DarkeJournal.com

COMMISSIONER’S CORNER - June 2021

noreply@blogger.com (John L) — Mon, 19 Jul 2021 14:39:00 +0000

The month of June should have been the month of April. It was rainy enough to make all kinds of flowers bloom, just like April is supposed to do. Hopefully the rain will continue for our farm crops, but not at a rate that washes things out or slows things down for a week! The weather is June certainly did not help the airport taxiway project we have underway. Most of the dirt work was completed, except for putting in drainage tile, and that was slowed significantly by all the water and mud. Finally, last week has allowed the Contractor, Great Lakes Construction, to start putting down stone on the taxiway and apron. As of this writing, the taxiway project as a whole is 81% done, and if the weather continues to co-operate, the contractor should get back on schedule. We are looking at completion of the taxiway by near the end of August. We are having a fly in at the airport on September25th this year. More information will be forthcoming.

June is also budget review month in our office. All the elected officials met with us at different times to discuss their budgets for the 2022 year. This process at this time is really just a review as we really don’t have a clear picture of the finances available to us yet. Right now, we are on track with our projections for income and tax receipts, but we are always cautious as things can change quickly. We will know far more by early November.

We finally had our first parade of the year at the Versailles Poultry days. The parade route was almost full of onlookers and that is always fun for us. This July we have four parades to go to so far, and looking forward to seeing all the people at the festivals that are happening again. In other news, we hope everyone has noticed the improvements to the courthouse steps and the steps to our office. The steps to our office will be used constantly, but the courthouse steps are to be used for emergency exit only. It was our thought that even though the courthouse steps will not be used daily, it was important for us to help make the downtown area as attractive and welcoming as possible. We are now in the process of getting the railings designed and done for both buildings, and that will complete the construction. The Lady Bug garden club has graciously committed to landscaping around the steps at the courthouse and the Commissioner’s office. A big Thank You to those wonderful ladies!

Congratulations are in order for the county’s new Recorder, Hillary Holzapfel. Hillary was appointed to fill the spot of long time Recorder Linda Stachler who retired. Linda did a great job for the county, but she was ready to retire and remover herself from government life. We are sure Hillary will do an excellent job for a long time. June also saw our annual courthouse cookout on June 25th. This has become an annual event where the elected officials furnish the hot dogs and hamburgers and everyone else brings a covered dish. This is one of the most enjoyable events of the year. Commissioner Aultman did most of the cooking with expert advice from Commissioners Stegall and Holmes! A good time is always had at this event, and we always look forward to it.

July is now here so we are in the middle of another Miami Valley summer. That means heat and humidity is going to be the norm for a while. So, if you need to cool off a little and you are in town, why don’t you stop in to one of our scheduled public meetings? We meet every Monday and Wednesday at 1:30 in the Commissioner’s office at 520 S. Broadway in downtown Greenville. Hope to see you there.

- The Darke County Commissioners

DCP to offer Kayak and Canoe Rentals

noreply@blogger.com (John L) — Mon, 19 Jul 2021 14:37:00 +0000

After several months of planning, the Darke County Parks is ready to offer kayak and canoe rentals to the public. Rentals will be offered at the Bish Discovery Center on Ohio street starting July 14th. Renters can launch from Alice Bish Park and float to Historic Bear’s Mill. This float is approximately 6 miles and takes an average of 4 hours. Rentals are available through preregistration only (one day in advance). This will be a soft launch of public rentals, so that staff can work out any minor issues before opening rentals to several days a week. DCP will not be offering transportation from the take out at Bear’s Mill back to the Bish Discovery Center, so renters will need to plan their own return transport. DCP is excited to offer this new outdoor rec option to the public in addition to bike rentals that are already available.

For more information regarding rentals, please contact the Nature Center at 937-548-0165. To reserve a rental, visit https://darkecoparks.recdesk.com/Community/

THOMAS HILL TO BE FEATURED ARTIST AT BEAR’S MILL

noreply@blogger.com (John L) — Mon, 19 Jul 2021 14:36:00 +0000

Historic Bear’s Mill’s Clark Gallery will feature the earthenware pottery and wood panels of Richmond, Indiana-based artist Thomas Hill at the upcoming “Art At the Mill” exhibit opening Friday, July 30 with a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. The artist will share information about his work, methods, and inspiration in a brief talk beginning at 7 p.m. The exhibit will continue through Sunday, August 22; “Art at the Mill,” curated by Jan Roestamadji and Julie Clark, is free and open to the public.

