. Just come in between 12:00 and 5:00 p.m. and enjoy a very relaxing ten-minute massage of the back, shoulders, and neck. What a great way to unwind during the busy holiday season.

Three therapists from All About You Therapeutic Massage will conduct the massages. They are Whitney Christman, owner and LMT; Julie Kossler LMT; and April Mitchell LMT. Three special chairs will be set up in the Library's Audio-Visual Room on the first floor. Just walk in and take your turn!

All About You Therapeutic Massage is now at a new location, 1402 Wagner Avenue near Francis Furniture. “Benefits of Massage” and business cards will be available. For more information please call 937-202-4104 or look them up on Facebook!

Notice from CAP Darke County

The Darke County Metropolitan Housing Authority is giving preference points for individuals and families who are Veterans, widowed spouses and families of Veterans. Preference points will also be given to individuals/families meeting HUD’s definition of homeless.

The DCMHA is continuing to accept applications for rental assistance at the office located at 1469 Sweitzer St., Greenville, OH 45331.

#GivingTuesday Sparks Massive Effort to Give Back

Founding partner American Red Cross invites Americans to celebrate giving today

Darke County, OH— The American Red Cross and countless other charities are inviting Americans to take part today in #GivingTuesday, an online call to action to celebrate giving this holiday season. Charities, individuals, retailers, online organizations and others are joining together in a substantial effort help make giving back easier.

The Red Cross will celebrate #GivingTuesday by partnering with donors, social media communities, and the public to encourage everyone to Give Something that Means Something. It is asking people to make a financial contribution, volunteer or to give blood.

“As the holidays ramp up, it’s easy to overlook those who need our help as we focus on ourselves and our loved ones. #GivingTuesday allows us to pause during this hectic time and focus on giving in a meaningful way,” Lynne Gump, Executive Director, Darke County Chapter. Additionally, this Saturday, Dec 6th, at our Give Something that Means Something Open House, we are accepting donations not only for ourselves, but Toys for Tots, Food for Fish, Mittens & Hats, Bottled Water (shrink wrapped ind. Cases) or you can learn Citizen CPR. We’re also gathering signatures for our Holiday Cards for Military Hero’s. We’ll be open from 9:00-1:00 and would love people to stop by 130 Martz Street, take a break from the hustle and bustle, enjoy a cuppa and learn more the American Red Cross Mission and how you can join.

People can use the hashtag #GivingTuesday to follow the conversation on Twitter and Facebook.

"Foxhunt" by Abraham Lincoln

The way it was — some things people do are just wrong. Killing foxes because they are there is one of them, but when I was small, I used to see a car parked along the road south of our village. And there, close by, was a man armed with a shotgun or rifle standing up against the fence looking off in the distance. A foxhunt was taking place.

I knew that one-mile, away across those fields, were several other men walking towards this lone individual killer. And while they all carried guns, their job was to scare anything in those fields and make them run away from the noise. So they all carried old pans and they used sticks to pound on them to make a lot of noise. And everything would get up and run away towards the man along the road, waiting with his shotgun.

Since foxes have a habit of doubling back to their original spot, there would be at least one more hunter, with a shotgun walking slowly behind the first group now a quarter mile away. He would kill any fox that had doubled back or returned to their original location.

I knew some of the foxes they hunted and where their dens were and I remembered playing hide and seek with the young ones; so it was always a sad day when foxes were being shot for no reason whatsoever. I could just hope and pray that they stayed hid in their underground dens and didn't come running out to see what all the noise was about.

They killed foxes. Some always ran away from the noise and the lone hunter would see them coming long before they got within killing range. If need be he would jump in his car and speed to a spot closer to where the fox might cross the road he was parked on. You never knew which way a fox would run so one hunter would be parked on the other roads around the grid.

At the end of the day, these "sportsmen" celebrated their killing by drinking beer and admiring the dead bodies laid out across the car fender. I suppose that would make the person look “big” in the eyes on a child but some animosity was still around because most people, in town, kept chickens for their eggs and meat. The foxes knew that too and raided chicken coups and hen houses every chance they go. They did it to bring some meat home for their growing families. And if one of the parents was killed in such a wanton way, the rest of the pups would suffer and perhaps starve. I don’t begrudge a farmer his chicken coup but I do know that he could keep the fox out if he had a desire to do so.

All of the country in Ohio is laid out in one square mile grids and there was always one school located on each grid. It was laid out that way so no child would have more than one mile to walk to or from school. Those one-mile square grids were hunted (as described) for foxes. It was a kind of "fox drive" and very effective.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Deadline Nears for 2013 Tourism Grant Applications

The deadline for applications for the Darke County Visitors Bureau's tourism grants for 2013 is this weekend!

Non-profit organizations that sponsor events in Darke County can apply for the grants, which are awarded "on a competitive basis, with primary consideration given to applications, which: (1) attract overnight visitors; (2) attract visitors from more than 50 miles outside of Darke County and (3) feature new or expanded events or programs."

Applications are due by Saturday, December 1.

You can find more information including details on applying by clicking here to visit The Visitor's Bureau's website.

WHIOtv.com: Gilmore Sentenced, Receives 4 Years in Prison

WHIOtv.com was in the courtroom yesterday as a Greenville man was sentenced after pleading guilty to one charge of gross sexual imposition and no contest to another.

Micheal Gilmore, 39, was convicted of "being sexually involved with two juveniles at least four years ago," according to WHIO's Steve Baker.

After release, he will have to register as a Tier II Sex Offender for the following 25 years. He is to immediately begin serving two 4 year prison terms concurrently.

Click on the image below to read the full story and watch courtroom video at WHIOtv.com.


KASICH’S EXECUTIVE WORKFORCE BOARD ANNOUNCES PLAN OF ACTION

Reforming Ohio’s fragmented workforce development system to better align the needs of job creators with training opportunities for Ohioans is an ongoing goal of Governor John R. Kasich. Today progress in this effort continued with the inaugural meeting of the Governor’s Executive Workforce Board. Members of the Board will work closely with the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, created by Gov. Kasich in February 2012, to rationalize Ohio’s entire workforce system and provide recommendations on how best to streamline nearly 90 existing workforce programs currently scattered across 13 state agencies.

As chairman, R. Blane Walter, Vice President of inVentiv Health, will lead the Board in its three-pronged approach to improve Ohio’s workforce system:

  • Forecast the needs of the business community;
  • Streamline delivery and services of workforce programs; and
  • Implement performance measurements for the workforce system.

