Blue Bag Media

Red Cross offers ways to support disaster victims

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Bag Media) — Wed, 22 May 2013 15:31:00 +0000

DARKE COUNTY – The American Red Cross is responding in multiple states where tornadoes have touched down and caused significant damage. The Darke County Chapter American Red Cross of has been informed that additional support will likely be needed and have contacted its trained disaster volunteers, who are available at this time. At this time, no volunteers have been deployed, but that is expected to change. During the next few days, besides providing shelter, feeding, clothing, medication, and crucial mental health services, Red Cross workers are on ground in the disaster areas will be assessing the damage, deciding where and what kind of additional support is necessary, and determining the needs of the affected communities.

If you still haven’t heard from friends or family in the affected area, they encourage people to check the Red Cross Safe and Well website at redcross.org/safeandwell. If you are not an online user, please feel free to call or stop by the Darke County Chapter. Those in the affected area are also encouraged to register on the Safe and Well website.

They recognize that Darke Countians want to help during this very large response effort and are so thankful to live in an area where people have such a heart for service to others in need, the Darke County office has already received several calls from residents asking how they can help. Here is a list of ways you can help not only those in Oklahoma, but play a significant role in helping your own family at home.

* People who wish to help can make a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief, which helps provide food, shelter and emotional support to those affected by disasters like the recent tornadoes in across the Mid-West as well as disasters big and small throughout the United States by visiting redcross.org, dialing 1-800-REDCROSS, texting REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation or mailing to the local office

* If this tragedy has sparked your interest in disaster volunteering, go to www.redcross.org/oh/greenville and follow to the volunteer page. Their hope is they won’t need to deploy you to this disaster, but there is always another one and we are just weeks away from the start of hurricane season. If internet is the issue, call the office to set up an appointment.

* Talk to your children about this disaster; give them an opening to express their concerns, questions or grief. Keep young children away from visual media as much as possible and the same could be said for adults as well. Information is available from your local chapter or online at redcross.org on how you can have these conversations with children.

* People can also be prepared for severe weather by downloading the Red Cross Tornado App. The free app has tips on what to do before, during, and after a tornado hits. It also has a warning siren and watch and warning weather alerts. It is available for download on any iOS or Android device

“Our hearts go out to our Oklahoma neighbors, let us take this moment, this opportunity to turn our concern into caring action,” stated Lynne Gump, executive director Darke County American Red Cross, “ Won’t you join with us?”

Patrol OVI Checkpoint in Darke County Tomorrow

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Bag Media) — Wed, 22 May 2013 12:56:00 +0000

PIQUA – The Ohio State Highway Patrol announced today that an OVI checkpoint will be held in Darke County tomorrow evening.

The OVI checkpoint, funded by federal grant funds, is planned to deter and intercept impaired drivers.

“Based on provisional data, there were 380 OVI-related fatal crashes in which 411 people were killed last year in Ohio,” Lieutenant Rick Albers, Commander of the Piqua Post, said. “State Troopers make on average 25,000 OVI arrests each year in an attempt to combat these dangerous drivers. OVI checkpoints are designed to not only deter impaired driving, but to proactively remove these dangerous drivers from our roadways.”

The location of the checkpoint will be announced Thursday morning, May 23, 2013.

Volunteer Network

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Bag Media) — Wed, 22 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000

GREENVILLE – The Darke County Volunteer Network will meet on June 4, noon, at the State of the Heart Hospice building, 1350 North Broadway in Greenville. All area volunteer administrators are invited to attend. This group is free and anyone that manages volunteers is encouraged to join. The meetings are a great way to network, share ideas, and learn from guest speakers. During this quarterly meeting Kim Custenborder from the Catholic Social Services will be sharing information.

It’s a brown bag lunch meeting and we work to keep the meetings strictly to an hour. Any questions, call Cheryl Stafford, RSVP Recruiter at 937-548-8002.

Volunteers needed for Stillwater cleanup

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Bag Media) — Wed, 22 May 2013 10:45:00 +0000

VERSAILLES – Plan to participate in the 12th Annual Stillwater River Clean-Up that is scheduled for June 14. The Stillwater Watershed Project, Darke, Miami, & Montgomery Soil & Water Conservation Districts, ODNR, Scenic Rivers Program, Darke & Miami Co. Parks District, Brukner Nature Center, Ohio EPA, Veolia water, New Tech Plastics, Inc., McDonalds, and many others are taking part in a fun filled day cleaning up/canoeing the Stillwater State Scenic River.

There will be four starting points you can choose from. They include Stillwater Beach Campground, Indian Hills 4-H camp, Fenner Road, and Aullwood Nature Center. Volunteers will get outfitted with a canoe, gloves, trash bags, and water. Individuals are welcome to bring their own canoes to help out.

The clean-up will start promptly at 8:30 a.m. and end around noon. Please dress appropriately for the event, no sandals or flip flops (water shoes will work). For more information or to register, contact Greg McGlinch, 548-1715, ext 3. Please pre-register by June 5 to guarantee you will get a canoe.

Neave Twp. School - students identified

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Bag Media) — Wed, 22 May 2013 10:30:00 +0000

GREENVILLE – The Genealogy Library of Garst Museum issued a request to the public regarding the identity of the students shown in a picture obtained from Joyce Haraughty.

According to Head of the Genealogy Library, Phyllis Crick, the picture was taken of the students graduating from the eighth grade of Neave Township School in 1925. The students who have been identified are listed under the photograph.

Crick would like to thank the following people for helping to identify the students in the picture: Marvin McCabe, Roma Hicks, Ruth Kepler and Virginia O’Dell. If you have any information regarding the identity of the remaining eight unidentified students, will you please contact Crick at Garst Museum’s Genealogy Library by calling 937-548-5250 or at home by calling 548-2586.

Shown are (front row) Warren McCabe, Lowell Hawkey, unknown, Josephine Petersime (teacher), unknown, unknown, (middle row) unknown, unknown, Madonna Baker, Rosella Delaplane, unknown, (back row) unknown, Wilbur McCabe, unknown, and Omer R. Hicks. On the left is Superintendent Charles Wilt.

