Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Medical Condition Likely the Cause of Early Morning Crash in Darke County

On December 31, 2013 at approximately 6:07 AM Darke County Deputies along with New Madison Fire, Tri-Village Rescue and CareFlight responded to the 4100 block of Hogpath Road on a report of an injury accident.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Silver 2013 Toyota Scion, driven by Samuel Pickett, 23, of Greenville, was traveling west on Hogpath Road and crossed the center line traveling off the left side of the roadway and struck a mailbox before coming to rest in a field. Further investigation revealed the driver most likely suffered from a medical condition for the contributing factor of the crash.

Pickett was airlifted aboard CareFlight to Miami Valley Hospital to be treated. This accident remains under investigation by the Darke County Sheriff's Office.

Monday, December 30, 2013

Wayne Trail Historical Society’s Annual Membership Meeting

The Arcanum Wayne Trail Historical Society will be holding their annual membership meeting on January 9th at the historical building at 123 West George at 7:00 p.m. Members are to bring a carry-in dish, first initial of your last name indicates which food item to bring, A thru F- Dessert, G thru P – Salad or Vegetable and Q thru Z – Meat.

The slate of items for the evening will include election of the new officers for the upcoming year of 2014 and recapping the year of 2013 with a committee report from each chairman. The membership will hear reports from acquisitions, financial report, fund raising, genealogical and references, on-going projects and upcoming programs and pertinent information for the new year.

Donations to the society will be received at any time and the building is checked daily to store them. Christmas and garage sale items may be left on the front porch of the building and aluminum cans for recycling on the back porch. For purchase of books on Arcanum history, contact Barbara Deis at 678-7832, Bill Gunder at 692-8000 or any Board member or the website.

To learn more about this active organization, become a membership, or Arcanum and surrounding communities history, check out the website at www.arcanumhistoricalsociety.org.

‘Tis the Season: To Mark Your Calendars

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby & Darke Counties

Ten year old Phillip Beck, son of Clarissa Smith,
resident of Sidney, enjoys some snacks during the
2012 Bowl for Kids’ Sake bowling event.
Photo Courtesy: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby & Darke County
Mark those calendars! Bowl For Kids’ Sake 2014 is scheduled for March 7 & 8, 2014, at Bel-Mar Lanes in Sidney & Treaty Lanes in Greenville. Bowl for Kids’ Sake serves as the largest fundraiser for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby & Darke County. We invite you to join us in the challenge of making 2014 the largest fundraising event to-date. Hundreds of area bowlers have teamed up every year to support this event and partake in the self-proclaimed “bowling event of the year.” Don’t miss out on your chance to be a part of this event in 2014. Between the bowling, prizes, free t-shirt & food and the smiles you’ll put on the faces of the youth in the local communities, this truly is a ‘can’t miss’ event.

Bowl for Kids’ Sake is open to the public, with $40 admission or $25 for those under the age of 18. For registration forms and more information please visit www.bigbrobigsis-shelbydarke.org. You can also register by calling (937) 492-7611 or (937) 547-9622. All individuals and businesses from the surrounding areas are invited to participate. You can choose to form a team with friends, family and/or co-workers and raise money or bowl individually. High school students are also encouraged to participate and are eligible to bowl for just $25. Lanes are available Friday, March 7 at 5pm & Saturday, March 8 from 12 noon to 4:00pm at Bel-Mar Lanes in Sidney & Treaty Lanes in Greenville. You get to choose what one-hour block of bowling works the best for you.

Sponsor opportunities are available for the 2014 Bowl for Kids’ Sake event as well. This is a wonderful way to promote your business and help an organization that gives back to the community by providing positive interaction for the youth. Different sponsorship levels are available and prize donations are greatly appreciated. If you want to jump on this opportunity to create a positive association for your business directly within the community in which you serve, please call (937) 492-7611 or (937) 547-9622.

Cover Crop Informational Meeting – January 8, 2014 at 9:00am

Are you interested in planting a cover crop, but not sure where to start? If you answered yes to this question or have some uncertainties about the cover crop you have planted, then mark your calendar for the morning of Wednesday, January 8, 2014. The Darke Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), Treaty Soil and KB Seed Solutions are hosting a Cover Crop Workshop in the Assembly Room at the Darke County Parks located at 4267 State Route 502 West, Greenville, Ohio 45331. The meeting will begin at 9:00am. Thanks to support from the 4R Tomorrow program, this workshop will help to answer many of your questions and concerns about planting a cover crop. This workshop will focus on the benefits and management challenges of best utilizing a cover crop in your rotation. There will also be a focus on different methods available for seeding during the growing season.

Nick Bowers is the Director of Operations at KB Seed Solutions located in Harrisburg, Oregon. He is fourth generation grass seed farmer and in 2007 formed KB Seed Solutions with Wayne Kizer to market their variety of annual ryegrass, KB Royal.

Bowers’ goal with this workshop is to help farmers “learn about all of the management tools needed to be successful with covers. There is much more to using cover crops than buying some sort of seed and planting it, starting with how to pick a cover crop that is right for each individual situation”.

Greg McGlinch, Nutrient Management Specialist with Darke SWCD, has been experimenting with cover crops on his family farm for over five years. McGlinch believes understanding the benefits you are looking for and being honest about the management commitment you are willing to make are an important part when deciding on which cover to plant. “Are you looking for weed suppression or a nitrogen fixer? Do you want something that will frost kill or something that survives through the winter? How are you planning to kill the cover in spring, tillage, crimper, or with herbicides? These are some very important questions to answer before you choose a cover. As with anything, knowing exactly what you want to achieve will lead to success, but just blindly planting covers can be a costly decision,” said McGlinch.

This workshop will also touch upon different methods for seeding a cover from some local experts. The goal of this workshop is to help growers make an educated decision when it comes to cover crop seed. Utilizing cover crops can lower your input costs and benefit the environment. To register for this meeting, either call the Darke SWCD office at 937-548-1715, Ext. 3 or visit www.darkeswcd.com. Register now, space is limited.

ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT FISH FRY & SALAD BAR

January 14, from 5:00 – 8:00 P.M.

At the Goat Farmers Ranch

Eat-in or drive thru carry-out

The Goat Farmers Ranch is located at 13681 Yorkshire-Osgood Rd., Yorkshire, OH
(St. Rt. 127 to St. Rt. 705 to Osgood, turn right on Yorkshire-Osgood Rd.,
Goat Farmers 1 mile on left).

The public is welcomed!!!

Proceeds benefit Darke County Right to Life

HOLIDAY SHARING EVENT HELD AT POWER OVER PARKINSON’S GROUP


Versailles Health Care Center hosted its end-of-the-year Holiday Sharing Event at the December Power Over Parkinson’s meeting. The group members brought in their favorite holiday treats to share with everyone. While enjoying refreshments and snacks, the group watched an inspiring NEW video featuring the Parkinson’s LSVT BIG & LOUD Program Successes for 2013. Each member received a copy of the video to share with family and friends.

Several members also shared their story of empowerment over Parkinson’s with the group. Mr. Keith Furlong of Arcanum, Ohio, shared his story. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease on July 30, 2013. Furlong’s neurologist, Dr. Louis Krousgrill referred him to Versailles Health Care Center for Parkinson’s therapy treatment. He completed the Parkinson’s specialty programs, including LSVT BIG and LOUD treatments. Furlong said, “I think I can speak for all of us here when I say thank you to everyone at Versailles Health Care Center. When I first started here, I was pessimistic and didn’t care about much anymore. Now I have my life back. Thank you!”


Sunday, December 29, 2013

Commissioner's Corner - December 2013

The end of another year is upon us. This has been a unique December weather- wise; surprising warmth at times, followed by freezing cold and blowing snow, followed by inches and inches of rain, and back to cold temperatures! Although the weather has been changeable this year, the County continued our success from the previous 3 years. As we all look back on 2013, it occurs to me that we have had a very successful year with a lot to be thankful for. The County has done pretty well financially this year; sales tax increased slightly again this year, delinquent accounts in the treasurer’s office have decreased, and all of our departments have worked very hard to stay on, or under, budget. We have continued work on County properties so they can remain useful for years to come. Our maintenance department has done an excellent job of maintaining and improving what we have, and will continue with projects through the year. Our Economic Development department is continuing, along with Partnering 4 Progress, to bring jobs and businesses to the people. It looks like 2014 will continue that trend. Thanks to Marc Saluk, Melanie Nealeigh, and Lisa Wendel, our E.D. Department, for moving us in a very positive direction.