For each of these focus areas, a subcommittee will be created and charged with identifying steps toward each goal.

During Monday’s meeting, the Board was advised of five recommendations that will be taken immediately to improve Ohio’s workforce system. The Office of Workforce Transformation will:

  • Establish a formal line of communication between the Governor’s Executive Workforce Board and the 20 Local Workforce Investment Board Chairs;
  • Develop a statewide policy surrounding Individual Training Accounts to provide a consistent, system-wide approach;
  • Implement a statewide rebranding effort of all One-Stop offices so all identify with the OhioMeansJobs brand, creating consistency across the state;
  • Encourage the use of the OhioMeansJobs website as the sole source of job searching and placement; and,
  • Utilize the OhioMeansJobs website as a resource for those applying for unemployment.

The Board, which was announced in September 2012, is comprised of a variety of representatives including private-industry business, the Ohio General Assembly, local government, a state agency, labor and higher education. Members of the Governor’s Executive Workforce Board include:

  • Chairman R. Blane Walter, Vice President of inVentiv Health
  • State Representative John E. Barnes, Jr.
  • State Senator Bill Beagle
  • Ralf Bronnenmeier, Chief Executive Officer, Grob Systems, Inc.
  • Roy A. Church, President, Lorain County Community College
  • Michael Colbert, Director, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
  • Stark County Commissioner Janet Creighton
  • State Representative Tim Derickson
  • Dennis Franks, Superintendent, Pickaway Ross Career and Technology Center
  • State Senator Lou Gentile
  • Beavercreek Mayor Vicki Giambrone
  • Mitchell P. Grindley, Vice President, Plaskolite, Inc.
  • Amanda Hoyt, Director of Public Affairs, Finance Fund
  • Julie S. Janson, State President, Duke Energy
  • David L. Joyce, President/CEO, General Electric Aviation
  • John Komor, Plant Manager, General Mills
  • Dennis A. Nash, Chairman/CEO, Kenan Advantage Group
  • Phillip L. Parker, President/CEO, Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Albert B. Ratner, Co-Chairman Emeritus, Forest City Enterprises, Inc.
  • Doug Reffitt, Director, Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters
  • Patrick Sink, Business Manager, International Union of Operating Engineers
  • Richard Stoff, President/CEO, Ohio Business Roundtable
  • Gary S. Weinstein, Chief Operation Officer, Providence Equity Partners
  • David Whitehead, Vice President, Corporate Secretary and Chief Ethics Officer (Retired), FirstEnergy
  • Thomas F. Zenty III, Chief Executive Officer, University Hospitals

Annual Poinsetta Sale

Click on the flyer to view a larger version with an order form.


All About You Therapeutic Massage holds fundraiser for cancer patients in Darke County

Julie Kossler, LMT from All About You Therapeutic Massage, Christine Yount, Executive Director of Cancer Association , Whitney Christman, LMT and owner of All About You Therapeutic Massage and April Mitchell, LMT, also from All About You

The Ladies Night Out Event hosted by All About You Therapeutic Massage raised a total of $1500 for the Cancer Association of Darke County. Whitney Christman, LMT, Julie Kossler LMT and April Mitchell of All About You would like to thank everyone that contributed in making the event great success! They also invite everyone to visit them on Facebook for upcoming events and information or give them a call at 937-202-4104.

The Cancer Association serves cancer patients in Darke County only and partners with United Way. They are not affiliated with the American Cancer Society.

For questions, call the office and speak with Christine, Executive Director, at 548-9960.

Versailles Bowling Results

Versailles Girls Varsity Down St. Marys

The St. Marys Roughriders who finished in the top 8 at the OHSAA State Tournament last season were ready to take on the Versailles Lady Tigers in Minster on Saturday, November 24th. “There is no doubt this match is going to be a tough one as St. Marys is a solid team. If you girls put up a solid day, there is no doubt we can win this match,” said Head Girls Coach Tyler Phlipot.

The girls were ready as they started off the 1st game all business. The girls rolled an 855 to St. Mary’s 738. As the 2nd game started and continued, the Roughriders were feeling the heat from the Lady Tigers. Versailles fired a 957 game to their 790. Megan Monning rolled a 232, Danielle Cochran a 226 and Brooke Wehrkamp 225. With 5 Baker games to go, the Tigers were up 284 pins.

St. Marys was not giving up, although 284 pins is a lot to make up in 5 Baker Games. The games ended up 171-144, 156-214, 150-173, 157-159 and 139-148. Versailles ended up defeating the Roughriders 2,585 to 2,366.

“I stuck around after the boys match to not only be a fan, but to help out Tyler and the girls as much as I could. I really thought this match was going to a lot closer, but our girls showed everyone there what they can do. What a great win for the team!”

WOHSBC Conference action will not take place this week as the Lady Tigers, for the 1st year ever, qualified for the Ohio High School Invitational Kickoff Bowling Invitational in Columbus. This is the largest High School Team Tournament in the country. They will be competing against the top High School Bowling Teams in Ohio. To be invited for the tournament, the team must have either won their conference or made it to the District OHSAA tournament the previous season.

Versailles Boys Varsity Bowlers Defeat Minster

The Varsity Boys Bowlers bounced back strong after the close match last week against St. Marys.
The match started out very close with Versailles winning the 1st game 878 to 834. “Home Field” advantage may have had something to do with this. However, the Tigers showed the Wildcats they are for real again this year by firing a 988 to their 769 the second game. The Baker Games were dominated by Versailles. The games were 201-147, 243-147, 201-171, 174-144 and 186-186. Versailles ended up winning the match 2,871 to 2,397.

“I am really starting to see a bunch of improvement in our first year Varsity players. With one of our starters, Jordan Groff, out with a foot injury, our sophomore bowlers came through and filled the void.”

The Tigers were led by Nathan Peters with a 247, Michael Davidson 224 and Brandon Groff with a 214 game.

WOHSBC Conference action will not take place this week as the Tigers, for the 2nd straight year, qualified for the Ohio High School Invitational Kickoff Bowling Invitational in Columbus. This is the largest High School Team Tournament in the country. They will be competing against the top High School Bowling Teams in Ohio. To be invited for the tournament, the team must have either won their conference or made it to the District OHSAA tournament the previous season.