Museum seeks items for gardening display

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Bag Media) — Wed, 22 May 2013 10:15:00 +0000

VERSAILLES – Do you remember gardening as a child? It was a family project often for pride and more often from necessity. This was long before our current First Lady Michelle Obama planted a new White House Garden to encourage nutritious eating.

Abigail Adams thought it was important to have a garden to feed the president during those long Washington winters! During the First World War, First Lady Edith Wilson, and then during the Second World War, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt also encouraged all Americans to plant a garden to ease the issue of rationing in what they called Victory Gardens.

The Versailles Area Historical Society is planning on recreating those by gone days of gardening and canning in their gallery display “From the Good Earth” featuring an early 1900 kitchen and showing off canning and cookware from the late 1800’s to the 1970’s.

They need your help in finding gardening, canning and cooking items to help create their display. From preparing vegetables and fruits to making sausage and canned meats, they need your help!

They will need these items on loan from Memorial Day until early August when they change the display for autumn.

For information, drop off times and locations on loaning items, call Alice Huffman, 526-3953, or Deb Pohl.

Home near New Madison has a wonderful history

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Bag Media) — Wed, 22 May 2013 10:00:00 +0000

Home of Greg and Julie Burns

BY ANNETTE STEWART

AND JULIE BURNS
ARCANUM – In exchanging stories of our homes histories with each other and renovation work, I discovered about Julie’s old home in New Madison from pre-civil war days. What follows is Julie’s story and research about their home, some history of New Madison, previous owners, and restoration work they have done to the federal style home.

“In 1817 the settlement of New Madison was growing so rapidly, Zadoc Smith was encouraged to attempt the speculative movement of laying out a town at Fort Black. This fort was established during the fall of 1813 by Lt Black. In 1819, Smith disheartened by the lack of sales of his claim, sold his entire claim to Ernestus Putnam. The purchaser vacated the original plat. In 1831, Putnam surveyed New Madison by laying off 17 lots on each side of what is now known as Main St. He eventually added lots up to 50.

Ernestus Putnam had a large family of 14 children. His daughter Nancy, was born Jan. 10, 1833. A gentleman by the name of James G. Blunt married Nancy in 1850. Blunt had traveled from Columbus to set up practice as a doctor; possibly the first doctor of New Madison. He bought lots 39 to 50 for $226 in 1851. He sold lots 41 to 50 in 1856. I now live on lot 39, which Blunt kept for himself and Nancy. James Blunt was very involved in politics and the Republican Party in Darke County. In 1856, Mr. and Mrs. Blunt moved to Kansas, where he became a general in the Civil War. Numerous books have been written about James Gilpatrick Blunt and the abolitionist he became.

My house was left in the care of attorney George Bacon in 1856. Mr. Bacon sold the house to Joseph Bloom for $1,000. As follows are the previous owners of this lovely federal style house: 1892 W. Northrup; 1894 Effie Northrup; 1897 Joseph Ray; 1916 Ezra Price; 1916 Joseph Ray; 1924 Ulissis R; 1959 Lillian Ray; 1959 Stanley Kimmel; 1959 Dr. Alvin Heise; and 1991 Greg and Julie Burns

In the 1960s, Dr. A. Heise completed extensive renovation to the house, including central heating and air conditioning. He also updated lighting, carpeting and structural changes.

I am a restoration enthusiast. Lighting has been replaced with antique fixtures and chandeliers. Many layers of wall paper were removed to reveal horse hair plaster. Original woodwork has square nail construction. The basement is found to have beams made of tree logs with bark still intact. Studs inside walls are one and half inch thick hand hewn oak. Hard wood floors on first floor are beautiful. Open winding staircase in foyer. I believe Dr. Heise redid staircase in 60s. Many walls in basement have original brick foundation, probably made in New Madison.

A few years after moving in, my husband Greg made an interesting discovery. When viewing the back of a closet, he noticed the wall inside did not go back as far as the outside wall. With further investigation, he found the closet wall to be a false wall. After pulling back a section of the wall to enable a peek, he found something to be hidden behind the wall. He was very excited to find a beautiful 5'x3' picture frame, with no picture. The frame is very ornate and in perfect condition. It now sits proudly on our fireplace mantel with a mirror inside. Why was the frame in the wall, it will always be a mystery. This house has had many wonderful caregivers and I think James Blunt would be proud.”

For more information and history of New Madison, please see “Events of Yesteryears of New Madison, Ohio” by Glen Hindsley. Also, “A History of New Madison, Ohio 1841-1968 Dedicated to New Madison in Memory of Clyde J. Flatter”.

The Burns story and photos will be on display at the Arcanum Public Library through the end of May and then part of our reference library at the Arcanum Wayne Trail Historical Society which will be open every Saturday in the summer months. Our goals with these stories are to encourage others to preserve in their communities landmarks, homes, buildings, forts, battlefields, and cemeteries. National Historical Preservation Month is promoted by the National Trust Historic Preservation. Let’s See It; Save It; and Celebrate It!

Written by Julie Burns for the Arcanum Wayne Trail Historical Society for National Historical Preservation Month. Our society is seeking histories on early homes, farms, schools, churches, and cemeteries in southern Darke County. Contact Annette Stewart at 692-6462 or e-mail webmaster@arcanumhistoricalsociety.org.

Gorrell pleads guilty to Aggravated Burglary and Weapons Charges; Receives 12-year sentence

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Bag Media) — Tue, 21 May 2013 20:21:00 +0000

BY BOB ROBINSON
ASSOC. EDITOR
GREENVILLE - MacKenzie Gorrell, 20, pleaded guilty to five felonies, plus a firearm specification, on May 21 in return for a 12-year sentence. Under the terms of the plea agreement he will not be eligible for parole consideration for eight years. When released he will have five years of mandatory supervision by the Adult Parole Authority. Violation of his parole could result in an additional prison term not to exceed half of his original sentence.

Juvenile Probate Judge Jason Aslinger pronounced the sentence in the absence of Common Pleas Judge Jon Hein, who was on vacation.

