DARKE COUNTY DEPUTIES INVESTIGATE TUESDAY BANK ROBBERY

On August 18, 2020 at 9:40 a.m. Darke County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the Farmers State Bank in New Madison at 101 South Main Street on a report of a bank robbery.  Officers responding were advised that it was an armed robbery and the suspect had fled the bank. 

Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect brandished a handgun and demanded money from the teller.  The suspect was given an undetermined amount cash before fleeing the scene.  Through the course of the investigation Deputies made contact with Bryan Adkins (41), of Hollansburg, at 112 West Washington Street in New Madison.  Mr. Adkins was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia, drugs, and evidence linking him to the bank robbery. 

Several other items were located at the residence that were recovered.  Those items were linked to other theft offenses in Darke County.  Those cases will remain under investigation.

Mr. Adkins was arrested and transported to the Darke County Jail where he will await his initial appearance on the charges. 

This case will remain under investigation.

DCP takes part in Monarch Monitoring

On July 28th, park naturalists Mandy Martin and Megan Schmidt took part in the Monarch Larva Monitoring Project (MLMP). The two naturalists worked together to survey over 100 milkweed plants at Shawnee Prairie Preserve. During this survey, they searched for eggs, different stages (instars) of caterpillars, pupae and adults. After over an hour of inspecting each milkweed plant, they were able to report that they found sixteen eggs, eight 1st instar caterpillars, one 2nd instar caterpillar, two 3rd instar caterpillars, and four adults. This data was then submitted to Monarch Joint Venture online. Collecting and reporting this data is very important in conservation efforts for the monarch butterfly. 

In the early spring, monarchs begin their migration north from Mexico. This generation flies to the gulf states and begin to lay their eggs. Shortly after, they die and the next generation emerges and flies further north. The third generation spends its summer in Ohio. They will mate and lay eggs creating the “methuselah generation” that will then migrate south. Unlike its ancestors who lived a short four to five weeks tops, these migratory Monarchs will live up to eight months, so they can successfully migrate thousands of miles to the oyamel fir forests in Mexico, overwinter there, and then migrate north in the spring to start the process over again. This makes Ohio an interesting area for citizen science projects like MLMP, but also tagging and tracking migration patterns.

Monarch caterpillars are dependent on milkweed alone as a host plant. By eating the toxic leaves of the plant, they are able to develop a protective defense from predators. As the number of milkweed plants decline, it directly impacts the monarch population. This is why Darke County Parks naturalists continue to urge everyone to plant milkweed to save the monarchs. They also invite you to take part in citizen science projects such as the MLMP! This type of community-based science not only contributes to existing scientific data it also educates and engages the public (YOU!) on critical environmental issues. 

For more information on how you can help save the Monarch butterfly, feel free to reach out to park naturalists. You can also visit https://monarchjointventure.org/ or https://journeynorth.org/ for more information.

Tire Recycling Day Near

Tired of looking at those old tires lying around?  Not only are they an eyesore, they can be dangerous.  The Darke County Solid Waste District and the Ohio EPA want to help you with your tire problem.  The district and EPA will be sponsoring a used tire collection on Wednesday, September 23, 2020, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

In addition to tires to being an eyesore, they are a nuisance to rural citizens who find them in their ditches, out in the fields and wooded areas.  Used tires make the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes that can carry diseases such as West Nile Virus, Zika, Lascrosse Encephalitis, St. Louis Encephalitis, Dengue and Yellow Fever.  

Some mosquitoes have long-lived eggs, which can remain unhatched for years in old tires that were once wet and have dried out.  The eggs can be transported in tires that are trucked between counties, states and even countries.  When it rains, these tires collect water, wetting the inside of the tires where the eggs once were deposited, hatching out mosquitoes by the thousands.  By disposing of used tires properly, we reduce the chance of disease.

The Tire Recycling Day is open to all Darke County residents, farmers, municipalities and townships.  Unfortunately, no tires will be accepted from junk yards or junk dealers, garages, auto repair shops; tire, automobile, truck, farm-equipment dealerships; atv/motorcycle shops or commercial trucking/hauling businesses.