Fall Herbicide Treatments - Just Keep on Spraying

There is still time this fall to apply herbicides for control of winter annuals and marestail, and the weather this week makes it an ideal time to do so. Regarding the question of how late fields can be treated, we have applied well into December under cold conditions and still maintained control with effective treatments. Mark Loux, OSU Extension, reports that applying under cold conditions slows the rate of kill but this is not an issue for fall treatments anyway, since the goal is to have fields free of weeds by early spring. We have had some cold nights but no extended periods of freezing weather, and it appears to us that the winter weeds that are targets of fall applications are mostly green and healthy.

A few other reminders:
  • There is no need to include herbicides with residual activity at this point, since emergence of additional plants is largely finished for the fall. None of the residual herbicides except products that contain chlorimuron (Canopy, Cloak) provide control of weeds that emerge in the spring. So if you were adding metribuzin or other residuals for control of weeds that could emerge later in fall, these can be omitted. Note: metribuzin plus 2,4-D does control most emerged winter annuals so that is still a viable option even where residual is not desired.
  • we have heard a lot about the use of 2,4-D/dicamba premix products this fall, possibly due to availability or price. This broad-spectrum mix can be weak on a few weeds, and dicamba has not been an especially effective cold-weather herbicide in our research. We suggest the addition of some glyphosate, metribuzin, or other herbicide to 2,4-D/dicamba treatments, especially for late fall applications in cold weather.
  • a reminder that fall is the most effective time of application for control of wild carrot and poison hemlock. These are biennial weeds and the low-growing first-year plants present at this time are much more susceptible to herbicides compared with taller plants next spring. Take advantage of this opportunity to apply herbicide to field borders, roadsides, fencerows, etc for control of these weeds. We suggest using a mixture of glyphosate plus 2,4-D and/or dicamba. Where the goal is not to kill grass, options include a 2,4-D/dicamba mix and Crossbow.
Results from the 2012 Ohio Corn Performance Test are now available on line at:
http://www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~perf/ or http://agcrops.osu.edu/specialists/corn

The 2012 Ohio Soybean Performance Trial Results as a printable (pdf) file of results in now available at:http://agcrops.osu.edu/specialists/soybean/specialist-announcements/2012%20OCJ%20Report-SB%207%20pages.pdf and the searchable, sortable web page should be available next week at http://hostedweb.cfaes.ohio-state.edu/perf/

For more detailed information, visit the Darke County OSU Extension web site at http://darke.osu.edu, the OSU Extension Darke County Facebook page or contact Sam Custer at 937.548.5215.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Brownfield Open House/Presentation

The City of Union City (City) would like to invite you to a Brownfields Presentation and Open House on December 6, 2012 at 2:00 P.M. at the Community Room located at 105 N. Columbia Street, Union City, Indiana. The goal of this meeting is to acquaint all interested citizens, organizations, and other stakeholders in Randolph County, Indiana and Darke County, Ohio with our new brownfields redevelopment initiative funded by a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) brownfields redevelopment grant

What is a Brownfield?

EPA defines a “Brownfield" as meaning real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.

An example of a potential brownfield that may have existed in the Darke/Randolph County area at one time is a foundry, automobile repair service center, machine shop, dry cleaners, buildings with asbestos, unlicensed dump, or any other use that involved the storage and use of chemicals which may have resulting in environmental impact to the site.

Purpose of Meeting

The EPA grant funds are available for environmental assessment of eligible brownfields. Our first task is to identify as many brownfields in the Darke/Randolph County area as possible, then identify priority sites for environmental assessments to be funded with grant money. To that end, we invite all participants at the December 6 meeting to bring a list of known or suspected brownfields in the Darke/Randolph County area. Additional information about the history, use, contamination, and other pertinent issues related to the sites will be appreciated.

Assessment Grant Background Information

The U.S. EPA has awarded the City of Union City, Indiana; Randolph County, Indiana; Village of Union City, Ohio; and Darke County, Ohio (Coalition) a $600,000 Environmental Assessment Grant to help identify, characterize and prepare brownfields for redevelopment. The Coalition plans to use the grant to develop an inventory of brownfields within the Communities, then perform environmental assessments on priority sites to identify issues of concern and help prepare them for sale and/or redevelopment. Grant money will be available to assist with site assessments for environmental due diligence and reuse planning at properties where a committed developer and redevelopment plan have been identified.

U.S. EPA Assessment Grants provide funding for a grant recipient to inventory, characterize, assess, and conduct planning and community involvement related to brownfields. The Coalition successfully applied for a hazardous substances and petroleum coalition grant in 2011 and was awarded the grant in 2012.

The agenda for December 6th includes a short presentation on brownfields and the Coalition program, and time for questions. Please bring your ideas as well as information regarding potential brownfields. We are looking forward to seeing you all there!

What: Brownfield’s Open House/Presentation
Date: December 6, 2012
Time: 2:00 P.M.
Place: Union City Indiana City Hall, 105 N. Columbia Street, Union City, Indiana 47390
R.S.V.P to Monte Poling, city manager at 765-964-6534 or by email at citymgruc@yahoo.com

Christmas Party Gift - Learn to Save a Life!

Cindy Pike, Darke Co. Clerk of Courts and Red Cross Board
member practicing CitizensCPR , a lifesaving tool,
taught by the Darke County Red Cross.
This isn’t your ordinary Christmas party. It is a party that may actually benefit you, your family and the community. Learn CitizensCPR, the hands-on only CPR, in just 30 minutes and then kick off the party.

What a great way to gather a regular group of friends, your organization, your staff, a Sunday school class, a family reunion or your clients. Most people who survive a cardiac emergency were helped by a bystander. That could be you!

There is no written testing for CitizensCPR. It’s an introductory class, without learning of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation or AED usage. A trained instructor is provided and practice will be given on a special compression tool to insure that each participant is comfortable and skilled in hands-on CPR before the party is complete. .

All you need is an open room, a few guests and some food or drink for after the class. Participants are floor taught with accommodations made for those with knee issues.

Another class that can be taught in 30 minutes is Disaster Preparedness planning with a Make-It-Take-It Kit.

This is a service of the Darke County Red Cross and a fundraiser. Donations for the party help to support the mission of the Red Cross. This party class does not qualify for CPR certification needed for work or school.

Contact director Lynne Gump at gumpl@darkecounty.redcross.org with questions, 548-1002 to schedule.

Greenville High School Choirs prepare for their annual Christmas Concert

The GHS Vocal Music Boosters are presenting the 2012 Christmas Choir Concert on Monday, December 17 at 7:00 p.m. at Memorial Hall. Featured on the program will be the Wavaires, Concert Choir, Girls Glee, Women’s Choir, and Men’s Choir.

