Tuesday, May 19, 2020

2020 Miss Chick Pageant Registration

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Versailles Poultry Days, Inc. is pleased to announce we are now accepting applications for the 2020 Miss Chick Pageant. The contest, sponsored by Versailles Savings & Loan and Versailles Poultry Days, Inc., will take place August 14 & 15, 2020 beginning with personal interviews at noon on Friday the 14th and the onstage interview beginning at 2 PM on Saturday the 15th in the old VHS High School Gymnasium located at 459 S. Center Street in Versailles. Poultry Days will be following all local and state guidance as it relates to the health and safety of our guests. Plans are being made to modify the event for the safety of contestants and the audience.

After 69 years of celebrating vibrant, dynamic young women as part of the Poultry Days Festival, the Miss Chick pageant has earned its place as a rich community tradition. Members of the Miss Chick court promote the festival throughout their reign acting as ambassadors to the Ultimate Frisbee community that participates in the tournament held in conjunction with the festival and at several other local festivals.

The court also participates in philanthropic events that raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the Wounded Warrior Project, and/or conducts events like Confident Chicks Night; a program created to inspire and uplift young women.

In addition to the honor of representing Poultry Days during their reign, the chosen Miss Chick will receive flowers, a plaque, crown and $1,000; First Runner-up will receive flowers, a plaque, and $400; and Second Runner-up will receive flowers, a plaque, and $200.

Contestants must be females 16 years of age by the day of the contest, and no older than 19 years of age (Limited to graduating high school seniors of the class of 2020.) Contestants must reside in Darke County and contiguous counties (Miami, Mercer, Montgomery, Shelby, Auglaize, Preble, Jay, Randolph and Wayne)

Sponsors can be any high school organization (including athletic teams, clubs, band and musical), 4-H clubs, and businesses. A list of potential sponsors and contacts is available from the pageant chairpersons if contestants should require help in securing sponsorship. Early applicants will receive a discounted entry fee of $5 payable by the sponsor or contestant. The early application deadline for entries will be July 18, 2020. After this date contestants will be subject to a $10 entrance fee. Final deadline for entries is August 1, 2020. Anyone interested becoming involved as a sponsor or contestant should contact Amanda or Madelyn via misschick.vpd@gmail.com or follow the link to the application form via the Poultry Days website.

Contestants will be judged on the following basis:

  1. Appearance - 25%
  2. Clothing - 25%
  3. Poise, ability to speak, platform presence - 25%
  4. Personal Interview - 25%

For more information and the application, please visit www.versaillespoultrydays.com
or like our Facebook page, Miss Chick - Versailles Poultry Days. The 69th annual Versailles Poultry Days will be held the weekend of August 14th with a theme of “Loaded Up and Cluckin.”

Mask Distribution at the Health Department

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On Thursday, May 21st, the health department will be holding another drive thru mask distribution event. We will have masks available to the public at the Darke County General Health District, 300 Garst Avenue, Greenville from 3pm to 6pm or while supplies last. Traffic flow will be to enter the parking lot on the north side of the building and exit onto Garst Avenue.

We will give 1 mask per person, and up to 4 per family (all family members do not need to be present). This event is intended to serve residents of Darke County who do not have the ability to obtain a mask elsewhere.

For questions, please call Traci at 937-548-4196 ext. 232.

Poultry Days Bulk Chicken Sales Open

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The committee is excited to announce more options for purchasing World-Famous Poultry Days BBQ Chicken to be served the weekend of August 14th. NEW for 2020, bulk chicken can be purchased online at versaillespoultrydays.com. Chicken will be sold hot and tasty without sides in coolers of 20 halves for $130. All orders for bulk chicken must be placed by July 27th.

Coolers of bulk chicken can be purchased online for pick up at the festival. After placing your order online, present your receipt in the Poultry Days walk-thru or drive-thru chicken lines to receive your chicken.

Also NEW for 2020 the festival is offering a Business Lunch Special on Friday, August 14th. Purchase a minimum of two coolers of chicken and Poultry Days will deliver the chicken. Business Lunch Special chicken will be delivered by noon on August 14th within 25 miles of Versailles. This includes Greenville, Troy, Sidney, Minster, New Bremen and Piqua!