Those interested in participating in this one-day event must pre-register.  Pre-registration begins Wednesday, September 2, 2020, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the Darke County Solid Waste District, 684 Wagner Ave, Suite C, Greenville (behind Edward D. Jones; 2 doors North of KFC.).  Pre-registration ends on Friday, September 18, 2020.  Participants must provide a valid driver’s license or state-issued identification and sign a waiver that the tires being brought for recycling are from a residence in order to participate.  We apologize for any inconvenience, but on September 7, 2020, the district will be closed due to the Labor Day holiday.  Also, on September 11 & 14th, the district will be closed for Trash Bash 2020 set-up and clean-up.

Participants are asked to remove rims from all tires before taking them to Rumpke Transfer Station at 5474 Jaysville-St John Rd, Greenville, on September 23, 2020.  Those tires left on rims WILL NOT be accepted.  Passenger tires will be accepted at a $1.00 a tire. However, there is a limit of 15 tires per Darke County resident and/or address.  Tractor tires pre-registered will be charged a $15.00 fee per tire at the time of registration.  Tractor tires larger than 28” wide will not be accepted.  Semi/truck tires pre-registered will be charged a $5.00 per tire fee.  Payment is due at the time of sign-up in the form of CASH or CHECK ONLY.  At this time, we cannot accept credit cards and can only accept exact change.  

According to the Ohio Revised Code, all tires must be secured and tarped before arriving at the transfer station unless they are in an enclosed vehicle, trailer, etc.  Untarped loads can be refused.  Also, the Ohio EPA requires a transporter’s permit for those hauling more than 10 tire at a time.

Assisting the Solid Waste District and Policy Committee will be Community Service workers, the Environmental Division of the Darke County Health Department, Darke County Engineer, Darke County Highway Garage, Rumpke employees and many volunteers.

Greenville Area Dog Club Offering Obedience Classes

 

GREENVILLE COB HOLDING SHOE DRIVE FOR WATERSTEP

The Greenville Church of the Brethren is having a shoe collection during the month of August for the charitable organization, WaterStep.  All types of shoes will be accepted -- shoes can be new, lightly used or even heavily used but must not include mold or mildew.  Your contribution can be dropped off in collection boxes at Greenville COB, Greenville Federal and Ansonia United Methodist Church.

In addition, there will be a scheduled shoe drop-off at the Greenville COB (421 Central Avenue) on Saturday, August 22 from 9 AM – noon.  Anyone can pull up under the awning on the north side of the building and volunteers will take their gift of shoes.

WaterStep provides life-saving technology and education to people in developing countries who lack safe drinking water.  Your donation of shoes will literally save lives.  WaterStep collects all shoes and sells them to a company that pays by the weight.  Proceeds are used to fund safe water projects all over the world.  The shoes are then distributed to small business owners in developing countries, who prep the shoes for re-sale, providing themselves an income. 

In addition to funding water projects, donated shoes keep hundreds of tons of waste out of our landfills. They accept gently used shoes that are free of mold/mildew. Athletic shoes are preferred, but they will accept all styles of shoes. Shoes are sold to an exporter and funds received help bring clean water to those in need.

For additional information, please contact the Greenville Church of the Brethren at 937-548-3583.

Greenville National Bank Announces Retirement and Promotions

Left to Right: Brad Bixler, Angela Benedict, and Natasha Lefeld

Recently GNB Banking Centers recognized the retirement of Brad Bixler and the promotion of Angela Benedict and Natasha Lefeld to officer level positions. 

Brad Bixler was a Senior Vice President, Chief Loan Officer, Troy Banking Center Manager, and the previous Arcanum Branch Manager. Brad joined the GNB family in 1980.  Born and raised in Pitsburg, he and his wife, Lisa, made Pitsburg their home where they raised their two sons, Marcus and Gavin, and were very involved in the community.  Brad managed the Arcanum branch for many years before he and Lisa decided to move to Troy.  Shortly thereafter, GNB opened the Troy Banking Center and Brad became the first manager of that office.  Over the course of his years at GNB, Brad made lots of loans helping folks purchase homes, fund farm operations, start businesses, buy cars, trucks, equipment, and more.  During his tenure at GNB, Brad also built many friendships and cared deeply about his customers.  Though you won’t see him in his office anymore, you will likely run into Brad out and about with Lisa (to whom he’s been married for 40 years!) and his 6 grandchildren - who are very excited about his retirement.  