Ms. Clark says the she is really excited about “Art At the Mill” hosting a rare solo artist in the Clark Gallery. “Thomas Hill’s creative wood work will fill the Gallery walls with beauty, while the display of his ceramic pieces on numerous pedestals will delight and fascinate art lovers and curious on-lookers alike,” Ms. Clark enthused. According to Ms. Roestamadji, this is a unique exhibition featuring an emerging artist whose creativity and mastery of his craft keep increasing. “We are so lucky to host this display of earthy, rustic, minimalist pottery, along with wood panels exploring shapes and lines in various media, all created by the same talented individual; I am sure that many visitors will be taking a piece home with them to enhance their own living spaces,” she said.

Thomas Hill grew up in rural Indiana amid countless cornfields and landscapes rich in natural resources; instilled with an inquisitive spirit, the youngster often tinkered with various objects, trying to find out not only how they worked, but also why they worked. While a high school senior, Thomas began working with wood, spending vast hours assembling simple pieces of furniture whenever he had an idea. That intrinsic curiosity led the young man to more intense tinkering, exploring whatever project took his fancy, and eventually switching his college major from Physics to Art. As an Art student, Thomas discovered a passion for clay, an interest that he now combines with building renovation and exploration of unconventional material as he practices his art.

Thomas’s work in wood and clay combines an interest in historic sculpture from Europe, Korea, and Japan with an attraction to local materials he found while wandering through the natural environment of his childhood home. The ever-inquisitive artist traveled to England to apprentice with potter Nic Collins before achieving his Art degree from Earlham College, and has worked as an assistant to Marshall, North Carolina potter Josh Copus. Thomas says that his body of work has evolved through experimentation with materials new to him, finding inspiration in the character and texture developed by objects exposed to time and the elements. “I have begun a journey by adding these weathered forms and aged surfaces around me to my own material library, discovering how I might incorporate these characteristics into my handmade objects,” he explained.

Intriguing paintings by Paula J. Dalton which explore land and sky through geometry as well as the fascinating work of Collette Fortin and Berry Davis who create solid glass sculptures with primarily oceanic themes will continue to be on display in the Clark Gallery through Sunday, July 25. The Clark Gallery and the Mill Shop are operated by Friends of Bear’s Mill; the Mill and surrounding grounds are the newest addition to Darke County Parks. Bear’s Mill is located at 6450 Arcanum-Bear's Mill Road, about 5 miles east of Greenville. “Art At the Mill” is funded in part by a grant from Darke County Endowment for the Arts, and can be viewed during regular Mill store hours, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The park and trails are open daily from 8 a.m. until sunset. For more information, contact Bear's Mill at 937-548-5112 or www.bearsmill.org.

HOMETOWN CABLE UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

noreply@blogger.com (John L) — Mon, 19 Jul 2021 14:34:00 +0000

Coldwater, OH (July 6, 2021) - Hometown Cable headquartered in Coldwater, Ohio has signed an agreement with Indiana based GRiT Technologies to manage and reconstruct Hometown Cable's wireless and fiber Internet networks, and restructure various components associated with Hometown's day-to-day business operations.

GRiT Technologies was contracted in October of 2020 to evaluate all aspects of Hometown Cable's model. GRiT provided Hometown's ownership with strategic analysis, operating plan and budget, technical plan and budget, and marketing plan and budget. Hometown Cable's ownership agreed with GRiT's evaluation and vision which included completely rebuilding Hometown Cable.

GRiT Chief Technical Officer, Tom Kolb, has designed a superior wireless network that will provide subscribers a minimum of 25 Megabits of download speed per second (Mbps) and in many cases up to 100 Mbps. New state-of-the-art equipment is on order and will be attached to towers that feed Hometown's wireless network along with new equipment to be stationed at customers' houses. Kolb has also re-engineered HomeTown's fiber optic network. Once installed, the new state-of-the-art fiber optic technology will perform well into the future without disruption to service. The new technology will allow HomeTown to offer more services to customers and as the demand for bandwidth increases, Home Town will be able to be out in front of the demand.