It occurs to me that with all the good things happening in Darke County, I have noticed a distinct change in people’s attitudes. People seem to be happier, more joyful, and more hopeful about their futures. There are more smiles to be seen on people’s faces, along with friendlier greetings on the street. This is a great place to live. I think people are just realizing that. Being fortunate enough to travel a little, I have been to places, here and abroad, that I did not want to live. To me, Darke County is the best example of small town America. Greenville is one of Ohio’s best small towns, our County is now known nationwide because of our Economic Development and Workforce efforts,(Wall Street Journal, USA Today, FOX, CBS, NBC, ABC NEWS) and we are also known nationwide for our agricultural output(Number one in the Country In egg production!) We have one of the best small museums in the country, The Garst Museum, people who are known worldwide from here (Annie Oakley, Zachary Landsdowne, Lowell Thomas etc.), and we have abundant resources to maintain our “country” lifestyle. What more can we wish for? Things are on the upswing here and you can feel it. New businesses, new jobs, new schools, people more involved, and people doing what they should and coming together to give a sweet, brave young lady, Corynna Strawser, a great last Christmas. This does not happen everywhere. We are caring for each other more again, and it feels good!

With the end of this Holiday Season, take time to reflect on all the good that is around us. Let’s make a New Year’s resolution together to continue our successes, fix our problems, and make our little corner of the world better. We have the ability and the people in place to make it work, so let’s be an example for everyone else. I know we can do it! I hope you had a very Merry Christmas, have a joyous New Year, and may God Bless us as we go on into 2014.

The Darke County Commissioners- Mike Stegall, Diane Delaplane, and Mike Rhoades

CANCER SUPPORT GROUP WILL MEET JANUARY 9, 2014

The next meeting of the “Living with Cancer” Support Group will be held on Thursday, January 9 from 7:00 to 8:15 pm. The meeting will take place in the first floor administrative board room at Wayne Health Care. (From the main entrance, turn right and go down the hallway past the lab and turn left at the end of the hall. You will see the board room on the left.)

The group decided to meet one week later than usual due to New Year’s Day.

January’s meeting will hold an open forum and those planning to attend are being asked to bring one thing to share with the rest of the group. (Either copies for the group, or an idea that you want to share. Perhaps there is information that you have found to be helpful, or a concern that you want to ask the group about, or something that you experienced and how you dealt with it, etc.)

The local Cancer Association of Darke County sponsors the Living with Cancer group in cooperation with Wayne Hospital. The Support Group is open to anyone with a cancer diagnosis, also family and friends of an individual with cancer are encouraged to attend. Facilitating the support group meeting will be Christine Lynn from the Cancer Association and Jill Brown from Wayne Health Care.

For further information, contact the Cancer Association of Darke County (partnering with United Way) office at 548-9960. The office is located at 1111 Sweitzer St. at the Wayne Cancer Center. Office hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.

The Cancer Association is local and independent and not affiliated with American Cancer Society or other organizations.

If you would like to donate to help Darke County cancer patients, just write your check to Cancer Association of Darke County and mail to: CADC PO Box 781, Greenville, OH 45331. The organization is always looking for volunteer drivers to drive patients to their treatments. If you would like more information on how to become a driver, just call the office and leave a message if necessary. Someone will return your call.

Versailles Bowling Teams Continue to Find Success

Versailles Boys Bowling Defeat New Bremen

The 4th match of the season the boys went up against the New Bremen Cardinals at Northland Lanes in Lima, Ohio. The boys won rather easily with a score of 2,834 to 2,233. The team was led by Michael Davidson with a 244-214, Ben Ahrens with a 211 and Ryan Watren with a 195, 194. They face their toughest opponent of the year, St. Henry, this Saturday. The boys are currently in a 3 way tie for 1st place with St. Henry and Wapakoneta.

Versailles Girls Bowling defeat the Flyers

The 4th match of the season the girls went up against the Marion Local Flyers at Woodcrest Lanes in Union City. The girls won rather easily with a score of 2,698 to 1,655. The team was led Brooke Wehrkamp with a 223, Tori Minnich 195 and Hannah Niekamp 188-180. The girls will go up against Minster this Saturday at Northland Lanes in Lima. The girls are currently in a 3 way tie for 1st place with Coldwater and St. Marys.

Time is ticking away… Give Volunteering a TRY!

Do you need a new idea for something to do this year for a New Year’s Resolution? If so, have you considered volunteering? The Park District has several volunteer opportunities available for all ages. Opportunities vary from being indoors to exploring the outdoors all while enjoying all the different seasons.

Join us on Saturday, January 18th at 10AM to see what volunteering with the Park District is all about. A few opportunities include helping at the reception desk, maintaining trails, folding Nature Notes, assisting with animal enrichment, adopting a park, assisting with visiting school trips, and more. Not sure if this is something you would like to do? Come and check it out.

Regardless of how busy your schedules may be, the rewarding parts of volunteering are countless; whether it would be meeting a new friend, seeing all the smiling faces when you assist with a program or walk the trails on a regular basis while adopting a park (better than going to the gym to work out!) Even the busiest of schedules will likely allow for an evening or a few hours per month to help the Park District. As a Park District volunteer you have the flexibility to assist in your area of interest and when your schedule [permits.

If you want to be more involved with your community and volunteer with the Park District, please attend the January 18th meeting and RSVP to Laura Schwieterman, Volunteer Coordinator, at 937-548-0165 or via email lschwieterman@darkecountyparks.org by Friday, January 10th. Thank you for taking the time and considering adding this opportunity to your life. Happy Holidays to All!

TRAVEL BLANKET ADDS WARMTH TO JANUARY BLOOD DRIVES

FLEECE BLANKET IS FRIENDLY COMPANION DURING WINTER TRAVEL

DAYTON & DARKE COUNTY, Ohio – Community Blood Center (CBC) is adding warmth to the winter season with the gift of a cozy fleece travel blanket. Everyone who registers to donate will receive a travel blanket.

Donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment at www.DonorTime.com, or call 1-800-388-GIVE (4483). Locally donors can also contact Dana Puterbaugh, Darke County Account Representative at 937-997-2199 or dputerbaugh@givingblood.org.

The fleece blanket is charcoal grey, about 4 feet wide and 4 ½ feet long, and rolls into a convenient travel size. The blanket roll is held in place by a nylon and Velcro handle flap that features the red CBC blood drop logo. It’s free to everyone who registers to donate now through Saturday, Jan. 25 at any CBC Donor Center and most CBC mobile blood drives.

Thursday, January 2, 2014
Spirit Medical Transport
5484 St. Rt. 49, Greenville
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Open to the Community
Appointments Encouraged!
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Ohio Department of Transportation
8:00 am – 10:00 am
Employees Only


Saturday, December 28, 2013

Cow Palace/Beef Barn Roof Collapses in 3 Alarm Fire at the Fairgrounds

Credit: Jennifer Clark
The Greenville City Fire Department responded to the Darke County Fairgrounds at 7:45 p.m. on December 27, 2013. Upon arrival, crews found the Cow Palace/Beef Barn fully engulfed in flames. The fire spread to the milking parlor and a small office building. No other buildings on the Fairgrounds received any damage.

3 alarms were dispatched to fight the fire. 11 fire companies responded to the scene as-well-as 5 medical units. In addition to the City of Greenville Fire Department, responding units included Greenville Township Fire, Liberty Township Fire, New Madison Fire, Union City Fire, Arcanum Fire, Union City Rescue, Greenville Township Rescue, and Arcanum Rescue. Units from Ansonia Fire and Versailles Fire were manning the Greenville Fire Station in the event of another fire call within the city.

Firefighters employed defensive firefighting operations due to the extent of the fire and the potential for collapse of the bowstring truss roof structure. The fire companies’ crews were quickly able to get the fire under control and keep it from spreading to other nearby buildings. The wooden roof structure of the building was the main source of combustible materials which partially collapsed during the firefighting operations.

One firefighter was evaluated on the scene for a possible medical issue and one firefighter was transported to Wayne Healthcare for evaluation. He was treated and released.