Gorrell pleaded guilty to Count 1, Having Weapons while under Disability on April 14, a Felony 3; Count 3, Aggravated Burglary on April 16, a Felony 1; Count 4, Aggravated Robbery on April 16, a Felony 1; a Firearm Specification to Count 4; Count 5, Having Weapons while under Disability on April 16, Felony 3; and Count 6, Having Weapons while under Disability on April 20, Felony 3.

Counts 3 and 4 presumed a prison term was necessary but didn’t require it. Only the Firearm specification required a 3-year sentence. Maximum penalties for all counts could have totaled 34 years and fines up to $70,000.

Darke County Asst. Prosecutor R. Kelly Ormsby, III, said that the agreed upon 12 years was reasonable. The family had had a “sawed off shotgun in their face,” the defendant had threatened to shoot police officers and it took two SWAT teams and tear gas before he gave himself up.

“At age 20 he is looking at 12 years in prison. We are hoping that in the next 12 years he will mature enough to think about his actions.”

Defense attorney Randall E. Breaden said that all of his client’s activity was drug related and that he was an addict. His client is hoping that this opportunity is a positive one where he could get an education, work on a trade and get treatment for his addiction.

Aslinger imposed a two-year sentence each on Counts 1, 5 and 6; nine years each on Counts 3 & 4; plus three years on the firearm specification. Counts 1-6 will run concurrently while the specification will run consecutively.

Local republican women attend OFRW Legislative Day

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Bag Media) — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:05:00 +0000

COLUMBUS – Darke County Republican Women’s Club member Lyn Bliss joined Republican women’s club leaders from across Ohio at the Statehouse recently for the Ohio Federation of Republican Women’s (OFRW) annual Legislative Day. The Legislative Day included a tour of the Statehouse, visits with numerous State Senators and Representatives, along with private conversations with members of the Senate and House leadership.

Attendees had the opportunity to hear from a variety of speakers, including Ohio House Majority Whip Cheryl Grossman and Senate President Keith Faber.

“The message from our Republican leadership was that Ohio is truly transforming into a job creation engine that is business friendly, more monies are going toward education, and Ohio has a balanced budget,” said Jean Turner, President of the OFRW.

Darke County attendee, OFRW Vice President Lyn Bliss was also pleased with the activity throughout the day. “It was a very informative event and provided a chance to share ideas and goals with our legislators and other Republican women from around the state,” said Bliss. “Being presented with the gavel used by President Faber for that day’s session was just an added treat!”

The OFRW was formed in 1929 by Mrs. Hugh Clark of Steubenville. The organization’s goal is to educate women about the Republican Party and to encourage women to be active in the party. This grassroots organization works to promote the principles and objectives of the Republican Party, elect Republican candidates, inform the public through political education and activity, and increase the effectiveness of women in the cause of good government.

The OFRW currently has a statewide membership of thousands of women across Ohio and is a member of the National Federation of Republican Women, one of the largest political organizations in the U.S.

Senate President Keith Faber (R-12), OFRW Vice-president Lyn Bliss, Senator Bill Beagle (R-5) after Faber presented the gavel used during the day’s session to Bliss. Faber and Beagle share representation of Darke County in the Ohio Senate.

Kindergartener immunizations

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Bag Media) — Tue, 21 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000

GREENVILLE - Beat the long lines and summer heat and get kindergarten immunizations now. The Darke County Health Department’s Walk-In Clinic is open every Tuesday from 8-10:30 and 2-5 p.m., no appointment necessary.

The Darke County Health Department proudly accepts many types of insurance, without the hassle of a co-pay. The Darke County Health Department is located at 300 Garst Ave., Greenville. Call, 548-4196 ext. 224, with any questions.

Free support for new parents

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Bag Media) — Tue, 21 May 2013 10:45:00 +0000

GREENVILLE - Becoming a new parent can bring about many unanswered questions. Get the answers you are looking for by scheduling a free in home visit with a nurse from the Darke County Health Department. The visit is free, includes a weight check for the baby, coupons, lasts about an hour, and is available to any new parent in Darke County. Call 548-4196, ext. 211.

Dickman Supply lights up Annie’s Wild West Gala

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Bag Media) — Tue, 21 May 2013 10:30:00 +0000

GREENVILLE - Dickman Supply is lighting up Annie’s Wild West Gala! Annie and her dog Dave want to say “thank you” to Dickman Supply for their Gold Star donations of a chandelier, ceiling light, wall sconces, outdoor directional lights, Klein tool box with hand tools, and a selection of flashlights with rechargers.

Annie’s Wild West Gala will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2013. This is a fundraiser for The Garst Museum and The National Annie Oakley Center. All funds raised at this event will benefit the Garst Museum in Greenville, Ohio.

Part of Annie’s Wild West Gala is Annie’s Wild Raffle. Prizes for the raffle include accommodations for a weekend Gatlinburg get-a-way, an Apple iPad 4, and Bose Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones-Quiet Comfort 15.

Tickets for the raffle ($5.00 per chance) or for the event ($12.00 per person) can be purchased from the Garst Museum.

The Garst Museum is located at 205 N. Broadway, Greenville 45331, 548-5250, web site: www.garstmuseum.org, email: information@garstmuseum.org

Heartland of Greenville’s 20 year club

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Bag Media) — Tue, 21 May 2013 10:15:00 +0000

GREENVILLE - Heartland of Greenville’s 20 Year Club recently gathered for its annual dinner and celebration, and to induct its newest honoree, Fay Shannon. Shannon started working for Heartland in 1992 as a floor nurse after completing her LPN. She currently works as the MDS Coordinator and has recently completed her Associate of Applied Science degree in preparation for becoming a Registered Nurse. Shannon was presented with a commemorative gift, and her name was added to the 20 Year Club plaque displayed at Heartland of Greenville.

The 20 Year Club is a program designed to recognize those team members who have provided 20 years or more of service to Heartland of Greenville. The seven current club members have a combined 204 years of experience with Heartland.