"Current subscribers will see a significant increase in their ability to function over the web," stated GRiT CEO, Roger Criblez. ''The millions of dollars being invested by Hometown's ownership will reshape the entire network so customers will have an Internet, television, and voice (telephone) experience they can successfully utilize without frustration."

The GRiT team has integrated the Hometown team with outsourced vendors for various components of the daily operations to reinvigorate quality and efficiency.

"We are just getting started," said Criblez, "and we have a way to go to get our entire customer base switched over, but change is in the air, and change in all aspects of doing business is coming to Hometown.

Poultry Days is Back!

noreply@blogger.com (John L) — Fri, 04 Jun 2021 13:52:00 +0000

Ohio has lifted restrictions and Versailles is proud to offer what might be the first festival after COVID. Known for overcoming fires and floods the village has weathered a pandemic and is ready to welcome visitors. Poultry Days will be celebrated June 11-13th with a theme of "A Village of Champions, Honoring Those Who Make Us Great!" This theme is particularly appropriate given the many everyday “champions” who have stood out over the past year.

Poultry Days is famous for our chicken. Our goal is to deliver hot, fresh and delicious dinners with as short of a wait as possible. To do this several changes have been made including adding a fifth chicken assembly line during peak times. With these additional volunteers as many as 3,000 dinners will be served per hour. The number of cookers has been increased from 7 to a peak of 10. These beautiful silver machines produce 220 dinners every 90 minutes. Cooking will begin before sunrise and that delicious smell will float throughout the village.

More Chicken Faster! 38,000 fresh never frozen chicken halves ensuring there will be plenty of World Famous barbecue dinners available. The drive thru and walk thru chicken lines are located at 459 S. Center St. and will serve individual dinners. These lines open at 3:30 Friday, 11:30 Saturday and 11:00 Sunday. Tickets will be for sale in both lines.

Mike and Sandy McClurg have been selected as Honorary Parade Marshals for the Grand Parade which will be held at 11:00am on June 12th. The flag raising ceremony will be 1pm on June 12th and include members of the Versailles High School Band. The Antique Car parade will be held at 2:30 on June 13th. Registration for the Antique Car Parade and Display will begin at 10:am at the corner of S. Center and Euclid Streets.

Remember live entertainment? The Social Tent will offer live entertainment all weekend including Tricky Dick & The Cover Ups, SNAFU, The Hammer Jockeys, Kaitlyn Schmit & The Move, Eight Ball, and Mustang Sally. The Social Tent will offer beverages from The Winery at Versailles, MillerCoors, Anheuser-Busch and Moeller Brew Barn. In addition to chicken the festival will have festival food, the Music Booster Food tent and that Famous VAPPA Lemonade.

Amusement rides, games, pony rides, and much more. Yolo will organize the 5k Run/Walk with registration extending to the morning of the event. Ultimate Frisbee players will return to Versailles with a one-day tournament on June 12th. The Versailles FFA will offer an Agriculture Awareness and Promotion Tent on Saturday and Sunday. Other activities include “Sons of the Legion” Cornhole Tournament, Lions Club Chuck-a-luck, FREE Kiddie Tractor Pulls, Vendors Flower Show, K of C Bingo, Cake & Egg Show, Art & Photography Show, and of course Miss Chick and Little Miss Poultry Days. NEW this year is a FREE Chicken Eating Contest.

Poultry Days thanks everyone for their continued support. Visit VersaillesPoultryDays.com for the full festival schedule and event details. Get live festival updates by following Poultry Days on Facebook. All chicken questions should be sent to VPDChickenLine@gmail.com. General questions about the festival can be sent to PoultryDaysChairman@gmail.com.

Volunteer Fair & Petting Zoo is June First Friday

noreply@blogger.com (John L) — Fri, 04 Jun 2021 13:50:00 +0000

Idle-Hour Ranch will be at the Park National Bank First Friday Volunteer Fair & Petting Zoo.