There will be reserved seats only for the performance at a cost of $5.00 for presale. Tickets at the door will be $6.00. Ticket requests can be made during Periods 5-6 lunch periods (11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) in the High School ticket booth beginning on Monday, December 3rd. Please contact Linda Hickerson at 548-2084 for tickets after December 3rd. There will be no refunds or exchanges.

The Girls Glee will perform “FaLaLaLaLa,” “Jingle Those Bells,” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” The Men’s Choir will perform “We Three Kings” and “Super Santa.” The Women’s Choir will perform “Believe” and “Breath of Heaven.” The Wavaires will perform “Santa’s Frosty Follies.” The Concert Choir will sing “Processional For Christmas,” “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” “The Little Drummer Boy,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and a medley from the movie “White Christmas.” The concert will conclude with the traditional “Silent Night” and “Hallelujah Chorus.” The choreography for the concert is done by Brooke Jendrusik. The choirs are accompanied by Mrs. Terri Fryman and directed by Michele Smith.
























It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!

Thanks to all of our little elves the Museum at Versailles will open for the holidays every Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. December 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30.

The theme for the season is "Rocking Around the Christmas Tree... A tribute to Christmas in the 50's".

Also on December 9th at 2:00 p.m. we will host our first "Sunday Afternoon at the Museum" series. We are pleased to begin these popular afternoon events with "A Visit with the Bishop" Tim Nealeigh as St. Nicholas will be our guest to share the legend and give treats to all the little ones present. This cherished German tradition is one that you and your family are sure to not want to miss.

The Museum is always free (but happy to receive your donations!) and everyone is welcome. Please plan to share some holiday time with us!

Sunday, November 25, 2012

"Remarkable People" by Abraham Lincoln

Some 'remarkable people' have crossed my path over the years.

My mother kept us alive when all hope must have vanished during the Second World War. My wife, these last 57 years, has been a calming influence on my life. I think of the dogs I have called my own, by personal name, who have kept my blood pressure low. Miss Beatrice Brown, my country schoolteacher who taught generations of kids in the small village where I lived.

The Army set me straight with soldiers and companions like Jim DeMarco and Captain John V. Azevedo (now 94). He called me the other day and we had a long talk about old times in Japan when he was a young Captain and I was a young Corporal.

One man that I met is Paul Broman. He was in Japan at the end of the Second War and returned home, to Minnesota, but came back to Japan with his brother to do missionary work.

The two of them wandered Japan without being able to speak the language and with no job skills almost starved. Paul met a Japanese lady who married him but made him promise that he would never speak English in their home. He never did.

They had 10 natural children and adopted 12 off the streets. I believe they are all college graduates, and most speak several languages, and all are smart.

He did retire as CEO from his company. He wrote that his company now has offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Delhi, Bombay, Yangon, Kuala Lumpur, Hanoi, Sydney, Singapore, Mongolia, Seoul, Osaka, Nagoya, Tokyo and Sendai, Japan, and in Seattle, Washington.

Among the clients his company does business with is Microsoft. The flavor of his company, Grape City, can be seen at: http://www.winestudios.com/

Paul has managed to make me think about my future existence more than once and he has read my rants about religion, politics and life, and always gave me advice on how I should live. We have had many online discussions about our futures and while he is a religious fellow, he never pushed his belief at me. I liked that about Paul. This remarkable person is one I met because of my being on the Internet.

One of his sons saw the website and because it was about my Army experiences in Japan, he thought his father, a former soldier in occupied Japan, might be interested.

Paul and I met by Email and have been friends ever since. Sadly, Paul has suffered a stroke and that has left him in an all-new world in his Japanese home tended by his wife and children.

Saturday, November 24, 2012

"A Thanksgiving Prayer" by Rebecca Reier

Guest posts are welcome and encouraged. If you have something to say and are able to do it in a respectful, reasonable way, send your piece to darkejournal@gmail.com. The contents of guest posts do not necessarily reflect the opinions of DarkeJournal.com. 

[DarkeJournal.com note: This was sent to us on Thursday, but as I spent most of my time away from the computer the last few days, I just now got a chance to read and post it.]

Are You Searching For The Right Thanksgiving Prayer?

While basking in an abundance of everything essential to life, isn't it strange that we find ourselves searching for the right words for a Thanksgiving prayer? Why are we not gloriously happy, given these circumstances of a cornucopia of material wealth? Look at the vast majority of the world's population that lives in hunger and terror from domination by corrupt and powerful leaders.

As Americans, in spite of our efforts, we find ourselves challenged to find ways to materially improve the lives of the downtrodden. Yet in the midst of this adversity, smiles and love appear to be almost equally distributed. Grief too appears to be equally distributed among rich and poor. But there is a difference. While the poor often die what may seem a merciful death, powerful despots suffer their own punishment with amazingly regularity. They suffer the same demise, but as victims of their own self-destructive behavior. As Americans we increasingly fill our prisons with super wealthy who became victims of their obsession with greed.

After making these observations, I have arrived at my Thanksgiving prayer:
Thanks be to God for keeping the measures of happiness in life under Divine control and not that of man.

Soccer Technical/Tactical Training Sessions to be Held

AGE GROUP- 13YRS AND OLDER
WHERE- THE ACADEMY RIFFELL STREET GREENVILLE
WHEN- EVERY SATURDAY -DECEMBER 1, 2012 - FEBUARY 23, 2013
TIME - 2 P.M.- 5 P.M.
COST- $10 PER PLAYER PER SESSION

During the 13 week training sessions we will be breaking down each concept of the game. Principles of defense and offense, the roles of the defensive and offensive players, how to apply the principles and roles to the game, fundamentals, techniques and tactics of play. Fundamentals Will play a crucial part in the players getting the most out of this 13 week training session.

The first hour of the sessions will be classroom and team building work, each player will be given a folder with the game broken down into each part with a 12-15 question test to be completed during the week and we will go over answers as a group during the next session.

The second hour will be 30 minutes of plyometrics, speed training and core strengthening, followed by 30 minutes of fundamentals.

The third hour will be drills pertaining to classroom topic and small sided games.

This training camp is focused on getting players a better understanding of the flow of the game, it will be a serious but fun environment where players will be rewarded with the knowledge and confidence with the ball and have better decision making.