Pictured: June Opp (LPN/Medical Records), Kathy Acton (STNA), Fay Shannon (LPN/MDS), Rhonda Weese (STNA) and Rosemary Nelson (Activity Director). Members Not Pictured: Carolyn Burrell (Payroll Coordinator) and Dan Hittle (Maintenance)

HOPE Foundation awards nursing scholarships

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Bag Media) — Tue, 21 May 2013 10:00:00 +0000

GREENVILLE - The HOPE Foundation of Darke County is proud to announce the recipients of the Joyce Bruns Memorial Scholarship, named in honor of a dedicated nurse who died in April 1998. The scholarship was awarded to two Darke County nurses who are continuing their education in nursing.

Cheryl Holmes of the Union City area works at Wayne Healthcare in Greenville and is completing her masters degree in nursing education. The other recipient is Emily Powers of Greenville, who teaches the medical tech prep class at Greenville High School. Emily is also obtaining her masters degree in nursing education.

Joyce Bruns, RN, BSN, a Versailles resident, was an active board member of Hospice for 13 years and a proponent of Hospice among the nursing and medical community. She was a nurse at Wayne Hospital for 18 years before serving as director of nursing at the Versailles Healthcare Center. She became ill with brain cancer in 1997 having just completed her bachelor’s degree in nursing. Through her commitment of time and energy, plus the family support needed to earn her degree, she felt her continuing education expanded her views of nursing and made her a better person as she met the challenges of family, work, and school. Her dedication to the nursing profession will live on through this scholarship for nurses continuing their education.

As the community foundation of Darke County, the HOPE Foundation receives, administers and distributes charitable gifts for the benefit of our community. By awarding scholarships to students and grants to local non-profit organizations, the HOPE Foundation enriches the lives of Darke County residents. For more information, call 548-HOPE or visit HOPE’s website at www.hopedarkecounty.com.

Recipients of the Joyce Bruns Memorial Scholarship accept their checks from the HOPE Foundation of Darke County. Left to right: Kelley Hall and Theresa Hall (Darke County Nursing Education Council); Tony Bruns (husband of Joyce Bruns); Emily Powers and Cheryl Holmes (scholarship recipients); Christy Prakel (HOPE Foundation president); Jane Thompson and Kathy O’Dell (Darke County Nursing Education Council).

Lions recycle eyeglasses for sight

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Bag Media) — Mon, 20 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000

DARKE COUNTY – As spring cleaning gets under way, Lions clubs in the area are asking people to look through dresser drawers and closets for used eyeglasses and donate them to the Lions Recycle for Sight program. Yearly, Lions in District 13-E (Auglaize, Champaign, Clark, Darke, Hardin, Logan, Mercer, Miami, Shelby and Union counties) recycle more than 25,000 pairs of eyeglasses, according to Darlene Roll, District 13-E Eyeglass Recycling Coordinator. “We thank those individuals who have generously given eyeglasses throughout the years and encourage others to participate,” Mrs. Roll said.

Lions clubs in the area collect used eyeglasses year-round; however, the month of May is designated “Lions Recycle for Sight Month” by Lions Clubs International. Lions clubs collect used prescription eyeglasses along with prescription and non-prescription sunglasses as part of a unique recycling program. The collected glasses will be cleaned and prepared for distribution in developing countries where eye care is often unaffordable and inaccessible.

“We need everyone to donate their used eyeglasses,” said Darlene Roll, District 13-E Eyeglass Recycling Coordinator. “In most developing countries, an eye exam can cost as much as one month’s wages and a single eye doctor may serve a community of hundreds of thousands of people.”

The donated glasses will be shipped to a regional Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center where they will be cleaned, categorized by prescription and prepared for distribution by Lions and other groups.

To donate used glasses (including sunglasses and reading glasses), place them in the specially marked Lions Recycle for Sight collection boxes located in doctors’ offices, libraries and other businesses.

Lions clubs are a group of men and women who identify needs within the community and work together to fulfill those needs. For more information, please contact Darlene Roll at 599-1111.

Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organization with more than 1.3 million members in approximately 45,000 clubs in 207 countries and geographical areas around the world. Founded in 1917, Lions clubs are best known for fighting blindness – it is part of the organization’s history as well as Lions’ work today. Sight-related projects became the organization’s original mission in 1925, at the Lions Clubs International Convention at Cedar Point, Ohio. Helen Keller, who was blind and deaf and well-known as an advocate for people with disabilities, attended the convention and challenged Lions to become "knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness." Lions clubs have aided the blind and visually impaired, made a strong commitment to community projects such as the environment, feeding the hungry and aiding seniors and the disabled, and serving youth throughout the world in the almost 100 years since being founded. For more information about Lions Clubs International, visit the web site at www.lionsclubs.org.

Local F.O.P. meets fundraising goal

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Bag Media) — Mon, 20 May 2013 10:45:00 +0000

GREENVILLE - The Lowell Thomas Fraternal Order of Police has met its goal for Shop with a Cop Program. Thank you to all who participate in changing a kid’s life every year. This program touches all of Darke County, as kids from all areas participate in the program. Thank you again. You do make a difference.

Monte Carlo event a huge success

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Bag Media) — Mon, 20 May 2013 10:30:00 +0000

GREENVILLE - Over 100 players attended the Cancer Association Monte Carlo this year on May 10 at the VFW hall. Thank you to all that attended. We were able to go over little of what we made last year in hopes we can surpass that amount next year. Proceeds help local cancer patients with their treatment and other expenses.

All games were hits. We had electronic slots and over and under seven dice games that were run by Attorney Jim Detling. Jim made this game a BIG hit again this year. Betty and Ray Laughlin, Daryl McKinney and Steve Young were the dealers of the evening. I added a bowling game this year. A huge thank you to these guys that gave their time for us.

There were silent auctions that included donations from the Cancer Board Members, and cake walks with cakes that were donated by the board members.

As chairman of this event I want to thank all the volunteers that helped me make this year another huge success. Without these people I couldn’t have done it. Volunteers for the evening were, Sherry Marten, Jim Detling, Kim Robinson, Eddie Grace Young, Marilyn Emmons, Kay Curry, Tonya Dohme, Becky Saylor, Betty and Ray Laughlin, Daryl McKinney, Steve Young, and Mike and Sharon Lehman, Dr. Carlos Menendez, Jamie Young, and to our DJ, B&D Karaoke, thank you again for another wonderful year of music and fun.