Personnel form the City of Greenville Fire Department, City of Greenville Police Department, and the Ohio Fire Marshal’s Office are investigating the cause of the fire. No damage estimate is available at this time.

Friday, December 27, 2013

Animal Barns on Fire at the Darke County Fairgrounds

Photo: WHIO.com
A large fire has broken out at the Darke County Fairgrounds tonight (Friday). The fire seems to be centered near the Cow Palace, although WHIO reports multiple structures seem to be on fire. Hazy smoke (and the stench of fire) could be seen (and smelled) even on the east side of town.

Multiple departments are battling the blaze and police and the sheriff's department have blocked off stretches of the roads surrounding the fairgrounds.

I will update with more/confirmed details as I have them.

Click here for WHIO.com's story (which is being update throughout the evening).


Update: Jennifer Clark shared this incredible video on Facebook.



Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Rossburg Man Airlifted After Single Car Crash Early Christmas Morning

No comments:
On December 25, 2013 at approximately 1:08 AM Darke County Deputies along with Rossburg Fire, Ansonia Rescue and CareFlight were dispatched to the 2800 Block of Rossburg Lightsville Rd in reference to a single vehicle injury accident.
 
Preliminary investigation revealed Richard S. Smith, 43, of Rossburg, Ohio was traveling east on Rossburg Lightsville Rd. Smith's vehicle veered off the right side of the roadway striking a utility pole. The vehicle traveling approximately 100 yards before coming to rest in a field.
 
Richard S. Smith was transport to Miami Valley Hospital by CareFlight where he is listed in stable condition.
 
This accident remains under investigation by the Darke County Sheriff's Office.

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Merry Christmas!

What a White Christmas Could Have Looked Like
I would like to thank all of you for another wonderful year. Merry Christmas to you all, from those down the street to those across the world. Thanks for supporting our site and I look forward to 2014.

Remember (as I will try) to slow down and take in all of the time spent with family and friends. As quick as it felt like the season was upon us is just as quick as it will all be over.  Amidst the hustle of checking off your to do lists, be sure to take little moments to look around and remember the magic of this time of year.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

Generous Charitable Giving Brightens the Christmas Season for Everyone

Guest Column from State Representative Jim Buchy

It is hard to believe that another year is nearly in the books. This is certainly a fun time of year for a lot of people—especially young kids—as the anticipation of Christmas grows with each day. One of the many special things about being an American, and about being from west central Ohio in particular, is to witness just how charitable so many people are.

With the festivities, family functions, travel plans, shopping and so many other things that can make the holiday season busy and even hectic, it could be easy for people to only think about themselves. That, however, just isn’t the case. I am truly blessed to represent an area full of people who are willing to give of their fruits and labors to improve the lives of those who may be less fortunate or who may have fallen on hard times.

Donating toys to young kids can help brighten their day and can give them a Christmas that they will cherish for a long time. Even more importantly, donating items like coats, gloves or hats can bring comfort, warmth and protection from illness that some kids might not have. Places like churches, businesses and community groups are very active every year in administering these types of charity drives, events that really do make a difference.

Charity not only helps the people in need, but it also gives the people donating a great feeling that they have helped their fellow man. I know that this year will be yet another example of good people giving of themselves.

The value of shopping at area businesses also should not be overlooked. It is good for the economy and helps the employees that work at those stores, and, by extension, helps their families. We are fortunate to live in an economic system that has produced so much opportunity and prosperity that people are able and willing to give a little extra of what they have.

This is a critical part of living in a free society, and I believe that the people of west central Ohio understand this. That is why we have unemployment rates that are some of the lowest in the state, and also why our level of charitable giving is so exceptional.

I want to wish everyone in the 84th House District a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Please provide feed back on this issue and others in the news this month by completing an online survey at tinyurl.com/buchydec

Monday, December 23, 2013

Fort GreeneVille DAR Donates to FISH Mitten Tree


Fort GreeneVille Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution donated mittens and gloves to the FISH mitten tree at the Brethrens Home.

Pictured are members Taylor Nehring, Shirley Hughes, Brenda Arnett, Susie Brewer, Mary Jane Dietrich, and Helen Wright. Not pictured: Regent Chris Nehring.

O’ Come Let Us Adore Him!

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH invites you to join in their traditional Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship with Holy Communion. Special music begins at 10:30 p.m. with a variety of people sharing their gifts of music. Worship begins at 11:00 p.m. The scriptures, a Christmas message and singing of carols will prepare you for the birth of the Christ child. The evening will include the singing of Silent Night while lighting individual candles in remembrance of Jesus, the light of our world. Trinity is located at 204 E. Wood Street, Versailles or for more information go to www.trinityofversailles.org .

Last Week-end to Enjoy Christmas at your Versailles Area Museum

We invite you to stop by the Museum this Sunday to see us all decked out for the holiday from 1:00 to 4:00. That will give you time to browse through our Christmas displays to get a glimmer of Christmas Past.

From the peace of our Church room to treats in Martin’s Toyland, and you won’t want to miss a peak into Grandma’s Kitchen 1900 style for delicious samples of old time treats and recipes, new each week!

Clarence Pittsenbarger, referred to by his friends as “Pittsy” was a cabinet maker and a great tinkerer. Pittsy delighted the children of Versailles by building a unique motorized Santa & sleigh, now at the museum. Also a host of his homemade toys he created are perched under our Enterpuner Room’s tree for you to enjoy remembering.
Learn about the famous Russell’s and their circus adventures as well as facts about our Great Fire of 1901 and how our Community survived.

Thanks to all the kids at Brilliant Beginnings for helping make some special decorations for our School room. It looks great!

Also a visit to our gift shop for wonderful after Christmas surprises for your collections!

Come get in the spirit of Christmas Past at your Versailles Museum. Admission is always free, but your generous donations are most appreciated!

Coming January 27, 2014 is our first “Last Monday of the Month at the Museum”. This 1:00 p.m. program is designed for our Senior friends to include a trivia game, some old pictures and a great dessert. We hope you’ll mark this on your calendar.

The Museum will be closed on Sundays during the month of January.

For group tours please call the museum office at 526-4222 and someone will get back to you. Happy Holidays!

MVCTC Business Academy Students Earns Scholarship

Tori Minnich (Versailles), a Business Academy student at MVCTC, participated in a scholarship test for Accounting at the University of Northwestern in Ohio (UNOH).
Miami Valley Career Technology (MVCTC) Business Academy senior, Tori Minnich from Versailles, participated in a scholarship test for Accounting at the University of Northwestern in Ohio (UNOH). Tori placed third and earned a $4000 scholarship that she will utilize while attending UNOH next year.

For more information about MVCTC, please visit www.mvctc.com.

For over 40-years, MVCTC has been providing career technical education for 27 partner school districts encompassing five counties, including Darke, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, and Warren Counties. MVCTC is dedicated to providing in-demand workforce training for youth, adults, and organizations in the Miami Valley.

Sunday, December 22, 2013

How High's The Water, Mama?

Dick Garrison shared the following photos, all taken today (Sunday) in the Greenville City Park area. I was making jokes all day yesterday about the standing water on our street, us needing a boat, etc, but holy cow, that's a lot of water. (Click on any photo to enlarge).



Help Wanted at BRC


Edison Nursing Students Honored with Pinning Ceremony

Assistant Nursing Professor, Jill Bobb, left, pins and presents student Alicia Goston with a candle at Edison nursing pinning ceremony as Associate Professor of Nursing, Susie Wise reads Goston’s letter.
Edison Community College honored its most recent nursing graduates on Thursday, December 13, with a pinning ceremony held before a gymnasium filled with family and friends at the Piqua Campus.

The pinning ceremony is a time-honored tradition in which the graduate nurse is presented to family and friends as a professional who is about to practice nursing and the graduate is usually pinned by the faculty members who have worked with the students throughout their course of study. Each school has a unique pin, which serves as a symbol of the successful completion of a rigorous curriculum, which prepares its graduates to administer to the sick and injured and promote health through the practice of nursing.

Edison President, Dr. Cris Valdez, gave an opening speech praising the hard work and determination of the students, while recognizing the sacrifices made by the family members and friends who have supported them while completing their degrees.


Saturday, December 21, 2013

WHIO: Rowe Sentenced to 13 Years for His Role in a 2009 Home Invasion


Cory Rowe returned to Darke County Court this week to be sentenced for his role in a 2009 home invasion. Rowe pleaded guilty to Aggravated Burglary and Aggravated Robbery in a plea deal after testifying against another suspect.