Please contact Mark Coppess at 937-548-2471 for more information

Arcanum Driver in Single Vehicle Rollover Accident Near Bradford

No comments:
On November 24, 2012 at approximately 1:37 a.m. Darke County Deputies, along with Bradford Fire and Rescue, were dispatched to the 9100 Blk. of US36 in reference to a single vehicle roll over accident.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2004 Jeep Liberty, driven by Bobby Copeland (42) of Arcanum, was eastbound on US36. Copeland's vehicle went off the left side of the road and drove up an embankment. Copeland's vehicle then overturned and rolled back down the embankment.

Copeland was treated at the scene by Bradford Rescue and was transported to Wayne Hospital. Copeland's condition is unknown at this time. Alcohol appears to be a factor in the accident.

This accident remains under investigation by the Darke County Sheriff's Office.

Edison Brings Donors, Scholarship Recipients Together

The longstanding benefits of a college education can sometimes be a goal that seems unattainable to some due to the financial strain that getting a degree can bring. As student loan debt continues to grow, more students are reaching out for assistance through scholarship programs.

Through the generosity of donors from throughout the region, many students at Edison State College have found the resources necessary to take their dreams and make them a reality. At the annual Scholarship Recognition Dinner held in Edison’s Robinson Theater on Nov. 8, students and their families were given the opportunity to connect with the donors who have helped shape their futures.

Edison student Natasha Flaugher, recipient of two scholarships and currently pursuing her degree in nursing, addressed the audience following the opening reception and dinner.

“Without these scholarships, a lot of the students here would have a great burden on their shoulders,” said Flaugher, who received scholarships from the Piqua Area Chamber of Commerce and Miami County Safety Council. “Getting a scholarship has been a great motivator for me personally, because I know someone has put a lot of faith in me and I don’t want to let them down.”

VFW Post 7262 to host benefit dance featuring Classified Band and appearance by Jager Girls

The public is invited to a benefit dance at the VFW at 219 N. Ohio Street, Greenville, Ohio on Saturday, Dec. 1.

Doors open at 7:30 and performance starts at 8:00 p.m.

There will be a $4.00 cover charge.

Be sure and join us for an evening of fun!

All proceeds go to the Cancer Association of Darke County.

Call VFW at 937-548-4004 with any questions.

Friday, November 23, 2012

WHIO: Greenville Fire Fighters Hold "Fill the Boot" Fundraiser for Darke County Foster Children

WHIO's Steve Baker was once again in Greenville today covering Greenville Fire Fighters' Annual Fill the Boot drive to raise money for foster children in Darke County.

Click on the image below to watch the report (and maybe spot someone you know being generous?)


Joy FM Concert Features Adam Cappa, Tommy Renfro, and The Quest


88.9 JoyFM presents Adam Cappa, Tommy Renfro, and The Quest in concert Sunday, January 13, 2013 at St. Clair Memorial Hall in Greenville, OH. Tickets are available at Bread of Life Bookstore in Greenville, OH and Trinity Gifts and Books in Richmond, IN.

General admission tickets are $10 in advance and VIP/Meet and Greet tickets are $15 in advance. Tickets will increase by $5 at the door the day of the event.

For more information about Adam Cappa visit www.adamcappa.com. Additional online references are 889joyfm.com, www.tommyrenfro.com, www.thequestband.com.

'Tis the Season for Gift Giving...

...and Heartland of Greenville has Suggestions for the Older Adults on Your List.

What do you get for the person who has everything? As the holidays approach, so does gift giving anxiety. Heartland of Greenville wants to take some stress out of your holiday gift giving worries by providing some suggestions for the older adults on your list. We are offering a free brochure, Shedding Light on Gift Ideas for Older Adults, simply by calling or dropping by the center nearest you.

At Heartland, we have noticed that the most appreciated gifts are those which consider personal preferences and limitations. According to Rosemary Nelson, Activities Director, needs change as we age. “An avid reader may not be able to read the small print in books and magazines. Large print and audio books help them to enjoy their hobby once again.”

Gift ideas range from tools for arthritis sufferers to nostalgic items that spark reminiscing of years past. Meaningful gifts do not need to be expensive. “One of the simplest gifts of all is your time,” says Nelson. “Plan to attend a movie or play, go out to dinner at a favorite restaurant, or take time to make a scrapbook together.”

Another option to consider is a donation made in the name of an older adult. Heartland of Greenville is participating in the national U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots campaign this year. This program provides toys for families in need each year at Christmas. Donations of unwrapped toys can be placed in the drop-box located at Heartland of Greenville.

For your free brochure of gift giving suggestions or to drop off your donation for Toys for Tots, please call Heartland of Greenville at 937-548-3141 or visit 243 Marion Drive, Greenville, Ohio.

Another Movie Matinee at Library

The Greenville Public Library is hosting a second Movie Matinee on Friday, November 30th at 2:00 p.m. in the third floor Meeting Room. The movie will be “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” starring Judi Dench and Maggie Smith. Admission is free but because of limited seating, please pick up a ticket at the Circulation Desk. Snacks are welcome!

“The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” is also a book made into a movie, as was “The Help” which was shown last month. The Library invites area Book Clubs and Literary Clubs to use the Meeting Room for their own private showings of “books made into movies.” Just call the Library to reserve the room!

Decorate the Mitten Tree

The Fish Mitten Tree is once again waiting to be decorated with donated gloves and mittens; these donations will be distributed to the children enrolled in Darke County Head Start programs. In addition to the Mitten Tree located at Montage, 525 South Broadway, Greenville, a Mitten Tree also stands inside the Brethren Retirement Community, 750 Chestnut Street, Greenville and in the Ben Franklin store, 4 West George Street in Arcanum. Many churches and organizations also erect trees which collect gloves and mittens from their members; these donations are then passed on to Fish to be given to the little Head Start participants. The Mitten Tree has been an annual holiday project of the local Fish organization for over forty years.

“The Mitten Tree provides the opportunity for people of all ages and incomes to participate in the true spirit of the season,” said Marilyn Delk, the Fish volunteer who is coordinating the Mitten Tree project. “We sincerely hope that our generous neighbors will be able to once again this year spare the relatively small amount required to purchase a pair of mittens or gloves and bring joy and warmth to local children who may not receive many other gifts this Christmas,” Mrs. Delk concluded.

To best meet the needs of children directly served by Head Start programs throughout the county, donated gloves and mittens should fit boys and girls between the ages of 3 and 5; however, donated items in larger or small sizes will be shared with Head Start families. So that the mittens and gloves can be distributed prior to Christmas, contributions should be made by December 16. For more information regarding the Mitten Tree, contact Mrs. Delk at 937-548-2482.