The Cancer Association assists local patients in paying for medications, mileage, medical supplies, wigs and more, and we only go on donations. So ALL of our events are special.

Corporate Sponsors for this event were: Fifth-Third Bank, Diane Evans, Second National Bank, Johnson Chiropractic, Leis Reality, American Legion Post 140, Family Health, Francis Furniture, Osgood State Bank, Moose Lodge No. 329, Women of the Moose Chapter No. 102, VFW women, Greenville Memorial Auxiliary and Warner Chiropractic.

Food was provided by the Moose Lodge No. 329, McDonalds, Women of the VFW, Women of the American Legion, Women of the Moose, Romers, Kroger’s, Wendy’s and Marcos pizza and Billie Jo Deem. A big thank you to these folks. Special thank you to my mother in law Donna Howdieshell.

Door prizes were provided by and a big thank you to these folks also, Back In time, C C’s Consignment, Bistro, Double M, Fairlawn, Firestone, Frances Furniture, Furniture Express, Gettysburg Wholesale Carpet, Good Buys, Hair Shack, Hansberger’s, Heritage House, JT’s Brew, Hummers, Kitchen Aid, Lavey’s Station, Longfellow’s, Michael clocks, Papa Johns, Plessinger Florist, Reigning Cats and Dogs, Second National Bank, Studio One, Coffee Pot, Taco Bell, Teafords Dairy, The Bootery, Vints, Greenville Pawn Shop, Auto Zone, Dave Knapp, Advance Auto Parts, O’reilly Auto Parts, Yvonne Massage, Tropical Isle Tanning, Youniques, Pizza Hut, HotRods and Harley’s, Wieland Jewelry, Wayne Theater, Double M, Fairlawn, Dickmans, Roots Hair, Bach to Rock, Sadie Grace, Birts Sewing, Ace Hardware, Lowes, Merle Norman, Ron Garrett, County Side Bike Shop, Rent-A-Center and G&G Carpet, Chicken Kitchen, Dairy Barn, Jims Hotdog and Granny’s Corner. I can’t say it enough, thank you to all the above merchants and people helping to make this event

Another successful year. Start planning to attend next year to have a wonderful fun filled evening. Date and time will be announced later.

Our own Judge Julie Monnin bid on the Matt Light signed Helmet that was donated by the Greenville Pawn Shop and won.

Please be sure to support all the Cancer Association events. Remember all the proceeds stay in Darke County. The next event is the chicken BBQ on July 7; you can buy tickets from any board member or at the Cancer office at 209 E. 4th street, 548-9960.

Versailles Health Care gives back to community

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Bag Media) — Mon, 20 May 2013 10:15:00 +0000

RUSSIA - Versailles Health Care Center, a leader in skilled nursing and rehabilitation, is giving back to the community of Russia by leading a monthly exercise group at The Gathering Place on the third Thursday of each month from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. The Gathering Place is located at 201 W. Main St. The mission of The Gathering Place is to offer mental and physical enrichment to area senior citizens. Opportunities for seniors to gather for sharing, socializing, exercises, and other wellness activities are cheerfully provided. The intent is to instill a feeling of lifefulness and foster a community of caring. The need to stay active is essential to seniors' well-being and healthy longevity.

Lisa Chalk, Administrator of Versailles Health Care Center, said “We enjoy partnering with The Gathering Place to provide socialization, exercise, and education to the Russia community.” In addition to the monthly exercise sessions, Versailles Health Care Center donates pies from Brown’s Sweet Shop & Bakery of Versailles on the second Thursday of each month. According to Erna Voisard, Assistant Director of The Gathering Place, “The ladies eat lunch at the Russia Inn and then come back here for cards and dominoes followed by pies from Versailles Health Care Center. We love it!”

Versailles Health Care Center is a skilled nursing and rehabilitation center that offers inpatient and outpatient therapy to people of all ages. Specialty programs include Parkinson’s treatment, Balance Rehab Therapy, Sports Medicine, Cardiac Recovery, Pulmonary Rehab, Stroke Recovery, Continence Improvement, Wound Care, Joint Replacement Therapy, and much more. In 2012, the care center sent home 159 patients that utilized its short-term rehab services! If you are interested in learning more about the therapy programs offered at Versailles Health Care Center, call 526-5570 or visit www.versailleshealthcare.com.

Stephanie Goubeaux, Physical Therapist at Versailles Health Care Center, leads exercise session at The Gathering Place in Russia.

Volunteering hits five-year high

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Bag Media) — Mon, 20 May 2013 10:00:00 +0000

DARKE COUNTY - A new national study shows that Americans significantly increased their commitment to volunteering. Did you know that 26.7% of Ohio residents volunteer – are you one of the volunteers?

Put your experience, skills and talents to use in your community by calling Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) today. If you are an older adult aged 55 or better, below is a list of some of the volunteer opportunities that could be just right for you.

Darke County Parks is looking for people who enjoy the outdoors and being busy doing some light physical activity in the parks. Or maybe you want to volunteer to handle the phone/receptionist duties at the Nature Center. If you enjoy history, we can help you learn how to be a volunteer at the Log House.

You can help kids say healthy and happy at Kids Learning Place in Greenville. They need volunteers to help sanitize toys for an hour or two on Friday mornings.

You choose how and where to serve and also the amount of time you want to give. If you are interested in many exciting opportunities call and talk with the volunteer recruiter Cheryl Stafford at 548-8002, or email her at rsvpdk@councilonruralservices.org .

RSVP/HandsOn West Central Ohio is a program of Council on Rural Services… programs for innovative learning that supports children, youth, and older adults in Darke, Shelby, Miami and Logan Counties. For more information about the agency check the Web site at www.councilonruralservices.org or call 778-5220.