In November of 2009, Rowe and another man broke into a home on Palestine Union City Road west of Greenville wearing ski masks and brandishing a hand gun. During the incident, the home owner was attacked and seriously injured. Both he and his wife have since passed away.

Rowe was sentenced to 10 years for his role in the home invasion, with an additional 3 years because the crime involved a gun. Rowe is currently serving a sentence in Federal Prison for a drug related conviction.

Click here (or on the image above) to watch the report from WHIO.com.

WHIO: Greenville Verizon, AT&T Stores Broken Into Friday Night

Photo: Steve Baker/WHIO
WHIO's Steve Baker reports that several cell phone stores were broken into Friday night, including Greenville's AT&T and Verizon stores on Wagner Avenue.

Burglars apparently shattered windows with rocks to gain entry to the stores. Varying locations in Greenville, Piqua, Miami Twp. and Kettering were all hit at some point throughout the night. It is unclear if anything was taken in the Greenville break ins, but cell phones were reportedly stolen from a store in Miami Township.

It's also still unclear at this point if any of the robberies were related.

Click here (or on the photo) for WHIO's full report.

WHIO: Arcanum Student Hit by Car While Walking to School

WHIO reports that on Friday morning, a seventh grader at Arcanum-Butler Schools was hit by a car while she was walking to school.

According to the report, both the child and the crossing guard were following protocol when the incident happened, but it is unclear how the driver hit the child and if/what charges will be filed against the driver.

The student was airlifted to Dayton's Children's Hospital, where she was reportedly in ICU in critical condition as of Friday afternoon.

Click on the image below to watch WHIO's report. We will update the story as details are released.


The Cardinal Center Is Heating Up

Upwards Sports players honing their skills at
the Cardinal Center in preparation for season play.
On December 11, the Village of Gettysburg secured financing to satisfy the remaining obligations of their land-purchase contract with Tom Batelle and to install a new modern heating system in the community wing of the building. The new high efficiency forced air furnaces will replace the inefficient low pressure steam system and will allow for the addition of air conditioning. Installation of the new system is expected to be completed in early January.

In the meantime, the lack of a new system is not preventing use of the center. The Upwards Sports (pleasantviewmc.org/upward.html) program sponsored by Pleasant View Missionary Church has started using the facility for youth basketball. They are practicing every Monday and Thursday through December with games every Saturday starting in January. The program runs until the last week of February. A temporary heater is in place and keeps the building comfortable for the players.

The Friends of the Cardinal Center continues to meet at 7pm the second Tuesday of each month in the center and is off to a flying start. Their initial appeal to Gettysburg alumni has returned over $6,000 in donations. They have received their certificate of non-profit status from the State of Ohio and are now in the process of applying for tax exempt 501c3 status. The group wants to create a list of as many former students as possible and would like to hear from anyone who has ever attended or worked at the Gettysburg School. The friends can be reached by mail at PO Box 305, Gettysburg, OH 45328, facebook (facebook.com/cardinalcenterfriends), or contacting Esther Clark (937-447-8473).

Also, the rental rates for the Cardinal Center have been updated and can be found at villageofgettysburg.net/thecardinalcenter.htm.

VERSAILLES HEALTH CARE CENTER DONATES FOOD ITEMS TO COUNCIL OF CHURCHES

Staff at VHCC L to R: Therese Pohlman, Deanna Jones, Annette Kilburn, Julie Davis, Larry Pierron and Jackie McEldowney.
Versailles Health Care Center recently collected non-perishable food items from staff, family and friends. The food items were donated to the Council of Churches in Versailles for community distribution. Versailles Health Care Center would like to thank everyone who contributed to the collection!

Dealing With Low Grain Prices in 2014

In this time of lower commodity prices it will be more important than ever to maximize yields while managing input costs with more scrutiny.

OSU Extension, Darke County will be offering several education opportunities in the next few months to help provide you with information to help you with the lower grain prices in 2014.

Grain Marketing
Growers, who want to experience grain marketing using real-world strategies without any of the real-world risks, can take advantage of a series of courses taught by Dr. Matt Roberts from Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.

Participants will learn how to use futures and options; make a marketing plan to fit their farm business; use crop insurance as a grain marketing tool; and how to understand financial statement analysis in relationship to their grain marketing plan.

The courses, to be offered Jan. 7 and 21; Feb.4 and 18; and March 4, will be taught online and will offer participants the ability to experience grain marketing simulations using marketing options commonly used in grain marketing without the risk of actually taking a position on real bushels. The series of online courses enables farmers to log in from the comfort of their home office allowing more people access to the courses.


Friday, December 20, 2013

Christmas Eve: The Eve of the Nativity at St. Paul's Episcopal Church

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at St. John Lutheran Church


CANDLELIGHT AND CAROLS

Celebrate Christmas Eve at historic First Universalist Church, 331 East Washington St., New Madison.

There will be friendly holiday greetings, carols by candlelight, readings and special music.

All are invited to join the short celebration lifting up the true meaning of Christmas, on Tuesday, December 24 at 6:00 p.m.

Son Arrives Home From Military for Christmas with His Mother, a State of the Heart Hospice Patient

Pictured at the Swabb home is left to right, Shio, Nixon’s daughter, the Swabb’s daughter, Jackie Olwine, Steve Swabb, Nixon’s wife Marie, Mike Nixon, and Carol, center, with Nixon’s son, Cody.
You can certainly call it a Christmas wish come true: Carol Swabb was critically ill just a few weeks ago and was transferred from a Dayton hospital to the State of the Heart Hospice Care Center at Wayne HealthCare in Greenville. Her one wish was to see her son Mike Nixon who was stationed in the military in Maryland.

Together, through the efforts of State of the Heart staff, the American Red Cross in Maryland, and the understanding of Nixon’s Naval Commander, that wish did come true and Nixon, a Chief Petty Officer First Class, is home in Castine with his sixty-seven-year-old mother.

Ask both of them how they feel about the reunion and they give the same answer: “Blessed.” Nixon said, “I can’t put a price on what this means to me and how blessed I am to be with my mother at Christmas and spend some quality time with her.” His mother explained, “I was afraid I would not see him again. Yes, it is a blessing to be alive and with my family at Christmas.” For her family, Christmas is the biggest event of the year.

The route to getting Nixon home had some obstacles, but thanks to many folks working toward a common goal, he was able to move his leave time up to make sure he got home to spend quality time with his mother. He had planned to come home just days before Christmas, but as his mother’s condition was not good, State of the Heart Hospice Nurse Gill Hawk urged Nixon to “move up his leave time.” Hospice staff contacted the Red Cross in Maryland and they helped in the process. Nixon’s commander also had experienced hospice care and the loss of a loved one and encouraged Nixon to get home as quickly as possible His leave was moved up and he arrived home Friday, December 13. He can stay as long as the need is there, he said.

During this process, “Miss Carol,” as she was called by staff at the Care Center, began to improve dramatically. Her pain was brought under control and she began taking nourishment. “This was great,” said Hawk, himself a military veteran, “as she wanted to be strong for her son.”


Grief Support Sessions Scheduled In Greenville by State of the Heart Hospice

State of the Heart Hospice will begin a series of Growing Through Grief Support sessions at the agency’s Greenville office, 1350 N. Broadway on Monday, January 6. The sessions will be held each Monday through February 10 from 2 to 4 p.m. The sessions are free and one need not have any association with hospice care.

Bereavement support is a service provided by State of the Heart. The nonprofit agency cares for families and patients in eastern Indiana and western Ohio who are confronting a life limiting illness. Grief support sessions are conducted at various times throughout the year at the agency’s offices in Greenville, Coldwater and Portland.

“At times we have people who might initially be reluctant to attend the sessions,” said Marlene Black, State of the Heart Bereavement Specialist. “However, after attending the support meetings, the response is overwhelmingly positive,” she added. “We find that people realize that they are not alone in their grief; that others are experiencing what they are.” Black, along with State of the Heart Hospice Social Worker Erin Meyer, will facilitate the sessions.

One of the most important things that those attending learn, she said, “is that what they are experiencing is normal and is part of their healing process.”

Black encourages anyone who is experiencing grief and loss to attend the meetings. “They can choose to talk about their grief, or they can listen to others. Inevitably, people tend to open up once they find out they are not the only ones feeling as they do.”