Fish is an ecumenical volunteer organization which responds to emergency food needs with a Choice Food Pantry currently open on Mondays from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesdays from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m., and on Fridays from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. No appointment is necessary to visit the Food Pantry; clients are eligible for help once every month. The Fish phone number is 548-2000.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

A Paradigm Shift for Young Cattle Producers

A paradigm shift is a change in your way of thinking that doesn't just happen but is driven by agents of change. Dr. Roy Burris, Beef Extension Specialist, University of Kentucky, recently shared that young cattle producers will have to deal with these "agents of change" in ways that we could not have imagined a generation ago. Some of these changes are in the areas of:

Decreased use of grain. This is a "game changer". In the future cattle enterprises will not be able to compete for grain. We will have more dependence on forages and by-product feeds. Cattle cannot compete with land-lease prices which are being paid by grain farmers and there will be more pressure to use grain for the rapidly increasing world population. Young producers might want to background cattle on forages and by-products so that they can spend less time in feedlots. We will need to select and manage cattle so that they can produce acceptable carcasses with less grain.

Public perception of cattle producers. Animal welfare has become the "battle cry" for people who oppose animal agriculture. We must not only continue to produce animals humanely but now we have to show and insure the consuming public that we do that. The "anti's" are not the consuming public. The "anti's" don't eat meat and they are not likely to change but we can't sit back and watch them destroy animal agriculture. What they seem to believe is that all sentient (anything that can sense pain) beings are equal to humans. How will you respond when you see yourself as "animal caregivers" but your way of life is attacked and vilified? You will need to work on this. Those attacks will probably continue.

Bundle Up Donors, It's Cold Outside!

WINTER KNIT SCARF IS PERFECT NECK WARMER OR STOCKING STUFFER!

DAYTON & DARKE COUNTY, Ohio – Temperatures are tumbling, windshields are frosting, and tree lights are blinking that the holiday season is here. Community Blood Center (CBC) is helping donors bundle up this December with the new “Blood Donor – Save Lives” knit scarf in scarlet and grey.

This neck wear is both practical and stylish and arrives just in time for the gift-gathering time of year. The scarf is free to everyone who registers to donate at any CBC branch and most mobile blood drives Monday, Nov. 26 through New Year’s Eve, Monday, Dec. 31.

The scarlet and grey colors are both holiday festive and unmistakably connected to the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Driver Ejected in One Car Accident Near Ansonia

No comments:
On November 22, 2012 at approximately 1:38 AM Darke County Deputies, along with Ansonia Fire Department, and Ansonia Rescue were dispatched to the 11,600 block of State Route 118 on a one vehicle injury accident.

Preliminary investigation revealed a green 1999 Chevy Blazer, driven by Angel Nicely, 20, Rossburg, Ohio was north bound on State Route 118. Angel lost control of the vehicle causing it to overturn several times on the roadway and in the ditch. Angel was ejected from the vehicle before it came to rest on its side.

Angel was transport by Ansonia Rescue to Spirit Medical Transports parking lot. Spirit’s Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MIC Unit) transported Angel to Miami Valley Hospital were she is listed in critical condition.

This Accident remains under investigation by the Darke County Sheriff’s Office.

Edison Hosts Free Grants Research and Proposal Writing Seminars

Two free seminars on grants research and proposal writing basics will be provided by Edison State College in conjunction with The Foundation Center on Tuesday, Nov. 27 at Edison. The first session for Edison faculty and staff will be conducted from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM. The second session is open to the public and will run from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. in Room 511 at the Edison Piqua campus.

The program will provide an excellent starting point for those new to proposal writing as well as those who are seeking a refresher course or looking to update their skill set. The class will cover topics such as what to include in a standard proposal to a foundation, tips for making each section of a proposal stronger, what funders are expecting to see and how to best communicate with them during the grant process. Additional resources on proposal writing will also be provided, including sample proposals.

Also included will be an introduction to the Foundation Center collection housed at the Edison library. This collection consists of both print and on-line resources available to the public free of charge. Within the collection are materials covering all phases of grants research, proposal writing and follow up.

Walkin’ in a Winter Wonderland!


Look no further than right here in Darke County for the perfect event to kick off the holiday season. Walkin’ in a Winter Wonderland is an annual favorite and FREE event for the whole family! Enjoy a peaceful evening stroll through our Winter Wonderland. There will be over 300 beautiful luminaries lighting your way along the wooded trail, allowing for a peaceful winter’s night in nature. Let the trail lead you to our Log House where the pioneer hosts will serve you some hot treats. The Nature Center will have crafts to make and cookies to decorate. Walkin’ in a Winter Wonderland will be held at Shawnee Prairie Preserve (4267 State Route 502 West) on Saturday, December 1st from 6-9pm. The Nature Center Gift Shop will be open during the event, offering a chance to view the displays and discover plenty of gifts and stocking stuffers. This event is FREE for the whole family, come out and enjoy!

For more information on this and other programs offered by the Darke County Parks call the Nature Center at 937.548.0165 or visit our website at www.darkecountyparks.org

Tri-Village Athletic Hall of Fame Induction

Tri-Village will host its 9th annual Hall of Fame Induction on Saturday, December 1, 2012.

Those being inducted between the girls and boys varsity games at approximately 7:00 p.m. will be: Kara Schlechty Graham, Kent Hofacker and Mike Stump.

The public is invited to attend a reception held in the commons area following the varsity game to honor the new inductees.

Kara Schlechty Graham

Kara is a 2002 graduate who competed in volleyball, basketball, softball and cross county. She earned 3 varsity letters in volleyball and was chosen as a Southwest District All Star in 2002. In her senior year she led the team in Most Points in a Season, Best Passing Percentage, Most Aces in a Season, Most Digs, Most Solo Blocks and Most Kills. She lettered in softball for one year as well as cross country. Kara is most noted for her accomplishments on basketball court at Tri Village. She was a 4 year varsity letter winner and earned many honors. In her senior year she was awarded the following honors; First team All State, CCC Most Valuable Player, Co-Player of the Year Southwest District as well as Associated Press 1st team. She was selected all four years of her high school career as a member of the CCC 1st Team as well as the Most Valuable Player of the Bill Burkett Tournament for four years.