Darke County Special Olympics holds 35th annual event

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Bag Media) — Sun, 19 May 2013 11:30:00 +0000

BY RYAN BERRY

MANAGING EDITOR
GREENVILLE – For the 35th year, kids from around the county converged on Harmon Field in the Greenville City Park on May 20 for the annual Special Olympics Track and Field events. This year’s event was delayed a few days due to rain, but that couldn’t stop the smiles on the faces of athletes and volunteers once the games began.

Approximately 350 athletes and unified partners participated in this year’s event that included running and walking events, slalom, relays with unified partners, boys and girls shot put, bean bag toss, long jump and softball throw. Athletes ranged in age from 8 to 22 and come from every school in Darke County. Cindy Rose, volunteer director for Darke County’s Special Olympics, couldn’t be more pleased with the support the event receives from the school districts. Many of the superintendents were on-hand to help with the events.

Rose is in her 19th year of serving Darke County Special Olympics, but pointed out there are several volunteers that have been with this event for all 35 years. This was the 10th year for the event to be held on a school day, which Rose noted, has helped attendance.

New to the event this year was the awards stage. According to Rose, a father of one of the athletes approached her about building a stage to celebrate the athletes. Rose agreed and John Burnett gathered a few friends to help build and gather materials. Several businesses donated to the cause and the result is a beautiful awards stand that features three podiums to recognize the winners. One of the podiums is wheelchair accessible.

John Burnett and some of his friends that helped build the new Special Olympics award stand were on-hand to help open this year’s event.

Fred Foutz, publisher of The Early Bird, pins a ribbon on one of the winners. (Ryan Berry photo)

Susan Allread, Senior Vice President & CFO of Greenville Federal, presented a blue ribbon to Renee Netzley for first place in the girls softball throw at the Special Olympics. (Brian Beam photo)

Bailey Buck displays some of the ribbons she won at the track and field meet. (Ryan Berry photo)

Accident exercise at Continental Carbonic deemed “successful”

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Bag Media) — Sun, 19 May 2013 11:15:00 +0000

BY BOB ROBINSON

ASSOC. EDITOR

GREENVILLE - “Attention all personnel. An emergency has happened. Evacuate plant and go to staging area…”

It was 9:15 a.m. May 11 and the employees at Continental Carbonic immediately left the plant in accordance with the company’s emergency plan.

The accident exercise had begun.

“We have a mock ammonia release,” said Rocky Harrison, Continental Carbonic Plant Manager. “Anhydrous ammonia is a water seeking gas that will overcome you… it can kill you.”

The exercise was conducted outside while a true emergency would likely have occurred inside the plant.

The “victims,” Greenville High School students Caleb Custer and Jamie Thomas, were “found” under the plant’s CO2 storage tanks. For the exercise, they were revived and taken back to the responder units for treatment and transport to Wayne Hospital.

“Continental Carbonic did its job exactly as planned,” said Leslie Bricker, Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA).

She explained that these training exercises are done in all counties on a regular basis. Bricker said she has responsibility for 11 counties, all in the Miami Valley area. She noted that the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA) was the “player” participating in the exercise while her agency was the “facilitator” that conducts and evaluates it.

“There are trained volunteers that evaluate every single aspect of the exercise,” she said.

Harrison said his company has training programs to handle potential events like this and that he had volunteered Continental Carbonic for the exercise.

While a real release inside the plant was highly unlikely, he added, there is always a chance that a minor event could happen.

“It was a success,” said Mindy Saylor, Director of Darke County Homeland Security & Emergency Management Office. “Darke County should be proud of the commitment of our first responders and partner organizations to exercise and training.”

She said there were more than 25 organizations represented, with 113 individuals in attendance. Most were volunteers. Key players included Greenville City Fire, Greenville Police, Greenville Township Rescue, Darke County Sheriff’s Office, local HazMat Team Members and more.

The exercise continued with HazMat teams suiting into protective gear to stop the anhydrous ammonia leak from a broken pipe. One team member noted that fixing the problem would likely take about two hours.

Following the exercise a “facilitated hogwash” and lunch took place at Lighthouse Christian Center. The purpose was to evaluate the individual, and overall, aspects of the exercise.

While some minor areas of improvement were discussed, evaluators agreed it was a “very well run exercise.”

Particularly noted was the company following its plan, good interaction between company and responders, great communication with the hospital and more.

“All worked together as a team,” said one evaluator. “Great, great job.”

Two areas of needed improvement were too many volunteer participants who didn’t get used and a tendency to overwhelm the Command Post with questions.

“That’s why we run these exercises,” a moderator said. “They will be fixed the next time.”

Greenville High School students Caleb Custer (left, foreground) and Jamie Thomas were “overwhelmed” by the anhydrous ammonia release during the accident exercise at Continental Carbonic on May 11. They were treated at the scene then transferred to Wayne Hospital as part of the exercise.

More than 25 organizations, with 113 individuals in attendance, took part on the Ohio Emergency Management Agency training exercise.

Friends and supporters Light Up The Night for Corynna

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Bag Media) — Sun, 19 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000

BY RYAN BERRY
MANAGING EDITOR
GREENVILLE – Supporters of Corynna Strawser and her family braved a rain delay and chilly weather to Light Up the Night for Corynna at the Greenville City Park. Four-hundred lanterns were lit and set afloat on the park’s ponds.

Strawser is suffering from mitochondrial disease. The life-changing illness has caused many of her normal functions to be diminished and over the past several months her condition has worsened. She is now confined to a wheelchair and even simple tasks, such as showering, can deplete her energy. Work recently began on an addition to the Strawser home to make life a little simpler for the family. Volunteers have worked, provided services and donated funds to complete the $25,000 addition. Currently, Corynna is confined to a small bedroom upstairs surrounded by IV poles, medical equipment and an oxygen machine. Spending time with her entire family has been limited since her condition worsened. Funds from the Light Up The Night event were given to help complete the room addition.

Additional donations are being accepted through Greenville Federal, c/o Courage for Corynna.