The GNB Troy Banking Center is left in the capable hands of Kevin Kissinger and Angela Benedict.  Kevin has been a Loan Officer at the Troy Banking Center since he came to GNB in 2018.  Angela has worked in Customer Service in Troy since the temporary Banking Center opened in 2017.  She was very involved in decisions regarding the design and décor of the new, permanent office where the bank is now located on Main Street.  Angela was promoted to Loan Officer and Manager of the Troy Banking Center as Bixler retired.  She joined the GNB family in July, 2000.  Beginning as a Teller at the Sycamore Branch for 5 years, Angela then moved to the Arcanum Branch where she did Teller and Customer Service work as well as commercial and consumer loan processing for 10 years.  She then moved to the Bookkeeping Department in Greenville for 3 years before progressing to the Troy Banking Center.  Angela and her husband, Jason, have 2 sons and reside outside Arcanum.  She is a member of the Troy Kiwanis Club and Troy Chamber of Commerce.  

Natasha Lefeld was also added to GNB’s officer ranks in June when she was promoted to the position of eBanking Center Manager.  Natasha and husband, Darin, reside in St. Henry with their 3 sons.  Natasha became part of the GNB family in July, 1998.  With an Associate Degree in Office Information Systems from Sinclair Community College, Natasha began at GNB as an Administrative Assistant for 22 years, some of that working part-time.  Whether part-time or full-time, Natasha was always willing to jump in and help wherever needed and gained a wealth of knowledge about the bank’s deposit operations.  As Internet Banking became more popular with customers, Natasha became the go-to person for questions.  Natasha now oversees GNB’s eBanking Center.  Outside the bank Natasha can often be found at the ballfield cheering on one or more of her boys.

Solve State of the Heart Care's Word Search for a Chance to Win a Gift Basket

 

Darke County Retired Teachers Association Update

The DCRTA Executive Board held a socially-distanced meeting in the Greenville Park shelter house on Monday, August 10, to discuss our options at this time due to the continuing Covid-19 situation.  It was decided that all meetings and activities for the remainder of 2020 will be canceled and the board will meet again in January, 2021, to reevaluate the situation.  

It was also decided that collection of 2021 dues will be suspended, and we ask instead that members consider donating to our scholarship fund.  Since we were not able to do anymore fundraisers for our scholarship fund this year, the fund was depleted when we awarded the 3 scholarships this spring.  Our Treasurer, Charlene Foster, has more information about this in the upcoming newsletter.  

We also want to remember the passing of 5 of our members this year:  Fred Matix, Ed Gruber, Kathy Myers, Ramona Nickol, and Marjorie Praekle.  We will conduct a memorial service for them when we have our first general meeting in 2021.  

When you receive your newsletter, please read through it carefully for more important information.  The DCRTA Executive Board members are keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers and hope the rest of 2020 finds you happy and healthy!

State of the Heart Care to Open Office in Winchester!

State of the Heart Care is excited to announce they will be opening a new office location in Winchester, Indiana in September. 

Upon much time and consideration by their internal directors and board of directors, it was decided that it would be in the best interest of the agency to move from their Portland, Indiana office to the new location in Winchester, Indiana. 

Kristi Strawser, Executive Director at State of the Heart Care shared some factors that led to the decision to move. “State of The Heart Care has been a part of the Portland community for many years, and we look forward to continuing to serve the community and Jay County. Over the years, technology has changed, and our staff no longer are dependent on an office setting to provide our exceptional hospice care. We no longer needed a large office setting and decided to downsize our office. We are moving our office location to Winchester; however, nothing will change regarding our care and services in Jay County. It will continue to be our mission to provide exceptional hospice and palliative care to those in the Portland and Jay County communities, while also taking a more active role and presence in the Winchester community that we have served for many years. This move from Portland to Winchester will allow our hospice and palliative care organization to serve Indiana from a more centralized location.” 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact State of the Heart Care at 800-417-7535. 

 

Poultry Days Barbecue Moving Forward

Versailles will offer is its 69th annual Poultry Days barbecue on August 14-16th, 2020.  While COVID related restrictions didn’t allow the social portions of the festival the community is moving forward with the annual barbecue.  This community of 2,800 plans to sell 20,000 chicken dinners over the weekend.  Join us in celebrating the 69th Annual Versailles Poultry Days, August 14-16th, 2020.

The Poultry Days festival is rooted in 69 years of community and family involvement.  The festival has always been about neighbors, family, friends, classmates, and community coming together.  The circumstances of 2020 will not change that.  Even though Poultry Days will not host a large gathering, we encourage the community to responsibly embrace the spirit of the Poultry Days Festival.  Get out your chicken decorations.  Invite your friends and neighbors.  Set up lawn chairs and games for the kids.  Rekindle old friendships.  And most importantly, enjoy that World Famous Poultry Days chicken!