At graduation Kara held the following school records: All Time Leading Scorer with 1,667 points, Best Free Throw Percentage in a Career: 76.2%, Most Points in a Season: 564, Most Points in a game 43, Most Field Goals: 187, Average Points per Game: 24.5 and she was 2nd in Assists in a Season: 336.

Kent Hofacker

Kent graduated from Tri Village in 1973, our first year of consolidation. He was a 3 year letter winner in Cross Country and earned 4 varsity letters in Baseball and track. Kent was awarded 3 varsity letters in basketball and received the following honors: 1971 Honorable Mention Darke County League, 1972 Darke County League 2nd team and Darke County League 1st team in 1973. He was also selected to 1st Team Southwest District, Honorable Mention Class A all Ohio Team. He continues to hold the following school records; 11th in All time scoring average for a season with 18.6 points, 6th All time in most field goals in a season with 167 and 9th all time individual points in a season at 428.

Mike Stump

Mike is a 1987 graduate of Tri Village and has earned varsity letters in cross country, baseball and basketball.

In cross country Mike was a member of the CCC Championship team who also went on to be District and Regional Champs as well as a State Qualifier.

In baseball he was awarded Most RBI’s in the 1987 season.

Mike’s list of accomplishments in basketball include Jet Tourney MVP and member of 1985 Championship team, 1987 Jet Tourney All Tourney Team, 1st team CCC in 1985 & 1987, 1st Team All Darke County in 1986 & 1987, Southwest Class AAA 1st Team and a District 9 All Star.

Congratulations to our newest members of the Tri-Village Athletic Hall of Fame.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

WHIOtv.com: DCSO "Warm Winter Wear for Darke County Children" Delivered

Earlier this month, we shared a report on Darke County Sheriff's Deputies and staff purchasing coats from Kmart as part of the "Warm Winter Wear for Darke County Children" program. This week, the coats were delivered to children at the Darke County Headstart Program in Greenville.

Click on the image below to see Steve Baker's report on the delivery.


WHIO: 2 Pets Die in Arcanum House Fire

Update: WHIO added a video report from Steve Baker. Click on the image to watch.


WHIO photo by Jim Noelker
WHIO has a report on a house fire on Gordon-Landis Road that killed two pets, but spared the owner.

One person was in the home at the time of the fire, which apparently started at the stove and quickly spread to other areas of the house. Thankfully, that young man was able to escape unharmed.

The Red Cross was called in to help the family, who reportedly have no insurance to cover the cost of the damage, which is estimated to be "several thousand" dollars worth.

Click here to read the full story at WHIOtv.com

Man Tased After Resisting Arrest on Sexual Misconduct Charges

Christopher Briner
On Tuesday, November 20, 2012 at approximately 4:38 p.m., the Greenville Police Department and the Darke County Special Response Team assisted the Union City, Indiana Police Department in the execution of a search warrant at 316 Tecumseh St. in Greenville.

The search warrant stemmed from an investigation conducted by the Union City, Indiana Police Department for alleged Sexual Misconduct with a Minor involving the 24 year old suspect, Christopher A. Briner of 316 Tecumseh St. During the search of the residence, officers seized electronic equipment and narcotics.

Briner was not home when the search warrant was executed; however, he was located by Greenviile Police officers a short time later near his residence. While attempting to arrest Briner on an arrest warrant for Sexual Misconduct with a Minor, Briner struggled with officers and then engaged officers in a foot pursuit. Briner was subsequently subdued with the use of a Taser and arrested. Briner was taken to the Darke County Jaii and charged with resisting arrest and awaits extradition to Randolph County Indiana on their charges.

Red Cross Offers Safety Tips For Thanksgiving Chefs

Cooking Leading Cause of Home Fires

Darke County,OH November 21, 2012 — Thanksgiving is all about food and family – turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie and family time. However, preparing holiday goodies can lead to disaster - the kitchen is the setting of more fires than any other room in the house, and cooking is the leading cause of fires in the home. The American Red Cross has safety steps to use while preparing the Thanksgiving feast.

“We want folks to have a safe holiday,” said Lynne Gump, Executive Director of the Darke County Chapter, “We have steps they can follow to avoid ruining their holiday with a cooking fire.”

The cooks should start by not wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking. Never leave cooking food unattended – stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food. If someone must leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, they should turn off the stove. Other safety steps include:

  • Check food regularly while cooking and remain in the home while cooking. Use a timer as a reminder that the stove or oven is on.
  • Keep the kids away from the cooking area. Enforce a “kid-free zone” and make them stay at least three feet away from the stove.
  • Keep anything that can catch fire - pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains—away from the stove, oven or any other appliance in the kitchen that generates heat.
  • Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup.
  • Purchase a fire extinguisher to keep in the kitchen. Contact the local fire department to take training on the proper use of extinguishers.
  • Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving the home to make sure all stoves, ovens, and small appliances are turned off.
  • Install a smoke alarm near the kitchen, on each level of the home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year.

Another helpful step is to download the Red Cross First Aid app which puts expert advice for everyday emergencies in someone’s hand. Available for iPhone and Android devices, the official Red Cross First Aid app gives instant access to the information needed to handle the most common first aid emergencies. With videos, interactive quizzes and simple step-by-step advice it’s never been easier to know first aid.

House fires are the worst disaster threat to families in the United States. To learn how to prevent a fire in the home and how to keep members of the household safe, people can visit redcross.org or call the Darke County Chapter at 937-548-1002.

Project FeederWatch

Calling all birders! Join Darke County Park District as we participate in Project FeederWatch, every Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:30-11:30am. This is a unique ‘Citizen Science’ program organized by Cornell University which studies winter bird populations. Your observations may be used in scientific journals and shared with ornithologists and bird lovers nationwide. No matter your birding level, beginner or expert, we need YOUR help! We’ll gather inside the Nature Center at Shawnee Prairie Preserve (4267 St. Rt. 502 West) and count the birds that visit our bird-feeding station. Only available for a portion of the count time? That’s fine! Just drop in anytime on Tuesday or Wednesday from 9:30am-11:30am. And did we mention we’ll have warm drinks available?

For more information on Project FeederWatch or if you have any questions, call the Nature Center at 937.548.0165.


Sheriff Spencer Thanks Residents for "Timely and Accurate" Crime Tips


Sheriff Toby L. Spencer would like to express his gratitude to the citizens of Darke County for recent “timely and accurate” crime tips. Over the past several weeks there have been multiple arrests of persons who were observed at the scene of rural burglaries in Darke County. It is because of these reports that Deputies have been able to respond to the area on four separate occasions. As a result, the responsible parties were apprehended or identified.