To register for the Growing Through Grief sessions or to get more information, please call 1-800-417-7535 to speak with one of the State of the Heart bereavement team members. To learn more about the services provided by State of the Heart, visit the agency web site at www.stateoftheheartcare.org

Teen to Teen Talk: The End of the World

by: Elizabeth Horner

My high school graduating class was obsessed with predictions of the end of the world. We all knew that the same year we would walk across the football field to receive our diplomas--- green and white ceremonial gowns flapping around our ankles, nervous eyes scanning the sky for clouds--- was also supposed to be our last year of existence, if the Mayan’s highly accurate calendar suddenly ending meant anything.

I doubt any of us actually believed in the mythology. But it was fun to talk as if we did. My mom and I discussed plans to be together on December 21st. Friends shared bucket lists, and the possibility that our release into the ‘real world’ was actually the reason for doomsday. And then we would switch to other topics--- questions about our future extending long after the date in question.

To be honest, as we approach the winter of 2013, I can’t even remember what happened last year on that date, except that it wasn’t the end of all life as we knew it.

Whatever the details, I’m pretty sure that I got up, had lunch, probably checked my Facebook account or did some pleasure reading. I was also probably, at that point, still preparing for my trip back home from my study abroad program in London--- a plane ride which gave me no cause to fear unexpected circumstances. And in the midst of all this nothing, the sheer and utter normalness of these tasks, I learned an important lesson--- (Isn’t it strange: the idea that you can learn something, not from new experiences, but for the everyday taken-for-granted ones?)--- Life. Plods. On. Even if we don’t expect it to. Whenever we think something is the end of the world, it isn’t yet.


Voice Your Opinion

PIQUA – Council on Rural Services is a non-profit organization that offers early childhood programs, youth development programs, and volunteer and social programs for adults and seniors in nine counties in west-central Ohio. (Auglaize, Champaign, Darke, Greene, Logan, Miami, Preble, Shelby, and Van Wert.) We are doing a community needs assessment and need to hear your views about your community.

We invite you to participate in a short survey and request that you please share the survey link with your friends, colleagues, and business partners. The web link to the survey is https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CORSCommunityAssessment2013.

The information received through this survey is extremely valuable to us, and will be used in helping the organization understand the current perception about community needs and resident experiences. The information will also be useful in determining your familiarity with our organization, while giving us ideas for our organization's future. Your participation in this survey is voluntary. Your answers will be kept confidential, and analyzed as a group by county.

Go on… share your opinion.

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Hydraulic Fracturing—A Safe and Reliable Source of Energy Leading Ohio’s Comeback

Guest Column from State Representative Jim Buchy

Hydraulic fracturing is the safest way to extract minerals from below the earth’s surface. The opportunities provided by the exploration of oil and natural gas in eastern Ohio will have a major impact on the economic sector in that part of the state. The continued use of the hydraulic fracturing process in eastern Ohio also helps western Ohio by providing more consumers for our agricultural products in addition to the lower prices of natural gas in this part of the state.

A lot of misinformation and innuendo has been used to stir up concern in the public regarding hydraulic fracturing. I became a public supporter of this process in 2011 when I voted for legislation that would make oil and gas more accessible in Ohio and I then followed that with a vote in favor of more stringent regulation over the process. As a result the industry has a track record of safety in Ohio, and the U.S. EPA considers our regulations some of the most stringent in the nation.

When I hear about concerns of human safety in any Ohio industry I take interest and research the issue. In this case I have been meeting with experts from around the state to learn more about the industry. One concern raised in our area is the possibility of Class II injection wells in western Ohio to dispose of used brine. Brine is a water- based product that includes lubricants and salt to help the process of pressurizing oil and gas wells. Chemicals involved in this process are natural and best disposed of through injection wells which extend thousands of feet below the water table to put the salt water based brine back into an area of the earth with a very similar chemical make up.


Greenville FFA Chapter Members Receive Chapter FFA Degree

Chapter Degree recipients were L to R [1st row] Kamryn Coppock, Brady Garber, Nicole Garland, Kelsey Crandall, Olivia Mcdade, Mary Beth Siekman (Ohio FFA State Officer) [2nd row] Jondalar Apple, Spencer Monnin, Jena Snyder, Jordan Printz, Aaron Miniard, Dylan Kolb, Victoria Nader [3rd Row] Patrick Schmitmeyer, Bradley Garber, Sara Gibboney, Hunter George.
Twenty-two members of the Greenville FFA Chapter received the Chapter FFA Degree; the second high school degree awarded by the National FFA Organization. This honor recognizes demonstrated knowledge and achievements in agricultural awareness, leadership, career development and community service programs.

The Chapter FFA Degree is given to an FFA chapter’s top members. To receive a Chapter FFA Degree, members must meet the following requirements: Received the Greenhand FFA Degree, Satisfactorily completed 180 hours (or the equivalent) of systematic school instruction in agricultural education at or above the ninth grade level, Have an approved SAE in operation, Enrolled in an agriculture course, Participated in the planning and implementation of at least three official FFA chapter activities, Earned and productively invested at least $150, or have worked at least 45 hours outside of scheduled class time, or a combination of the two, through their SAE, Have developed plans for continued growth and improvement of their SAE, Effectively lead a group discussion for 15 minutes, Demonstrated five parliamentary law procedures, Show progress toward achievement in FFA award programs, Have a satisfactory academic record, Submitted a written application for the Chapter FFA Degree, Complete a minimum of 10 hours of community service activities.


LAST TWO DARKE COUNTY BLOOD DRIVES OF THE YEAR!

OFFERS DONORS CHANCE TO WIN COMPUTER BUNDLE AND KEEP WARM

DARKE COUNTY, Ohio - Santa will hitch his reindeer to the Community Blood Center (CBC) Bloodmobile this holiday season to deliver a grand prize in the Darke County Days Blood Drives. Everyone who registers to donate blood at any Darke County blood drive Dec. 1 - Dec. 31 will have a chance to win a HP Laptop Computer Bundle.

CBC Darke County Account Representative Dana Puterbaugh says the grand prize computer bundle is an extra encouragement for people to donate during a traditionally busy time of year. The Thanksgiving through New Year’s period is always a challenging time for the blood supply due to school vacations, holiday travel, family activities and the beginning of the cold and flu season.

Anyone who registers to donate at a December Darke County blood drive is automatically entered in the drawing for the HP Laptop Computer Bundle. The bundle includes HP laptop, internet security software, sleeve, mouse and flash drive package. Plus everyone who registers to donate blood will receive a fleece travel blanket.

Thursday, December 26, 2013
Saint Paul Lutheran Church
Greenville-St. Mary’s Road
2:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Open to the Community
Appointments Encouraged!

NOTICE DATE CHANGED FROM ORIGINAL DATE
NEW DATE: Monday, December 30, 2013
Kroger Store
200 Lease Avenue Greenville
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Open to the Community
Appointments Encouraged!

Local Community Blood Center contact Dana Puterbaugh Darke County Account Representative (937) 997-2199 or dputerbaugh@givingblood.org.

CANCER ASSOCIATION OF DARKE COUNTY GIVING BACK TO RESIDENTS OF DARKE COUNTY

“Where There is Help There is Hope” This is not only the motto of the Cancer Association of Darke County but also their pledge to residents of Darke County. The Cancer Association of Darke County has helped cancer patients in many ways. At their year-end board meeting Christine Lynn, Director of CADC reported that $901,557.97 has been provided in patient services over the past 14 years. Services that are available consist of reimbursement for mileage, medication & medical supplies expenses, Ensure, transportation, support groups, wigs & scarves. Brochures, books and other reading materials are also available.

Board members are busy planning for the 2014 calendar of events. Events for 2014 include a Gourmet Dinner Drawing, Monte Carlo Night, National Cancer Survivor’s Day, Chicken/Pork BBQ, Annie Oakley Golf Tournament and Gospel Sing. All funds raised by these events & donations to the CADC help provide the above services to cancer patients of Darke County.

The CADC is located at 1111 Sweitzer St. (Wayne Cancer Center), Greenville, with office hours from 9:00-4:30 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Christine Lynn and Marilyn Emmons are available at these times to assist with any questions or concerns you may have. For more information call the CADC office @ 548‐9960 for more details. Please leave a message if the office is closed or on the line with someone else.