Versailles is extremely proud that despite cancelling the social portion of the festival and COVID restrictions the festival has adapted and plans to sell a very impressive 20,000 dinners.  Each dinner costs $8.00 and is sized for a single meal with half a chicken, Mike-Sells potato chips, Roll, Butter, Applesauce and the traditional Chilly Willy Orange Drink.  All dinners will be assembled and distributed by volunteers wearing the appropriate PPE and in compliance with a plan approved by the Darke County Health Dept.  Chicken sales will be at Heritage Park with cars entering the drive through from the north on Klipstine Road.  There will not be a walk-up chicken line.  The Chicken Drive Thru will open at 3:30 on Friday, 11:30 on Saturday and 11:00 on Sunday.  Please come early because we plan to sell out each day.

The 2020 Festival Board is led by Lucas Subler.  Festival Chairman Lucas Subler has been on the Poultry Days Board of Directors for 9 years.  Lucas is employed at Classic Carriers, is a Versailles graduate and attended Bowling Green State University.  Lucas resides in Versailles with his wife Courtney, and children Ariel, Kathryn and Alexander.  Follow Poultry Days on Facebook for updates.  Direct questions to poultrydayschairman@gmail.com and chicken questions to vpdchickenline@gmail.com.  Don’t let COVID take away the best parts of summer.  Established in 1952 and supporting summer fun for 69 years.

Ford Motor Company Makes Significant Donation of Protective Equipment to Versailles Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center

Face Shields Delivered by Automaker Helping Healthcare Staff Battle COVID-19; More Equipment Needed

VERSAILLES, OHIO (July 20, 2020) – Versailles Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center received a significant donation from Ford Motor Company to help fight the spread of COVID-19 at the center: hundreds of plastic face shields for the healthcare staff to wear when treating residents and patients at the care center.

This much-needed personal protective equipment (PPE) is used daily by caregivers at Versailles Rehab – along with facemasks, gloves, gowns, and other gear that is designed to protect both staff and residents from disease transmission.  During the COVID-19 pandemic, this donation has been particularly beneficial.

Face shields fully cover the face and eyes from contact with liquids.  When worn with N95 face masks, they can be more effective in limiting exposure to COVID-19 than what a healthcare worker would experience with masks alone.

“Ford’s face shield donation has been a critical part of our safety protocols that protect our residents, patients, and staff from the spread of disease, including coronavirus,” said Kristy Earick, Senior Administrator of the care center.  “Our community has been very caring during the pandemic and we’ve received many touching donations and offers of help.  Ford was a very notable contributor to this goodwill.”

Ford’s face shield donation is part of a larger company effort by the automaker to help fill the gap in medical equipment at skilled nursing facilities and other healthcare providers.  It has been manufacturing respirators, reusable gowns, and other products to help front-line healthcare staff.

However, skilled nursing facilities still need sufficient PPE support from governmental entities.  According to the American Health Care Association (AHCA), 71% of nursing homes are experiencing PPE shortages.

“We need everyone around the country to rally around nursing homes and assisted living communities the same way they have around hospitals,” said Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of AHCA and the National Center for Assisted Living.  “We will continue to work with local, state and federal health officials to take every possible step to keep our nation’s long-term care residents and staff safe.”

For more information about how organizations and individuals can help Versailles Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center with products or services during the COVID-19 pandemic, contact Rodney O’Connor, Director of Maintenance & Environmental Services, at 937-526-5570 or roconnor@versaillesrehab.com.

Versailles Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center is a 112-bed skilled nursing facility in Versailles, Ohio. The center is accepting new admissions for short-term rehab and long-term skilled nursing care, including memory care. For more information, please call 937-526-5570 or visit the website at www.versaillesrehab.com.  If you would like to know all of the protections in place at Versailles, please visit the website’s COVID-19 page.

Poultry Days Cake and Egg Contest Winners Announced

While the social portions of the Poultry Days Festival were canceled and chicken rescheduled to August 14-16 several events adapted.  In this part of the world we believe keeping traditions alive is important.  Two Versailles traditions are the annual Egg Exhibit and Cake Contest.  Instead of delaying these events for a year the Versailles Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center which is the organizer of the contests, awarded honorary prizes for 2020.