  1. On October 16, 2012 at about 11:20 AM, the Darke County Sheriff’s Office 911 Center received a call from a resident reporting that her home in the 3200 block of SR571 West was being burglarized. The caller advised that she had been informed of this by a friend who had driven by her residence, observed an unfamiliar vehicle in the driveway and saw someone standing inside near a window. This information was passed on to Deputies as they were responding and as additional information was learned the vehicle was located, a suspect was questioned, stolen property was recovered and charges on the persons involved are being pursued.
  2. On November 1, 2012 at about 2:35 PM, the Darke County Sheriff’s Office 911 Center received a call from a resident reporting a burglary in progress in the 3500 block of Hollansburg-Tampico Road near Glen Karn. The resident reported that they heard a knock on their front door but did not answer the door. Moments later, the resident was confronted by an unknown female suspect who let herself into the residence through the back door. The female was confronted by the resident and the female fled the scene. The resident obtained a description of the vehicle, its occupants and immediately reported it to the Sheriff’s Office. Deputies responded to the area, located the vehicle with occupants as described. The vehicle was stopped, stolen property was recovered and three arrests were made; Justin E. Harrison age 32, Melinda S. Johnson age 19 and Danielle E. Eldridge age 23 who are all from Richmond, Indiana. As a result of this arrest burglaries in Indiana were also solved.
  3. On November 7, 2012 at about 11:00 AM, the Darke County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a citizen who advised that he had just observed an unfamiliar, yet distinctive, gray car parked in his neighbor’s driveway and there were 3 males running from the house. Deputies immediately responded to the residence located in the 8200 block of Martin Road, Bradford, OH. Deputies learned that the resident had just left there about 30 minutes prior to the neighbor observing the suspicious activity. Several doors were found to be open in some of the out buildings but no signs of entry were found into the residence itself. An alert was given out on the distinctive gray car and about an hour and a half later was located on Bishop Road south of Greenville. As Deputies approached the car, they observed one male occupant and multiple items in the back seat. The male occupant later admitted to having been the driver of the car at Martin Road. Items found in his car were later confirmed to be from Martin Road and from another house on Beamsville-Webster Road. Theft and Breaking and Entering charges were filed against the driver of the gray car, Sterling Seiler age 19 of Greenville, OH who was arrested on November 15, 2012 and is currently incarcerated at the Darke County Jail. The investigation continues on the other suspects.
  4. On November 15, 2012 at about 1:59 PM, the Darke County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a property owner in reference to a possible break in near the 7300 block of Palestine-Union City Road. The owner reported that he had been contacted by his neighbor who provided him with a detailed description of a two tone green mini-van that had been observed in the area of the property. The neighbor also reported finding a freshly broken out window to the shop area of the property. Deputies and Detectives immediately responded to the area and obtained a list of stolen items. About an hour and 15 minutes later a green mini-van matching the neighbors’ description was observed in the 7800 block of McMecham Road. The mini-van was stopped by Deputies and stolen items from the above location were recovered. Arrested at the scene and transported to the Darke County Jail on charges of Breaking and Entering were two adult males; Michael Price age 26 of Greenville, OH and Marti Thompson age 41 of Greenville, OH.

Sheriff Spencer congratulates these alert citizens who provided the “timely and accurate” information to his staff which in turn greatly assisted them in daily duties. Citizens working hand in hand with law enforcement have achieved tremendous results as seen in these four recent incidents. Sheriff Spencer urges all citizens to remain alert to suspicious activity and report it to local law enforcement immediately for a timely response.

Sheriff Spencer suggests that Darke County residents secure all doors or access to any of their property; homes, garages, sheds, cars, etc. Avoid leaving doors standing open unnecessarily at any time. This advertises your valuables to thieves that may be scouting your neighborhood for their next victim. Property owners should photograph and document manufacturer names, model numbers and serial numbers of their valuables.

When citizens and law enforcement work together we make our community a less attractive place for criminals and a safer place to live and work.

Contact the Darke County Sheriff’s Office at (937) 548-2020 or in the event of an emergency call 911.

Santa to Visit New Madison Library

The Friends of New Madison Public Library will hold their annual Christmas Open House on Tuesday, December 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Christmas goodies donated by community members will be shared throughout the day. Children wishing to join the library’s new LEGO Club should visit the library that afternoon from 3 to 4:30 p.m. The club is free and open to children from age 5 to age 13.

Participants will have the chance to build a Christmas ornament or decoration out of Legos that will be then be displayed around the library during the holiday season. Santa Claus will visit the library in the evening at 6:00 p.m. Children of all ages can share a wish list with Santa while Mrs. Claus reads a story to those waiting to see Santa. Tri-Village High School Key Club members will take photos with Santa. Photos can be purchased for just $1.00 per child per photo.

Proceeds from this fundraiser will help the Key Club “adopt a family” this Christmas. And all the kids who visit with Santa will be given a book and a treat bag to take home, courtesy of a grant from the Kiwanis Club of New Madison.

All events held during the open house are free and open to the public. Call 937-996-1741 with questions.

Greenville High School College Club Visits Ball State University

Greenville High School juniors toured Ball State University
on Thursday, Nov. 15, as part of the school’s College Club.
About 45 Greenville High School juniors recently visited Ball State University as part of the College Club.

While at Ball State, the students learned about admissions requirements. They also toured the Muncie, Indiana campus before eating lunch there.

“The College Club members now have had the opportunity to tour two four-year college campuses, Ball State and Wright State, as well as a community college, Sinclair,” noted Beth Sears, executive director of Bridges to College.

The Greenville High School College Club, a joint effort between the GHS Guidance Office and Bridges to College, is designed to educate high school students about college.

Prior to going on the Ball State visit, the students were required to attend a luncheon, where Chris Seger, Bridges to College board member and admissions director at Ivy Tech-Richmond, provided basic information about funding college. Students are required to attend the educational luncheon before going on the college visit.

In April, 2013, the College Club juniors will have the opportunity to visit Miami University. During the fall of their senior year, they will visit Indiana University - East.

“We’re hoping that College Club will better prepare students for the college admissions and financial aid process,” said Becky Curtis, Greenville High School counselor.

The Ball State University trip was funded partially from a Greenville Schools Foundation grant and partially from Bridges to College. The College Club is seeking funding for its trip to Miami University in April, 2013. Those wishing to contribute to future trips may make a donation to an account set up through Greenville City Schools.

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