Poultry Days will be following all local and state guidance while assembling and distributing chicken dinners as it relates to the health and safety of our guests. If in the unfortunate event that local restrictions prevent the sale of chicken, all pre-sale will be 100% refundable. Reach us at vpdchickenline@gmail.com with questions and visit versaillespoultrydays.com for event details and schedules.

State of the Heart Care Hosting Virtual Grief Connection Group Sessions

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State of the Heart Care wants to invite anyone who may be grieving the loss of a loved one to their new Virtual Grief Connection Group. Staying socially connected is more important than ever, and State of the Heart Care wants to continue supporting you on your grief journey. Bereavement support will be offered by our Bereavement Specialist, Sarah DePoy and Music Therapist, Amy Pearson.

Virtual meetings are held every Thursday from 3-4 pm and again at 6-7 pm. Since these groups are virtual, they can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own home. For more information or to register, visit stateoftheheartcare.org or call 800-417-7535.

BENCHES NOW AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE

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Anna Lee Dickerson, Judi Pence and Patty Foreman stand behind the bench they purchased and placed on the Darke County Fairgrounds in honor of their parents Web and Dorothy Ganger.
Comfortable, contemplative benches as a lasting tribute to family and friends who so enjoy the Great Darke County Fair. Recycled benches are also a great way to advertise your local business in one of the fairs’ most popular sit-down areas.

Benches for public use are a well-established and publicly-appreciated way to express our esteem and sympathy or to advertise a business. We see them in cities and parks all over the world in honor of people and businesses where benches are placed. Just imagine having your own special bench to look forward to!!

These six-foot long benches are made from recycled milk jugs. Each bench will be placed around the fairgrounds gazebo for fairgoers to sit and enjoy the day’s entertainment. Benches will be placed indoors for winter storage. Your family gift or business donation of a recycled plastic bench will quickly become a benefit to the entire community and be used by future generations to come. Businesses wanting to purchase a bench can have it personalized with their logo for no extra charge.

Making a gift of a bench is simple. Cost is $600 per bench and the deadline to order is June 1, 2020. Just call Darke County Solid Waste at 937-547-0827 for more information. Bench order forms can also be found on the district’s website: www.co.darke.oh.us/solidwaste.

Health Department Sees Great Community Need for Masks

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The Darke County General Health District was able to distribute approximately 800 masks during their first drive-thru mask distribution held on Wednesday, May 6, at the Health Department, 300 Garst Ave., Greenville, Ohio. We want to thank everyone who came out to get masks and a special thank you to all those who put in the time and effort to make and donate the masks. “It is so great to see the community respond to helping each other during this public health crisis," stated Brittany Weitzel, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator for the Health Department.

The Health Department will continue to accept donations of masks and will be scheduling another drive- thru event as supplies allow. Many people have called and asked where they can get masks. This is a great way for people to give back. We will announce the date and time of the next event as soon as it is determined.

If you have general questions regarding masks, you can call the Ohio Department of Health’s hotline at 1-833-4-ASK-ODH. Information can also be found at www.darkecountyhealth.org. If you are interested in donating masks, call Traci Owens at the Health Department at 937-548-4196 ext. 232.

Friday, May 8, 2020

From the desk of Sheriff Toby Spencer:

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There seems to be some misinformed people, in regards to the role of the Sheriff, when it comes to enforcing the social distancing rules or closing of stores and businesses, etc., with the orders that have been passed down from the State and Federal agencies.

These rules and guidelines have been passed down by health agencies across the country. The closing or opening of stores and businesses is NOT the result of a Sheriff’s Order. Is there a mechanism in place for violators to be cited and/or arrested? Absolutely. Are we, at the Sheriff’s Office, going to search for violators? No.

We are as anxious as anyone to get things opened back up and running. We encourage those that can meet the guidelines set forth by the Ohio and Darke County health agencies, by all means, get up and running.

If anyone thinks the Sheriff has the authority or power to authorize the opening of stores or businesses against the rules and regulations set down by the Health agencies is completely misinformed.

For the most part, all citizens of Darke County have been terrific to deal with and have completely and voluntarily followed the guidelines.