From the Board of Directors we would like to wish everyone a Blessed Christmas and Happy Healthy New Year.

Edison Foundation’s Holiday Evening a Success

Beatles tribute band, The Return, performs “A Hard Day’s Night” in front of a crowded gymnasium at the Edison Foundation’s annual Holiday Evening event.
Edison Community College held its 16th annual Holiday Evening event on Thursday, December 5, with renowned Beatles tribute band, The Return, as the headlining entertainment for the night’s festivities.

More than 360 guests attended the annual gala, which provides funding for the Edison Foundation’s General Scholarship Fund. Proceeds from the event directly assist recent high school graduates and those returning to the classroom to start, change or advance their careers.

“Holiday Evening on the surface may look like a time to dress up, enjoy good food and spectacular entertainment, but this event was started by members of our community who wanted to make a significant impact on the community,” said Kim Horton, Vice President of Institutional Advancement. “Hundreds of Edison students, many of them first-generation college attendees and graduates have benefited from this fund and especially this event.”

This year’s event raised more than $35,000, which will assist numerous students in the upcoming academic year, including the Thomas Alva Edison recipients, who are in the top 15% of their high school class.


VERSAILLES HEALTH CARE CENTER GIVES AWAY TIGER GAME BALL

Pictured L to R: Lisa Barga and VHS Athletic Director Michael Paulus.
With Versailles High School basketball season underway, Versailles Health Care Center announces its game ball giveaway contest at all home varsity boys basketball games this season! Basketball fans must first purchase a program at the game. One special program will be marked and the lucky winner of that program will be announced at half-time of the varsity game. Programs can be purchased for $2 from any junior high cheerleader located at each ticket table. The game ball winner should see the announcer or Athletic Director Michael Paulus.

“This contest continues to be a fun way for Versailles Health Care Center to be involved in Tiger Basketball Ball,” said Beth Bell, Sales & Marketing Director at Versailles Health Care Center. Lisa Barga of Versailles was the winner of the game ball for December 13’s game against New Knoxville. Lisa’s son, Jace, is a junior and plays on the Versailles varsity basketball team.

Versailles Health Care Center is a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center. The Rehab Clinic at VHCC offers inpatient and outpatient therapy to people of all ages. It employs 14 full-time local therapists and is open seven days a week. Specialty programs offered at The Rehab Clinic at Versailles Health Care Center are Sports Medicine, Parkinson’s Therapy Program, Vestibular (Balance) Rehab Therapy, Cardiac Recovery, Pulmonary Rehab, Stroke Recovery, Continence Improvement, Wound Care, Orthopedic-Joint Replacement Therapy, and much more. For more information about the therapy programs at Versailles Health Care Center, contact Shannon Condon at 937-526-0130 or visit on the web at versailleshealthcare.com.

Darke County Bard Board to Meet December 27th

The Darke County Park District Board of Commissioners will hold a Special Board Meeting on Friday, December 27, 2013 at 8:00 a.m. at the Shawnee Prairie Nature Education Center, 4267 St. Rt. 502 W., Greenville, OH. This meeting will be to review and approve the 2014 Appropriations Budget and the Strategic Plan of the Park District.

Poinsettias Delivered to Hospice Patients Thanks to Star Greenhouses

Just in time for Christmas, patients under the care of State of the Heart Hospice are receiving beautiful poinsettias, thanks to the generosity of Star Greenhouse, Inc. of North Star. Hospice staff members are delivering the colorful blooming plants to patients in their homes, assisted living facilities and nursing homes in eastern Indiana and western Ohio, and the State of the Heart Hospice Care Center at Wayne HealthCare.

Star Greenhouse, on State Route 127, has donated the poinsettias for hospice patients for the past 13 years. A card is attached to the poinsettia stating it is a gift from Star made possible by State of the Heart. “We have gotten some really nice notes and letters from people who received them,” said Donna DeMange, who along with her husband Mark, own the greenhouse. “When you get feedback like that, we feel it is the least we can do for patients.” Star Greenhouse, which currently has an inventory of over 10,000 flowering poinsettias gets the small rooted plants in July and nurtures them through the holiday season when they are ready for purchase. This year, they donated 135 poinsettias to the nonprofit agency.

Pauline Faller, volunteer coordinator for State of the Heart, said, “The distribution of the poinsettias has become a tradition for State of the Heart. It is heartwarming for staff to see the smiles of appreciation on the faces of families and patients when the colorful plants are delivered. It definitely brings a ray of sunshine into the lives of our families and patients.” Volunteers help in the effort by getting the poinsettias to the various offices which serve patients.

State of the Heart cares for families and patients confronting a life-limiting illness and has offices in Greenville, Coldwater and Portland. The agency serves patients in eastern Indiana and western Ohio. For more information about any of the services provided by State of the Heart, call 1-800-417-7535 or visit the agency web site at www.stateoftheheartcare.org.

Pictured at Star Greenhouse surrounded by thousands of poinsettias, left to right, Mark DeMange, Eric DeMange, Christy Baker, Development Specialist, State of the Heart, Ryan Gathard, Fund Development Director for State of the Heart, Ralph Gels, Coldwater Hospice volunteer and Bruce Miller, Greenville Hospice volunteer.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Grace Resurrection Community Center Helps Those in Need


by Amy Farmer

The work of Grace Resurrection Community Center began in 1999 with a weekly soup kitchen in a church basement. Today, the organization serves over 1,000 meals a month to Darke County residents and offers a variety of other services to those in need.

Located at 433 E. Water Street in Greenville, Grace Resurrection receives funding from the United Way and accepts monetary, clothing and food donations from individuals and businesses. According to Executive Director Sharon Fellers, “Every donation makes a difference when the need is so great. We try to help as many people as we can with the resources we have.”

With its mission to “provide food for the hungry, drink to the thirsty, clothing for the naked, shelter for the homeless, health care for the indigent sick, and a Christian atmosphere to provide or further a relationship with Christ,” GRCC strives to create an atmosphere in which people feel comfortable enjoying fellowship with each other and ministry from the many volunteers who make the organization work.

On Monday through Thursday, GRCC opens its doors at 10 a.m. for a free soup kitchen served from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Meals are provided and served by volunteers from 18 area churches that accept donations from their parishioners on behalf of the program. “Usually, we serve anywhere from 40 to 70 people each day,” said Fellers.

A food bank is also available on Mondays and Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and typically supplies food for 400-500 households each month. The food bank is partially funded by United Way, along with private donations and food items provided by area grocers, businesses, organizations and individuals.

Another popular service is GRCC’s clothing bank, open on Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Clothing, shoes and coats are available free of charge for men, women and children through donations received from private individuals and some clothing manufacturers.

Additionally, GRCC partners with Family Health Services to provide medical fee assistance for qualified individuals, with a goal of “bridging the gap” for individuals who have no insurance or cannot afford their insurance co-payments. GRCC makes referrals to the medical assistance program and generally helps with payment for up to three visits, during which time patients are encouraged to seek other programs such as Medicaid for more permanent assistance.

The newest program, geared toward children, is the Feeding America Back Pack Program. Currently serving 194 children from Ansonia, Greenville, Tri-Village and Versailles schools, this program provides food for children to take home over the weekend to ensure they have healthy food available. Sponsorships of $99 per child provide meals to cover the entire school year.

Because GRCC is a not-for-profit, 501c3 organization, donations are tax deductible. “This time of year is especially difficult for those in need, with the cold winter months contributing to higher utility costs and the need for warmer clothing,” said Fellers. Those interested in contributing food items, monetary donations or clothing can contact Sharon Fellers at 548-2595.

"Maude
" ©

By Abraham Lincoln

I am guessing but I think Maude is about as sweet as they ever get. You’d have to look high and low to find another Maude like this one. Maude, like many females, is tough as nails on her male friends. She does not like just anything that comes along, but she likes soft warm things and has been known to put the best meals away for another day.

I see Maude several times every day. At night I will turn the porch light on to see if I can see her waiting. If I don’t see her then I ask, “You alright, Maude?” I have been known to look for her using a flashlight with two new batteries. When she knows I am looking for her she will reveal herself.

I always see her blue eyes first, and then I see the rest of her hiding by the power line. I spent a considerable amount of time this summer trying to get her to pose for my new camera. I was so close that I am confident she was able to see me and probably wondered what I was trying to do with that big round thing poking at her. She never really moved. So I took her picture. Not once, but several times.