GREENVILLE – The Park National Bank First Friday Volunteer Fair & Petting Zoo is coming to historic downtown Greenville on Friday, June 4, 6-9 p.m. This is a great opportunity to bring your family and enjoy everything that our downtown community has to offer – fun, food and shopping.

The Volunteer Fair features several non-profit organizations. Learn who is really making our community great. These organizations will share what they do and some of them may even have opportunities for you to join them in their mission and become a volunteer. Each booth will be offering a family friendly activity.

If that isn’t enough, the fun will continue in front of the Darke County Courthouse with a Petting Zoo. Idle-Hour Ranch will be bringing some of their animals and kids of all ages will get to experience a little bit of farm life in a beautiful downtown setting.

The fun doesn’t end there. GNB Banking Centers will be cooking out and offering free food to visitors.

In addition to all of this fun, several musicians have expressed an interest in sharing their talents during the Park national Bank First Friday Volunteer Fair & Petting Zoo. This will be a great opportunity to enjoy a little music while you take in the sights.

While that may seem a lot for a First Friday event, there is more. Enjoy shopping at our downtown businesses. Many will be open late and are planning special activities. To find a list of all the activities/specials taking place during the event, please visit Main Street Greenville’s website or their Facebook page.

If you have a volunteer organization and would like to be part of the Park National Bank First Friday Volunteer Fair & Petting Zoo, visit www.MainStreetGreenville.org and print off an application and email to info@mainstreetgreenville.org or drop off or mail to Main Street Greenville, 421 S. Broadway, Greenville, Ohio 45331.

Main Street Greenville is also looking for musicians that would like to share their talents during this First Friday event. Send a demo and requirements to info@mainstreetgreenville.org or call 937-548-4998 for more information.

First Friday events aim to bring people downtown during evening hours to enjoy activities, demonstrations, food and music in a beautiful historic setting. The monthly event is presented by Main Street Greenville – a non-profit organization committed to stimulating and supporting revitalization efforts, historic preservation and economic growth in historic Downtown Greenville. To learn more, visit their Facebook page. You can contact them at 937-548-4998 or info@mainstreetgreenville.org.

Library to host Summer Reading Program for children

noreply@blogger.com (John L) — Fri, 04 Jun 2021 13:49:00 +0000

Greenville Public Library’s Children’s Librarian, Joanna Brown, is pictured with a few of the prizes up for grabs during this year’s Summer Reading Program.

GREENVILLE – The Greenville Public Library is excited to announce our Summer Reading Program is back!

This year’s program won’t include any in-person events, but kids can still read for the chance to win a wide variety of age-appropriate prizes!

Parents can register their children online at our website, www.greenville-publiclibrary.org, or by stopping in at the library beginning June 1. You will receive a reading log so you can track your reading. Each reading sheet will cover the entire program, so there’s no need to turn in a sheet every week!

This year’s program will run from June 1 until July 31, and is open to all children ages 0-18. To be eligible for the grand prize, all you have to do is complete your reading sheet and turn it in no later than August 13. Prize winners will be contacted after this date.

The library’s hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. For any questions, call us at (937) 548-3915.

DCCA INVITES YOU TO PARTICIPATE IN MAKE MUSIC DARKE COUNTY

noreply@blogger.com (John L) — Fri, 04 Jun 2021 13:47:00 +0000

Make Music Day, an international celebration of the Summer Solstice, expands to Darke County on June 21. Darke County Center for the Arts has joined other groups in communities around the globe to coordinate an event where anyone can experience the joy of performing music, and where everyone is invited to participate. Begun in France in 1982 where it has become a national holiday, the “Fete De La Musique” created a music festival featuring free music being performed almost everywhere, with those performing being anyone who wanted to sing or play an instrument regardless of experience or recognized talent. Fourteen years ago, the festival crossed the Atlantic with the debut of Make Music New York, and has since spread to more than 80 communities across the United States resulting in 5,383 free concerts being performed in 1,862 locations on June 21, 2019. Last year when the COVID pandemic made public gatherings impossible, Make Music Day featured more than 1600 virtual and socially-distanced events across the U.S.