All that being said, yes, we have issued citations to two people; however, it was not as a result of us out looking for violators, it was a result of someone violating another law when they were not supposed to be out at all.

We, at the Sheriff’s Office, are not interested in and will not make criminals out of hard-working people that are trying to make an honest living.


Thank You,
Sheriff Spencer

COMMISSIONER’S CORNER - April 2020

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Last month we said we were holding out hope that April would be different from March. It wasn’t. We are still under all sorts of restrictions and orders, but they finally have a plan to open up Ohio. We are not overly thrilled with it, but…..at least it’s a plan!

April was better weather wise, but not much. Still, there was some farming done, and we started work on our airport project. This project involves moving the two farthest west hangars to the east side big lot. This will allow for the future expansion of the required taxiway. The two buildings would have impeded that construction. The two hangars will be taken and moved as soon as the new pad being constructed by Denlinger Construction is completed. This also will allow for future expansion of new hangars as needed. In the last several years, our airport has experienced much growth, and through the help of the FAA, it will continue. We are fortunate that the FAA sees what we have done and agrees with our future plans.

In other news, Darke County has a new Visitors Bureau director, Ryan Berry. Ryan, the former editor of the Early Bird is the new director. The Commissioners are happy that Ryan was selected by the Main Street and Visitor Bureau’s boards as the man to replace Matt Staugler. We feel that Ryan will be an excellent addition and will do the job very well. Welcome aboard Ryan! Other than that, things have been running smoothly in the County. Our elected officials continue to do a great job in this trying environment. If you see one of them or their employees out and about, let them know they are appreciated. The commissioners certainly do applaud their efforts and dedication.

Social distancing has been tough on our public meetings, even though we do practice it. You can always read about what we do on our website, mydarkecounty.com, or attend a meeting as some limited seating is available. Our address is 520 South Broadway, just south of the Courthouse, and we meet every Monday and Wednesday at 1;30 p.m. Have a great May everyone!

The Darke County Commissioners

DCCA ANNOUNCES EARLY END TO 2019-2020 SEASON

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Darke County Center for the Arts 2019-2020 season has come to an early end due to ramifications from the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to earlier cancelations of the planned presentation at Henry St. Clair Memorial Hall of Bay Area Children’s Theatre Llama Llama Live on March 2 to close DCCA’s Family Theatre Series and the April 18 Artists Series show by rock supergroup “The Hit Men,” the highly anticipated concert by Toledo Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, May 30 has also been canceled. Additionally, DCCA’s Coffeehouse Series was prematurely concluded due to restrictions necessitated by health concerns, forcing cancellation of planned shows by singer/songwriter Luke McMaster at the Coffee Pot on March 25 and eclectic fiddler Doug Hamilton at Montage on April 30.

“I am saddened by the abrupt end to our season, but greatly appreciate the measures taken to protect the health and safety of our patrons. DCCA is working on adapting plans for the 2020-2021 season, and looks forward to seeing everyone at future DCCA events,” stated DCCA Executive Director Andrea Jordan. She went on to say that if you are a ticketholder to one of the canceled events, you can request a refund by using the form on DCCA’s Website www.DarkeCountyArts.org; all tickets purchased through E-Tix with a credit or debit card will be refunded automatically. If you choose to donate the ticket amount back to DCCA, helping to keep the local arts organization stable and healthy during this trying time, contact DCCA to request a letter documenting your donation for tax purposes.

Although concrete plans are in place for a full slate of events during the upcoming season, many unknowns still exist impacting how DCCA officials can proceed with those plans. More information will be forthcoming soon concerning season ticket sales as well as about popular fund-raising events. Membership donations supporting the organization during this difficult time can be made by visiting DCCA’s Website or forwarding your contribution to DCCA at P.O. Box 718, Greenville, OH 45331-0718. DCCA’s office, located on the third floor of Greenville Public Library, is currently closed, as is the Library.

RECYCLE YOUR OUT OF DATE ELECTRONICS

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The Darke County Solid Waste Management District and 1 Shot Services, Bradford, OH, are joining forces to sponsor an Electronics Recycling Day beginning May 20, 2020 through June 30, 2020, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at 1 Shot Scrap and Recycling. 1 Shot is located at 6377 Hahn Rd, Bradford, Ohio.