The Cake Contest has been conducted for as long as anyone can remember and involves baking an angel food cake with strict adherence to a recipe handed down year over year.  With a grand prize of $11 this event is about the prestige of that blue ribbon and not the riches.  For 2020 first prize was awarded to the newest business in Versailles, The Pie Hole Bakehouse.  Representatives of the Rehab Center and Poultry Days readily consumed the winning cake and deemed it superb.  Accepting the first prize ribbon for the Pie Hole was owner and baker, Cathy Yant.

We want to congratulate The Pie Hole Bakehouse on their award and thank them for their support.  The festival continues to maintain our local traditions with both the Miss Chick and Little Miss Pageants being held in 2020.  If you haven’t yet, please consider placing an order for bulk chicken at versaillespoultrydays.com or purchasing individual dinner tickets at Johns IGA, Second National Versailles or the Versailles S&L.  All orders for bulk chicken must be placed by August 7th.  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.  Reach us at vpdchickenline@gmail.com with questions or visit versaillespoultrydays.com for details.   Supporting summer fun for 69 years.

Poultry Days Announcements: Social Portions Cancelled, Chicken Sales Continue

In response to additional restrictions announced by the governor Poultry Days has canceled the social portion of the August 14-16th festival. The Governor's mask mandate cannot be reasonably adhered to and there is potential for additional restrictions.  In addition to the cost involved with social distancing, the potential for additional restrictions creates a situation where the festival might be cancelled or even shut down mid-festival.  This scenario would have an enormous financial impact on the festival and our community.  Poultry Days uses its annual festival proceeds to operate and maintain Heritage Park, along with financially supporting numerous local organizations. It is the board's fiduciary responsibility to make decisions that are in the best interest of the festival's longevity. 

We want to emphasize the support and guidance the Darke County Health Department has provided to the festival.  The decision to cancel live entertainment, rides, 5K and adult beverages was made by the festival board.  The board extends its appreciation to the Darke County Health Department, Versailles Board of Education, Versailles Band Boosters, YOLO, Village of Versailles and our numerous partners, sponsors and volunteers.

CHICKEN SALES ARE MOVING FORWARD.  Chicken will be sold via a drive thru all weekend and the Miss Chick and Little Miss Poultry Days pageants will be held.  Poultry Days began with a chicken barbecue and Miss Chick and those traditions will continue.  The drive thru chicken line will be at Heritage Park with sales 3:30-8:00pm on Friday, 11:30-7:30pm on Saturday, and 11:00-7:00pm on Sunday.  Individual dinners will be available with tickets sold in the drive thru or presale at Johns IGA, Versailles S&L or Second National at Versailles.  The board has placed an order for 20,000 chicken halves and we expect to sell out.  Order your cooler online or come early for individual dinners.  Please enter the chicken line from the North on Klipstine Road to purchase individual dinners or pick up your coolers.

BULK CHICKEN SALES HAVE BEEN EXTENDED TO AUGUST 7TH.  We encourage everyone to make plans for the weekend.  Our hope is that bulk sales will allow for backyard gatherings, barn parties, picnics and family trips.  20 chicken halves (no sides) can be purchased for $130 packed in its own cooler and ready for pickup.  If unopened these coolers can stay hot up to five hours.  When placing your order at versaillespoultrydays.com indicate the day and time for picking up your order.  If two or more coolers are purchased, they can be delivered by noon on Friday, August 14th within 25 miles of Versailles.  FREE delivery is only available on August 14th.  There has been a tremendous response with over 6,000 halves already sold.

The Poultry Days festival is rooted in 69 years of community and family involvement. The festival has always been about neighbors, family, friends, classmates, and community coming together to socialize and enjoy everything that Versailles has to offer. The circumstances of 2020 will not change that.  Even though we will not be able to host a large gathering on the festival grounds, we encourage the community to still responsibly embrace the spirit of the Poultry Days Festival.  Get out your chicken decorations.  Invite your friends and neighbors over.  Set up lawn chairs and games for the kids.  Rekindle old friendships.  And most importantly, enjoy that World Famous Poultry Days chicken!

Registration for Miss Chick continues at versaillespoultrydays.com until July 30th.  First prize is $1,000 and a lifetime title of “Miss Chick”.  Follow us on Facebook for updates.  Direct chicken questions to vpdchickenline@gmail.com.  Don’t let COVID take away the best parts of summer.  Established in 1952 and supporting summer fun for 69 years.