DCCA is seeking musicians and instrumentalists to participate in Make Music Darke County on June 21 in sites throughout the community. Solo acts or combos of all skill levels are welcome to sign up for a performance slot; church choirs, vocal quartets, and marching bands as well as groups of office staffs and employees of businesses who would enjoy making music together are invited to perform. If you and/or your group would like to participate in this worldwide festival, send a description of your music, how many people are in your group, your preferred time and location to perform (if you have a preference) along with any samples you may have of your work to darkecounty@makemusicday.org. Venues are currently being sought where performances will be staged from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 20 minute intervals

Darke County Center for the Arts is a non-profit organization whose mission is to present and promote performing and fine arts encouraging cultural enrichment. To keep this celebration of music free for everyone, donations in support of Make Music Day are also being solicited, and can be sent to Make Music Day Darke County, DCCA, P. O. Box 718, Greenville, OH 45331. More details will be announced soon. For more information, call DCCA at 937-547-0908.

Sign Up for Scouting Alerts from the Ohio State University Extension Office

noreply@blogger.com (John L) — Fri, 04 Jun 2021 13:46:00 +0000

DCP welcomes Bear’s Mill and New Staff

noreply@blogger.com (John L) — Fri, 04 Jun 2021 13:45:00 +0000

Sophie Nieport, Thom Hammaker, Terry Clark

Darke County Parks is pleased to announce that on April 1st, National Historic Site, Bear’s Mill officially became part of the Darke County Park District. With the addition of Bear’s Mill, Darke County Parks welcomes two new staff members, Thom Hammaker and Sophie Nieport. These two staff members will be apprentices to the Master Miller, Terry Clark, at the Historic Bears Mill. They will also be maintaining the mill and grounds.

Thom Hammaker has been an experienced journeyman carpenter for 7.5 years. He is married to Kandace Hammaker and has three children. He says he feels he has a special connection with the mill because his late grandfather, Bill Wilson, would take him canoeing on the Greenville Creek, taking out at Bear’s Mill where they would then visit.

Sophie Nieport lives on a farm outside of Ansonia with her husband Scott Nieport and son Jacob O’Connor. She worked as a Registered Sanitarian for the Darke County Health Department for 10 years, then was the Education and Outreach Coordinator for the Shelby Soil & Water Conservation District in Sidney for 2 years. She says she is thrilled to be working for the Darke County Parks and understands being an apprentice to Terry Clark is a once in a lifetime opportunity and will enjoy every minute of it!

Both Thom and Sophie will be learning the ins and outs of the mill from Terry Clark. Terry and his wife Julie purchased the mill in 1979 and after months of hard work, the mill was reopened. Terry mastered milling and the couple made the mill an attractive tourist and local attraction by adding the gallery, enhancing the store, replacing the siding and preserving the mill to the beautiful condition you see today. Terry and Julie sold the mill to the Friends of the Bears Mill 501C3 in 2013 through a grant provided by the Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC). Darke County Parks and the Friends of the Bears Mill have collaborated together for over a year and a half to have the ownership of the Mill transferred to Darke County Parks. It was approved for transfer by the OPWC and Probate Judge Jason Aslinger. “We are very excited to have one of the last working water mills east of the Mississippi River” stated Parks Director Roger Van Frank. “We look forward to having the mill opened for extended hours and special groups joining us.”

For more information on the Mill and hours of operations and special requests please contact the Park District at www.darkecountyparks.org or www.bearsmill.com.

New Madison United Methodist 5K Run/Walk

noreply@blogger.com (John L) — Fri, 04 Jun 2021 13:43:00 +0000

The New Madison United Methodist 5K run/walk is Sat. June 5. Kids fun run begins at 8:30, 5K begins at 9:00. You may register at gtraces.com or by going to the Darke County Wellness Challenge website at darkecountywellnesschallenge.com. The event is located at 149 N. Main St, New Madison OH. This is a pet friendly event.