This event is normally a one-day event, however, due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, we are extending the collection. By extending the event, we will eliminate the gathering of a large group at one location during a specific time.

Electronics equipment can be very expensive to throw away or even recycle. Local businesses can pay high dollars to have electronics hauled to a disposal site. Computers, especially, which go out of date as fast as they come on the market, can be extremely costly. Again this year, CRT televisions and monitors will not be accepted through the district’s collection. 1 Shot Scrap and Recycling will accept televisions for a fee. Neighboring county residents have paid as much as $1 per inch to have their computer or television monitors recycled. 1 Shot will accept CRT monitors and televisions up to 32” for $5 each, 32” and above for $10 ea and projection televisions for $15 each. Fees are subject to change after June 30, 2020.

All equipment that is brought in for recycling will be disassembled for recycling. Computer hard drives will be drilled on site to protect your personal information. Some of these items may include computers (CPUs, PCs, laptops), keyboards, monitors, printers, typewriters, adding machines, calculators, copiers, small kitchen appliances such as microwaves and toaster ovens, radios, telephonic equipment, manufacturing equipment, cables, cords, and other electronic wiring.

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

OPENING UP DARKE COUNTY (Submitted by the Darke County Commissioners)

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Some of you have heard the news that other counties in our part of the State are “Opening Up” for business. To a point, this is true. However, after consultation with the County Commissioners Association of Ohio, this is not completely accurate. The counties that are opening are following State guidelines. They are opening everything that the State said could open today, AS LONG AS THEY FOLLOW STATE GUIDELINES. The good news in this is that they have consulted with their Sheriff’s Departments and Health Commissioners to see what their recommendation is. They have agreed to follow this lead.

The Darke County Commissioners have been consulting our Sheriff and our Health Commissioner and we agree it is time to allow these businesses to open. If you follow proper safety techniques, we say open and run your business your way. We disagree with the stance of NOT allowing restaurants, hair salons, and others to open now. To us this is picking winners and losers and this is NOT the responsibility of government. All businesses should be treated EQUALLY! The disadvantage with hair salons, barber shops and restaurants is they are state licensed, and the state does have the ability to PULL YOUR LICENSE if you do not follow their guidelines.

We believe this is wrong, but YOU must decide if the penalty is worth it. Please use common sense and open your businesses the way you wish. The Darke County Commissioners support your right to run your life your way without undue interference from government.

The Darke County Commissioners dtd. Monday, May 4, 2020

GHS Class of 2020 grads honored

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GREENVILLE – Schools across the state are scrambling to find an alternative way to hold graduation and proms, spring sports, concerts and end-of-year banquets have been canceled. This year’s graduating class will have a story to tell like no other. Families and friends are trying to find ways to show the Class of 2020 they are special.

As a community, we must find ways to lift up and honor this class of students. Main Street Greenville is working with Wintrow Signs & Designs, and the City of Greenville to install banners of Greenville High School graduating seniors downtown and around the city.

There are a limited number of banners that can be hung on light poles downtown and will be on a first-come, first-served basis, but Main Street Greenville is working with Greenville City Schools and local businesses to hang all banners prominently around town. Once the banners are hung, a map of the students and their locations will be available through Main Street Greenville.

Order your banner by visiting www.mainstreetgreenville.org and clicking on the link – GHS Class of 2020. Orders are due by May 15 and payment all materials are due by May 20. The cost for each banner is $100. The list of required items will be available on the order form. Order forms are also available by emailing info@mainstreetgreenville.org or calling 937-548-4998.

Ryan Berry, executive director of Main Street Greenville, said, “I have a daughter that is a 2020 graduate and I understand what these students and families are going through. They are missing out on a lot of activities most of us take for granted. This is a small way we can honor these students and let them know we care.”

Due to the pandemic, Main Street Greenville is seeking sponsorships to help defray the cost of banners for students and their families. The organization understands that many families are out of work and struggling to get by and doesn’t want to refuse a 2020 GHS graduate because of lack of funding. Sponsorships will ensure that all graduates and their families can participate in this recognition.