Corynna Strawser was joined by her friends and supporters at the Greenville City Park on May 11 to raise money for Building Corynna’s Room. (Ryan Berry photo)

Memorial Day Services

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Bag Media) — Sun, 19 May 2013 10:45:00 +0000

Liberty Township Memorial Day services will be held May 27. The ceremony for Palestine Cemetery will begin at 10 a.m. at the center of town with a parade marching to the cemetery. Pastor Mike Simmons will be the speaker. At 11 a.m., there will be a service at Bass Cemetery with Rev. Pam King speaking. Participating in both ceremonies will be the Tri-Village Band, Scout Troop 96/Pack 149 and the Hollansburg American Legion Color Guard.

The West Manchester American Legion will hold Memorial Day services at Castine Cemetery on May 19, 1 p.m. Services will be held at Twin Creek Chapel Cemetery at 2 p.m. on the same day.

Memorial Day services will be held at Newcomers Cemetery in Franklin Township on June 2, 1 p.m. Services at Mote Cemetery in Monroe Township will also be held June 2, 2 p.m.

The Van Buren Township Memorial Services will be held at Abbottsville Cemetery on May 26. Services begin at 1 p.m. with Arcanum High School instrumentalists and the Greenville High School NJROTC. The address will be given by Larry Harter.

The Twin Township Memorial Services will be held at Ithaca Cemetery on May 26. Services will begin at 2 p.m. with Arcanum High School instrumentalists and the Greenville High School NJROTC. The address will be given by Larry Harter.

The Memorial Day at Gettysburg Cemetery will be held May 27, 2:30 p.m. The Memorial Day address will be given by Rev. Burt Wolf, interim pastor at Oakland Church of the Brethren and former principal of Franklin Monroe High School. Others participating will be Jason Lance, Gettysburg mayor, Joseph, Greenville High School Band and Versailles Color Guard. Everyone is invited to attend this service. In case of rain, the service will be held in the Bible Holiness Church, corner of Clay and Corwin Streets, Gettysburg.

Stelvideo Memorial Day Service will be held at 1 p.m., May 26, at the Stelvideo Christian Church. Kay Crawford, voluntary service specialist at the Dayton VA Medical Center will be the honored speaker. Music will be provided by the Stelvideo church band, directed by David Bloomfield. At 2 p.m., following the service at the church, American Legion Post 140 will conduct a Memorial Service at Stelvideo Cemetery. Crawford served in the Women’s Army Corps during the Vietnam Era towards the end of the Vietnam War. She left college in 1974 and joined the military. She served as a squad leader during basic training and graduated with top honors and their drill sergeant was Outstanding Drill Sergeant of the Cycle. She met her husband at Ft. Jackson and married him after she got out of the military. She has been married for 38 years and has three children, eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She has been with the VA Medical Center since August 1991 and has worked for the government for 36 years. She has been in Voluntary Service since March 1997.

The Beamsville Christian Church will host its annual memorial Day Service on May 27, 10 a.m. Representative Jim Buchy will be the guest speaker at the service. Buchy represents the 84th House District which includes Mercer County and portions of Auglaize, Darke and Shelby Counties. He is now in his 11th term and returned to House Leadership this term as the Assistant Majority Whip. Representative Buchy serves on the Policy and Legislative Oversight, Rules and Reference, and the Agriculture and Natural Resources committees. Also participating in the service will be Greenville High School Band, Greenville American Legion, Post 140, Greenville American VFW, Post 7262, Ansonia Boy Scouts, Troop 114, and Ansonia Cub Scouts, Pack 114. Following the service at the church there will be a service at the Beamsville Cemetery, conducted by the Greenville VFW and the Greenville American Legion.

Memorial Day Services for Bradford will be held May 26. Line up for the parade will begin at 1 p.m. at the First Baptist Church Parking Lot, with the parade beginning at 1:30 p.m. The parade will proceed up Miami Avenue and end at the Harris Creek Cemetery for a 2 p.m. service. Pastor Daryl Peeples, assisted by other pastors, will conduct the service. The Bradford Area Association of Churches is sponsoring this event and asks that you join them in remembering our veterans.

Sanctus Real joins line-up for Illumination Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Bag Media) — Sun, 19 May 2013 10:30:00 +0000

Sanctus Real

GREENVILLE – The Illumination Committee recently signed several more bands to join MercyMe on stage for the annual Illumination Festival on Sept. 22, at the Darke County Fairgrounds. This year’s special guest is Sanctus Real. This group headlined the Illumination Festival a few years ago. Joining them will be Citizen Way, The Neverclaim and Everfound.

Considering the average shelf life of most bands these days, it’s a particularly rare quality when a group not only sticks together for the long haul but maintains a strong sense of mission in the process. For Sanctus Real who began sixteen years ago in the basement of the home belonging to guitarist Chris Rohman’s parents, their purpose has never wavered even as musical trends have come and gone.

Basically, making music for purely music’s sake or trying to keep pace with rock ‘n’ roll’s definition of what’s cool has never been an option. Instead, no matter the season, whether it’s one characterized by struggle, victory or something in between, Sanctus Real remained sure and steady and written songs that honestly reflect the complex journey of faith.

Always running toward the only thing they know, namely God’s Word and His unfailing promises, Sanctus Real’s sixth studio album, Run, is a new collection of lyrics and melodies shot straight from the hearts of a weathered yet determined band of comrades who clearly still love collaborating. Building upon their Grammy-nominated 2010 album Pieces Of A Real Heart that featured the breakout track “Lead Me,” the band continues to devote itself to writing songs they pray will matter.

The band is comprised of Matt Hammitt (vocals), Chris Rohman (guitars), Mark Graalman (drums), Pete Provost (guitars and keys) and Dan Gartley (bass).

Citizen Way is a true band of brothers - in the literal sense. This infectious rock four-piece is comprised of two sets of siblings with strong ministry backgrounds and a mutual passion for music that began long before the band officially formed in 2004. Band members Josh and Ben Calhoun and David and Ben Blascoe share a camaraderie that is undeniable and results in a unique, unparalled connection for a band that has plenty to say.