My camera is a Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT. It takes huge pictures — mine are 48 inches wide. You can do a lot with a photo that wide. You can actually crop out all of it but the part you really want to show. And that’s Maude. She is the one with the startling blue eyes. She has 8 legs and all of them have hair. She never shaves but seems to be proud of the hair that she has.

Maude is a spider. She is pretty in black and brown and she does have blue eyes. I think she has fangs too but I can’t quite make them out on on the photographs. As far as I know the only things she eats is anything that happens to blunder into her web. She is clever about her web as it is built close to the porch light and when it is turned on, there are a lot of bugs attracted to this light and some of them end up in her web — supper time.

I think she knew where to build the web and I believe she is smart enough to know that light attracts bugs. Otherwise she would have made her web dozens of other places. That’s Maude with the blue eyes. You’d probably never see her if you stood under her web.

If you are interested in history, photography close-ups, Nature, or things like Gordon, Ohio, stop and take a look. It is larger than you think.

State of the Heart Hospice Joins With Versailles Health Care Center for Grief Groups

State of the Heart Hospice and the Versailles Health Care Center are collaborating on a series of grief support groups for the public. The first of the series, which is called “Healthy Grieving,” is Tuesday, January 7 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Versailles Health Care Center, 200 Marker Rd. in Versailles. The sessions are free and a person need not have any association with hospice care or the rehabilitation/nursing facility.

“We are taking our bereavement services to the community,” stated Traci Straley, Director of Social Services for State of the Heart Hospice. The nonprofit agency schedules Growing Through Grief support sessions throughout the year at the agency’s offices in Greenville, Coldwater and Portland. State of the Heart provides care to patients and families in eastern Indiana and western Ohio who are confronting a life limiting illness. Versailles Health Care Center, well known for its rehabilitation and care of long term residents, also recognizes the need for support in the community and surrounding areas.

Jackie McEldowney, a Licensed Social Worker at Versailles Health Care Center, said the series is the first such collaborate venture by Versailles Health Care Center. “We were thinking about the holidays and how people often deal with grief at that time,” she said. “From that thought, we realized we could help people at various times throughout the year.”

Straley pointed out that “no two people grieve alike.” She added that some may have grief needs at various times, such as birthdays of the one who has died, wedding anniversaries, and anniversaries of a loved one’s death. “Our grief support specialists can help in these instances,” she said.

State of the Heart Hospice is considered the “community resource” in providing grief support not only to families of their patients (for up to 13 months after a patient has died), but to anyone in the community who needs help dealing with grief and loss. Grief support is offered to adults and to children.

The quarterly series will continue in March 18 at the Versailles Health Care Center with a session called “Spirituality and Grief.” On June 17, the series topic will be “Feelings and Grief,” and on September 16, the topic will be “Memorializing Your Loved One.” A final session will be held December 16 and will focus on “Holiday Grief Support.” The time for each session is 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Marker Road location.

Straley said the team of bereavement specialists at State of the Heart will facilitate the series of grief support sessions. McEldowney said she will be in attendance at the sessions also and will assist when needed.

McEldowney said the staff at Versailles Health Care Center is pleased to work with State of the Heart to bring the grief support sessions to the public. “Helping people is what it is all about and this is an extension of that philosophy,” she said. Registration is required and this can be done by calling McEldowney at 937-526-5570.

For information about any of the services offered by State of the Heart, including grief support services, visit the agency web site at www.stateofthehearthospice.org. For information regarding services that the Versailles Health Care Center provides please visit the agency web site at www.versailleshealthcare.com.

Darke County Office Holiday Hours & Special Session Information

The County Offices will be closing on Tuesday, December 24th, at 12:00 noon, and all day on Wednesday, the 25th for the “Christmas” Holiday.

Also, the Offices will be closed all day on Wednesday, January 1st, 2014, for the “New Year” Holiday.

The Darke County Board of Commissioners has scheduled a “Special Session” to be held on Friday, December 27, 2013, at 1:00 p.m., for the last 2013 “Check Run”; and holding their ‘Regular Scheduled-Agenda Session’ on Monday, December 30th, at 1:30 p.m., for their year-end Resolution for “Appropriation-Increases & Decreases”.

No “Regular Session” will be held on Wednesday, December 25, 2013, and Wednesday, January 1, 2014, for Christmas & New Year holidays. The Board of Commissioners will continue to hold “Regular Sessions” for 2014 on Monday & Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m., starting the week of January 6th.

A Different Kind Of Christmas: Living & Giving Like Jesus

We invite the community to our Christmas Eve Service on Tuesday, December 24th @ 8:00 pm, Greenville Church of the Brethren, 421 Central Ave., Greenville.

Join us for a time of celebrating the coming of God to us in the form of the baby, Jesus. Experience a time filled full of music, a unique, participatory telling of the Christmas story, a devotion entitled, “Jesus’ Wish List” and a service of candlelighting.

All are welcome. A nursery is available. For more information call 548-3583.

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Gala to Benefit the Versailles Museum

“All in a Winter’s Night” is the theme for a very special evening planned at the Versailles Museum. With the end of the War of 1812 nearing and hope and optimism about our young nation ever spreading west, land in what was the Northwest Territory was being purchased. Land just outside of Fort Greenville would sell quickly and for top dollar. It was during these next ten to fifteen years that many little villages and hamlets would spring up all over this area.

To commemorate those early land purchases and visionaries who would call this area home we look forward to hosting a special dinner event at the museum. Historic interpreters will invite you to break bread and share a special dinner with a family within the area in 1814 as their guests.

This one night only dinner will be served on January 11, 2014 at the museum. From your arrival a liveryman will greet you followed by house maids to take your wraps on a cold night. Your hosts, in period dress will welcome you in for libations and appetizers as you browse through some of the museum’s gallery’s. At seven you will be invited into our candle lighted banquet room where a delicious four course meal will be offered.

Beautiful music and lively conversation in an exquisite setting is sure to make for an unforgettable evening.

Dinner is limited to only fifty guests at $50.00 per ticket with all proceeds to benefit the museum. Reservations are on a first come bases and may be made now through January 1st.

The menu will consist of a first course of warm squash soup, followed by glazed ham, roasted young turkey with dressing, glazed sweet potatoes and green beans with ham, To compliment the feast, pickles, eggs and red beets and homemade breads and a glass of wine will be served. A cheese course with breads and dried fruits will follow. The meal will be completed with a dessert course of cherry crisp, mixed nuts, a dessert wine, coffee or tea.

You do not want to miss this opportunity to travel back in time before our village was here to see what a warm and delightful evening you might have enjoyed on the frontier of western Ohio, “All In a Winter’s Night”.

Reservations may be made to Debra Pohl at 423-1106.

"Old Memories"

© By Abraham Lincoln

Digging through tubs filled with letters, junk and other memorabilia, I came across a series of letters that older people wrote to me. Many of them were in response to my talk at the Methodist Church in Gordon, Ohio and reading my Brookville Star stories.

Most of the letters are from 2006 and earlier but they are about what they remember about their early life. I had asked people to recall how their lives have changed over the years and especially what they remembered. A lot of people remember outdoor toilets and old Sears and Roebuck, Montgomery Ward and old newspaper used for toilet paper.

Almost everyone remembered making lye soap and shaving the cakes to make suds in the old Maytag wringer washing machine. Our old washing machine dripped black oil on the kitchen linoleum until mom remembered to put a piece of newspaper on the floor to catch the drips.

I had remembered churning cream to make butter. Lots of people do not know that milk, straight out of the cow, comes in two distinct parts. One is cream and the other part is what we used to call skim milk. Back then you could shake the milk and that would mix the cream into the skim milk and make what we called “whole milk.” Whole milk is best on cereal but skim milk can be used on hot cereal since it is mixed-in with the cereal.


STNAs Wanted at State of the Heart Hospice


Pets of the week


We have Ellie at the Darke County Animal Shelter. She is a 3-year-old Labrador Retriever. She is brownish gray almost the color of a Weimaraner. She has short hair. She is a sweet dog and loves to be around people. She follows you around everywhere. She loves to have her belly rubbed. She will make a perfect friend and companion. She is waiting to be adopted.