To sponsor a GHS graduate or for more information, call 937-548-4998 or email info@mainstreetgreenville.org. Sponsorships can also be mailed to 421 S. Broadway, Greenville, Ohio 45331. Please note GHS 2020 in the memo section of your check.

Friday, May 1, 2020

Mask Distribution at the Health Department

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Thank you to everyone who has donated masks so far!!! Please keep them coming! We want to be able to provide masks to as many residents as possible for an extra layer of protection. Just a reminder that these masks do not offer complete protection from the virus, but they do help reduce exposure along with social distancing and proper hygiene. “With Ohio starting to reopen businesses, the health department wants residents to know we support the use of cloth face masks to help stop the spread of COVID-19”, stated Dr. Holman, Health Commissioner.

We will continue to take donations of cloth masks or the material to make them.

On Wednesday, May 6th, we will have masks available to the public in a drive thru setting at the health department, 300 Garst Avenue, Greenville from 3pm to 6pm or while supplies last.

We will give 1 mask per person, and up to 4 per family (all family members do not need to be present). This event is intended to serve residents of Darke County who do not have the ability to obtain a mask elsewhere.

The Health Commissioner recommends each person have 2 masks if they are needing to wear them daily in order to alternate and launder them every other day. At this point, we want everyone to have at least one, and as we continue to gather donations, we will schedule another distribution event.

For questions, please call 937-548-4196 ext. 232.

Wildflower Garden Club to have annual plant sale

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The members of Wildflower Garden Club are happy to announce that they will be having their annual plant sale on May 16th. at a new location which is 6315 Oliver Rd. Greenville, Ohio. Oliver Rd. connects 121 and 127 North. Easy to find. Time is 9 to 11 AM.

There are 3 members in the club who have been busy starting seeds in their greenhouses this winter in anticipation of having the plant sale. There will be many old and new varieties of tomatoes available. Some will be for pots and others will need to be staked in garden. New purple cherry variety and bush type to plant in pots or in the ground. Yellow and orange tomatoes. Salad size and beefsteak. There are also canning and slicing varieties that are shades of red. Large pink and variegated green, yellow and red varieties. Hybrid and open pollination such as Rutgers.

Scented geraniums and many flower varieties not found in nurseries. Veggies such as blond cucumbers, mini cabbages, lavender eggplant, eight ball zuke, yellow squash, grilling squash, giant grilling peppers, hot and mild jalapeno, holy mole pepper for mole’ sauce, bell peppers. Herbs include cilantro, bush basil, dill, purple ruffles basil, cinnamon basil and Thai basil, and bunching onions.

Two amaranth varieties, Illumination, and Splendors Perfecta. Both very showy and tall. They have red, yellow and green leaves and resemble a poinsettia. Several varieties of celosia which include Red Velvet Cake, and Tornado
Red Celosia.

Hopefully, there will be perennials from our yards as in the past at unbelievably cheap prices. Prices start at 50 cents for seedlings. For questions please call chairperson Brenda at 937-547-0704.

Please be considerate of other shoppers and remain at home if ill, or have been around someone who is ill. Keep you 6 ft. distance while shopping with us.

Gloves and masks are welcomed. Plant sale will be held in open pole garage and in circle drive. Plenty of parking in drive and yard. Look for signs at 121 and 127.

VILLAGE OF VERSAILLES RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION

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COLUMBUS, OH: American Municipal Power, Inc. (AMP) is proud to announce that the Village of Versailles received Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) Platinum designation and the Certificate of Excellence in Reliability, both of which are presented by the American Public Power Association (APPA).

The RP3 program recognizes utilities that demonstrate high proficiency in reliability, safety, workforce development and system improvement. There are three levels of designations, Diamond, Platinum and Gold. Versailles’ Platinum designation is for a three-year period starting in 2020. Criteria within each of the four RP3 areas are based upon sound business practices and recognized industry-leading practices.

The Certificate of Excellence in Reliability recognizes utilities that placed in the top 25 percentile of reliability nationwide in 2019, as measured against the U.S. Energy Information Administration's (EIA) data. The APPA helps public power systems track outage and restoration data through its eReliability Tracker service and compares the data to national statistics tracked by the EIA. AMP covers the cost of subscription to the eReliability Tracker service for all of its members.