Nothing typical comes out of Portland. So, it makes perfect sense that The Neverclaim may be one of the most atypical worship bands impacting church culture. They have developed an eclectic musical style that seems to separate them from any other worship circles they have experienced. In a relatively short time, this sextet has evolved from local, to regional, to national and now international levels. They have performed with some of Christian music’s biggest acts such as Third Day, Kutless, Tenth Avenue North, Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant and more.

Everfound is a band comprised of four Russian-born brothers. They are set to release their self-titled Word Entertainment debut album on July 16. The album’s lead single and Top 20 hit is “Never Beyond Repair.” Their song “What Love Means” is featured on World Entertainment’s musical companion to the History Channel’s mini-series The Bible. The band also played at a massive kick-off event for the mini-series with Mark Burnett and Roma Downey in partnership with Rick Warren at Saddleback Church.

Tickets for MercyMe, Sanctus Real, The Neverclaim and Everfound will go on sale June 1 at area Christian bookstores and itickets.com. Early bird ticket pricing will be held through June 17 with tickets priced at $25 for reserved seating and track, and $20 for Grandstand. There is no early bird pricing for VIP seats. These seats are $50 and put concert goers in front of the stage. After June 17, ticket prices for reserved, grandstand and track will increase by $5. Tickets purchased on the day of the show will be an additional $5.

Preparations being made for GOBA’s 25th ride in Greenville

noreply@blogger.com (Blue Bag Media) — Sun, 19 May 2013 10:15:00 +0000

BY RYAN BERRY

MANAGING EDITOR
GREENVILLE – “I’ve seen the word GOBA in the newspapers and around town, but what is it?” one might ask. The easy answer is that it is the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure. For riders, that answer doesn’t do this event justice. GOBA is indeed an adventure, as its name implies, but it is much more. It is families coming together for vacations, visiting places one never knew existed, making new friends or renewing acquaintances, and finding out how other Ohioans live, work and play. Since 1989, this event has reached nearly every nook and cranny of the state and has hosted over 64,000 regular and casual bicyclists; many of which have participated in multiple GOBA events.

GOBA is owned by Columbus Outdoor Pursuits and is the largest non-competitive outdoor recreation club in Central Ohio, having been around for over 60 years. They have nearly 3,000 members and run many bicycle tours, including the nationally famous Tour of the Scioto River Valley. Profits made from GOBA are used to benefit bicycling in Ohio. Over the life of GOBA, a sizeable donation was made to the Ohio to Erie Trail Fund, to move forward this effort to construct a multi-use recreation trail across Ohio.

This year’s ride marks the 25th anniversary of GOBA and the fifth time riders will make their way through Darke County. Previous stops have taken place in 1994, 1998, 2003, and 2007. This will mark the third time the event has stopped in Greenville. In 2003 GOBA hosted a record number of riders, 3,165; and Greenville served as the beginning and ending stop for the ride. GOBA organizers expect between 2,500 to 3,000 riders for this year’s anniversary ride.

Over the years, GOBA riders have ranged in age from toddlers to nearly 90 years old. A significant number of persons participating in the event are over 70 and under age 10. On average, 75-percent of the riders call Ohio home. However, in 2012, 38 states were represented as well as Canada, Japan and Switzerland. This is the second largest event of its kind in the country.

The ride encompasses eight days and riders peddle approximately 50-miles each day and camp in designated cities and villages throughout Ohio. This year’s ride begins in Urbana on June 15 and travels through Troy, Greenville, New Bremen and Sidney. GOBA riders will begin arriving at the Greenville High School campsite throughout the day on June 18 and will head toward their next stop the following morning.

The tour gains its uniqueness from the hospitality of the towns and sites it visits during the week. During the day, community leaders organize food and entertainment to welcome the cyclists. Each afternoon temporary campgrounds are set up in the host towns, along with information booths, and shuttle system. The Greenville GOBA committee is currently working on several projects to welcome the riders, including a tour of KitchenAid, live band, shuttles to the downtown business area, and more. Several local non-profit groups have also stepped up and will be offering food for riders.

In order to host the event, each community must provide a town coordinator to oversee and coordinate committees for campground logistics, transportation, emergency planning, housing, food, entertainment, and information. Deanna York and Betty Birt are serving as this year’s co-coordinators.

Leading up to GOBA’s arrival, The Early Bird will be sharing several articles to let local residents know what to expect, entertainment available to riders and residents, and the extent of preparation needed to host nearly 3,000 riders.

Emergency Services

Ken Livingston NREMT-P, Education Coordinator, Greenville Twp. Rescue, has been given the task of working with GOBA to develop the Emergency Services plan. While GOBA officials are capable of handling minor mishaps, such as cuts, scrapes, bruises and sore muscles, local agencies need to be ready in case of severe injuries, accidents or inclement weather.

The following is a list of agencies that will be assisting as riders come through Darke County.

Greenville Twp Rescue - Providing standby to assist with First Aid tent and provide emergency care and transportation.

Red Cross – Staffing First Aid tent from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Providing treatment for rider and staff for any medical needs from injuries, aches and pains to dehydration and more serious issues like breathing problems to chest pain. They will arrange transportation for more serious conditions.

Family Health Services – Providing volunteers to help staff the First Aid tent. Family Health Services will also offer medical supplies for the tent and their afterhours clinic for riders needing care not available in the first aid tent.

Greenville Police Department – The department will assist with traffic control to get all the riders into and out of town safely. They will also provide extra patrols to ensure a safe pleasant stay in Greenville.

Darke County Sheriff and Sheriff’s Patrol – Deputies will provide assistance along the route at high traffic areas and dangerous intersection. They will provide patrols at the Greenville High School to ensure a safe pleasant stay in Greenville. The department will also handle communications between all the emergency services.

Department of Homeland Security/EMA – Officials are providing support and planning for disaster preparedness. They will also assist with monitoring the weather and advising staff of potential dangers.

Greenville Fire Department – Firefighters will assure fire safety codes and fire safety lanes for the food venders, camping area and the events are kept. They will also assist with the sheltering of participants in case of bad weather.

Wayne HealthCare – The hospital will provide emergency and non emergency care to riders and participants. They will also offer the use of the mini ambulance for the camping area.

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