We have Bailey at the Darke County Animal Shelter. She is a 3-year-old Terrier mix. She is white and tan long hair. She is a playful dog and loves attention. She is full of energy and will make a great walking buddy. She is waiting to be adopted.

We also have a Shih-tzu, some boxer mix puppies, a terrier and numerous other dogs. We also have cats and kittens for adoption.

The Shelter hours are 8am till 4:30pm Monday-Friday and 9:00 till noon on Saturday. The Shelter is located at 5066 County Home Road in Greenville, and the phone number is 547-1645.

2014 dog license are ready. This is the best way for us to get your canine friend back home if they become lost. They can be purchased at the following locations. Suttons in Arcanum, Pattys IGA in Bradford, Farmers State Bank in New Madison, Birts Store in New Weston, Osgood State Bank in Osgood, Old National Bank in Union City, Ace Hardware in Versailles, Ace Hardware in Greenville, the Auditors Office, and the Darke County Animal Shelter. Kennel license can only be purchased at the Darke County Animal Shelter. You must bring a copy of your Vendors License with you in order to purchase a Kennel license.

You can purchase your dog license on-line at www.darkecountyrealestate.org. (Auditors web-site) ALL DOGS OVER 3 MONTHS OF AGE MUST HAVE A LICENSE. For more information you can contact the Animal Shelter at 937-547-1645. To see the dogs we have, go to our web site at www.darkecountyanimalshelter.com.

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS HOSTS ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY

Little Brother, Deecon Grice, Grandson of Becky Dyer of Greenville telling Santa Claus what he wants for Christmas. Big Sister Jessie Hoffman of Versailles with her little Sister, Sophia Price granddaughter of Diana Swartz of Greenville enjoy bowling together at the party.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby & Darke County held its annual Christmas Party on Sunday, December 8th at The New Treaty Lanes bowling alley in Greenville. Approximately 35 people, comprised of community volunteer mentors, Littles, BBBS board members and staff, were in attendance this year. After the excitement of bowling, a pizza party was held. Treaty Lanes owner, Bob Brandon donated his facility for this event. Children also enjoyed a game of trivia with prizes being awarded. The festivities concluded with a visit from Santa, who handed out presents to the Littles.

Volunteers were encouraged to bring a prospective volunteer mentor to the party. Those volunteers were then assigned to help an unmatched Little for the afternoon. Five children in Darke County are waiting to be matched with a volunteer mentor.

Currently there are 31 community volunteer mentors and 38 high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who volunteer with the school-based Big Buddies Program at Versailles, and Greenville’s Woodland elementary schools.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby & Darke county are now busy gearing up fpor The Bowl For Kids’ Sake fundraiser will be held Friday and Sunday, March 7 & 8, 2014, at Bel-Mar Lanes in Sidney and Treaty Lanes in Greenville.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby & Darke County is a non-profit United Way member, social service agency. If you would like more information on entering your child in the program or on becoming an active volunteer, please call 492-7611 or 547-9622.

Mississinawa Valley-MVCTC FFA General Livestock Team placed 8th in Nation

Kaelyn Marker, MacKenzie Dirmeyer, Preston Deeter, Jacob Breymier
The Mississinawa Valley FFA Chapter has had many accomplishments in the area of CDE’s (Career Development Events) the past few years.

Our chapter participates in many spring CDE’s such as: Dairy Judging, Agronomy, Equine judging, and General Livestock Judging. Two of these teams, Dairy and General Livestock, qualified for state judging. The two teams then headed to Columbus in which the Dairy Team placed 7th, and the General Livestock team placed 3th. State Dairy judgers consisted of Chelsea Skidmore (current National Dairy Entrepreneurship winner), Nicole Scholl, Stephanie Scholl, Lindsey Hunt, Megan Wilson, and Kasey Hummel. State General Livestock Judgers were Jacob Breymier, Preston Deeter, Zach Dirmeyer. Levi Livingston, Kaelyn Marker, Lane Manning, MacKenzie Dirmeyer, Joe Schmitz, and Coaches Joe and Carmen Hartzell. Top 4 individuals General Livestock Judgers, Preston, Joe, Kaelyn, and MacKenzie, attended state finals where they placed 4th. These judgers were then asked to attend the American Royal held in Kansas City, Missouri on October 31st, 2013. Of Course the team took this offer because all their hard work couldn’t go to waste; the team spent countless hours preparing and studying all year long. Joe Schmitz district 5 president, was unable to attend at the National level because of National FFA Convention; therefore, Jacob Breymier filled in due to the fact he was fifth on the team.

The team departed Ohio on Tuesday night, and arrived in Kansas City after 2 plane rides around 10 p.m. On Tuesday members did some site seeing and experienced some food traditions in Kansas City. Bright and early the next morning at 8 a.m the members were split into groups and off they went to begin their success. After a long day of judging and oral reasons judgers gathered in for the final banquet where Mississinawa Valley placed 8th in the nation. All of the hard work truly paid off for these students.

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas at your Versailles Area Museum

We invite you to stop by the Museum to see us all decked out in holiday wear as we are open each Sunday from 1:00 to 4:00 to let you browse through our Christmas displays to glimmer Christmas Past.

From the peace of our Church room to treats in Martin’s Toyland, and you won’t want to miss a peak into Grandma’s Kitchen 1900 style for delicious samples of old time treats and recipes, new each week!

Clarence Pittsenbarger, referred to by his friends as “Pittsy” was a cabinet maker and a great tinkerer. Pittsy delighted the children of Versailles by building a unique motorized Santa & sleigh, now at the museum. Also a host of his homemade toys he created are perched under our Enterpuner Room’s tree for you to enjoy remembering.

Learn about the famous Russell’s and their circus adventures as well as facts about our Great Fire of 1901 and how our Community survived.

Thanks to all the kids at Brilliant Beginnings for helping make some special decorations for our School room. It looks great!

Also a visit to our gift shop for wonderful surprises for on or under your tree is a must!

For group tours please call the museum office at 526-4222 and someone will get back to you.

Come get in the spirit of Christmas Past at your Versailles Museum. Admission is always free, but your generous donations are most appreciated!

The Historic St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Requesting Assistance

A site on the Ohio Historical Societies List of Historic Places, St. Peter’s is a unique Darke County treasure. Where else can a church survive 108 years after its closing? This log church covered by clapboard siding is truly unique to have survived and the below letter from her trustees hopes to secure this landmark for the next 100 years.

“As we gather to celebrate the birth of the Christ child many of us allow thoughts of our ancestors to creep into our conscience like the familiar scent of fresh pine or an old ornament that has decorated our trees for more years than we can remember.

You can almost hear the crunch of the snow under the runner of the sleigh as it makes its way to St. Peter’s for the Christmas Eve service.

The familiar sounds of the church bell cuts through the cold, crisp air to all the farms around the church beckoning us to worship.

The black wood stove warms the church as the crackling sound fills the meeting room. The old copper coffee pot has been heating waiting for the circuit Pastor to arrive.

The fresh cut tree sits by the organ and the first strands of “Silent Night” drift through the room.


Greenville BPW Club’s Program on ‘Brain Fitness Can Be Fun!'

The Individual Development Program (IDP) Committee of the Greenville Business & Professional Women’s (BPW) Club hosted the November 14th meeting which was held at the Brethren Retirement Center.

IDP Chair Jane Carroll and committee members Leigh Fletcher and Marilyn Emmons planned the meeting. Carmen Milano was the speaker for the evening. Milano is a registered Yoga teacher specializing in gentle, therapeutic classes and private sessions. Her program was entitled “Brain Fitness Can Be Fun”. She advocates whole foods, plenty of sleep, and movement of body. Carmen encouraged everyone to learn something new every day by taking 15 minutes out of our busy days. She talked about stimulating your senses and creating new pathways in your brain. Interact with people you don’t know. Change things up! Look for opportunities to change! Reduce stress by listening to ourselves on what we choose to do…not what we have to do. Milano recommended the book Keep Your Brain Alive to find ways to generate new brain cells. The program was fun, encouraging and engaging.

The Greenville BPW Club’s mission is to achieve equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education, and information. The Club holds fund raisers throughout the year to raise money to grant scholarships to the young women of Darke County. The Club meets the second Thursday of every month for a dinner meeting. Those interested in learning more about the club can contact Membership Chair Gail Snyder at 937/423-4854 or gails669@embarqmail.com

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