“Versailles’ commitment to reliability, safety and workforce excellence is commendable,” said Jolene Thompson, AMP president and CEO. “This recognition shows how dedicated Village of Versailles Utilities is to serving its customers.”

For more information on the APPA’s RP3 Program or the Certificate of eReliability Program, please visit www.publicpower.org.

DARKE COUNTY DEPUTIES INVESTIGATE DEATH

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On April 25, 2020 at 4:41 p.m. Darke County Sheriff’s Deputies along with Union City Fire Department, Union City Rescue Squad were dispatched to Beamsville Union City Road in the area of Hillgrove Ft. Recovery Road. The initial call was thought to be a fatal motorcycle accident. The Darke County Coroner’s Office was dispatched to the scene after first responders learned that the subject was deceased.

The investigation revealed that John Fields (63), of Union City Ohio, was riding his motorcycle in the area. Mr. Fields had stopped the vehicle at some point and based on scene observation by Deputies and a Coroner’s office investigator it appeared that Mr. Fields had suffered a medical event. Doctor Timothy Kathman, Darke County Coroner, has ruled this death due to natural causes.

Chicken Dinners on Mothers Day in Ansonia

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Ansonia United Methodist Church corner of Pearl and High St

The church will be selling chicken dinners on Mother's Day - May 10 - from 11:30 AM until we sell out. (400 dinners FIRST COME FIRST SERVED!)

Drive thru service using the parking lot just north of the church. Entry into the parking lot will be from Pearl Street only. We ask cars to line up heading SOUTH on Pearl so you will make a right hand turn into the parking lot.

Dinners are $8.00 - cash only - and the proceeds will help ministries in our community.

Paul Mueller is supplying the dinners, which will include chicken, bag of chips, applesauce and a roll with butter.

Empowering thanks supporters, requests help during tough times

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Online Tutoring continues through Empowering Distance

GREENVILLE – Empowering Darke County Youth Board of Directors wishes to thank the businesses, organizations and individuals who have continued their support this year, many of them during today’s tough challenges. Their help has made it possible to continue offering tutoring online to Darke County students struggling with their academic challenges.

“We have several students we are working with,” said Bob Robinson, Executive Director. “The ‘ground rules’ are they have to get their homework done first – or ask for help if they need it – then work with us on their core issues, such as reading and comprehension, grammar and math. It’s not all that different from the approach we have in our after school programs, except it is now online. We still have room for more students.”

Parents wishing to seek additional help for their children should email empoweringdistance101@gmail.com.

“We wouldn’t be able to do this if we didn’t have the support of our community,” Robinson added. “While we have publicly thanked several local businesses – Harry Stephens Memorial, Mercer Savings Bank, Greenville National Bank and Dave Knapp Ford Lincoln – there are other organizations and businesses who have supported us this year that we have yet to recognize.”

Empowering would like to acknowledge grants, with thanks, from the Darke County United Way, Lydia Schaurer Memorial Fund, Greenville Eagles 2177, and the Ketrow Foundation. Thanks also goes to Tribute Funeral Homes, Hothead Burritos, and Zechar Bailey Funeral Home for their quarterly contributions. Annual contributions to date have come from Littman Thomas Agency, Medicine & More, Flaig Lumber, Kiwanis of Greenville, Cox Insurance and Brethren Retirement Community.

“Then there are the many individuals who have simply taken out their checkbooks and mailed donations,” Robinson said. “One donor mailed her check to the ‘Empowering Mission’… indeed, that’s what we’re about. Our youth are our mission.”

This has been a tough time for businesses and individuals; foundation funds are being stretched with coronavirus needs. At some point, however, Darke County students will be returning to their campuses and Empowering programs will once again be provided on site. An increase in student help requests is likely.

Funds are still needed for this to happen. Any organization, business or individual that is able and wishes to help would be appreciated. Donations can be mailed to Empowering Darke County Youth, P.O. Box 1113, Greenville, Ohio 45331. Questions can be addressed to empoweringyouth101@gmail.com. Thank you for your support.

The Empowering Mission: Empowering Darke County Youth provides After School and Summer Tutoring programs to assist students in the areas of language arts and math with the goal of Strong Students for a Strong Community.

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