SAVE THE DATE FOR BBBS ANNUAL DUCK DERBY

noreply@blogger.com (John L) — Fri, 04 Jun 2021 13:43:00 +0000

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby & Darke County’s 15th Annual Duck Derby & Duck-N-Run 5K is being held on June 17th, 2021 at Tawawa Park in Sidney. This fundraiser is open to the public, and individuals and businesses are encouraged to participate. This annual event is a fun and exciting way to support children within our local communities. By “adopting” a Duck Derby rubber duck for $5 each or 6 for $25, you not only have a chance to win the $1,000 Cash Grand Prize and 30 other prizes, but you will make a positive impact supporting mentoring programs. We will also be continuing the opportunity to adopt Defender of Potential Ducks for $25 each. The Defender of Potential Duck drawing is limited to only 250 tickets, offers better odds of winning, and one lucky person will be the winner of a $500 cash jackpot. Don’t miss your opportunity for a chance to win over 30 fabulous prizes!

The Defender of Potential Duck winner will be drawn at 7:30pm, with the regular Duck Derby immediately following in Tawawa Park’s Mosquito Creek. Don’t miss out on the chance to see thousands of rubber ducks launched into the creek and see if your duck is the winner of one of 30 great prizes. This year’s prizes include the $1,000 Cash Grand, Two 3-day tickets to 2021 Country Concert at Hickory Hill Lakes compliments of Meyer’s Garage & Drive Thru., Four Tickets to Kings Island compliments of Kings Island, Mini-Photoshoot with Claire Larger compliments of Claire Larger & a canvas picture compliments of Agape Distribution, $100 Ohio State Parks Gift Card and two fishing licenses compliments of Jennifer Henke and Meyer’s Garage & Drive Thru, Handmade bowl compliments of WEH Wood Art & Brooklinen Robe compliments of Agape Distribution and a head scratcher, two salt room session coupons compliments of Moonflower Aromatherapy. $100 Walmart Gift Card compliments of Gillespie Construction. Two tickets to Jake Owen concert & $20 gift certificate to JT’s Brew & Grill compliments of JT’s Brew & Grill. Two Snow Trails Ski Resort Tickets. Two tickets to Thrill to Grill compliments of Versailles Winery. Cleveland Package: Great Lakes Science Center 1-day pass, $10 Mitchells Ice Cream compliments of Mitchell’s Ice Cream. Two Ultimate taste Tickets compliments of Versailles Winery. &50 Gift Card to Submarine House compliments of Submarine House. Do Good Gift Bag (T-shirt, water bottle, $25 gift card) compliments of Do Good restaurant. $40 Stairway to Wellness Gift card compliments of Stairway to Wellness. Two $30 Double M Diner Gift Cards compliments of Double M Diner. High Grounds gift basket compliments of High Grounds Café. Merle Norman Gift Basket compliments of Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio. $50 Allison Custom Jewelry gift certificate compliments of Allison’s Jewelry. Two Trail Ride coupons compliments of Mormon Valley Farms. $25 Sure Shot Tap House gift card compliments of Sure Shot Tap House. $25 Beanz Buttercream Bakery compliments of Beanz Buttercream Bakery. $25 Montage gift card compliments of Montage Café. Four tickets to Akron Rubber Ducks compliments of Akron Rubber Ducks. $25 Merchant House Gift Card compliments of Merchant House. Brethren House Floral Décor and a 425 Amazon gift card compliments of Brethren Retirement Community. $25 Drive-In gift certificate compliments of Sidney Auto Vue Drive-In. Three 18’ Teaford’s Pizza & Subs coupon compliments of Teaford’s Pizza & Subs. $15 Winners Meats gift card and one game of bowling compliments of Winner’s Meats and Bel-Mar Lanes. $20 Smokin Jo’s gift certificate compliments of Smokin Jo’s. The Whistle Stop pizza coupon compliments of The Whistle Stop. The Duck-N-Run 5K is part of the Shelby County 5K Tour. Pre-registration for the 5K must be received by Monday, June 7th. On the day of the event, 5K registration will begin at 7pm at Tawawa Park’s Geib Pavilion, and the evening race is set to start at 8:15pm. In the event of inclement of weather or COVID-19 restrictions that prevent us from being able to have the Duck Derby, we will conduct the drawing for winners virtually.

If you’re looking for an affordable way to promote your business and help an organization that supports youth in our community, various sponsorship opportunities are available and range from $200 to $750. Door prize donations and general monetary gifts are greatly appreciated as well. If you would like to take advantage of sponsorship opportunities, please contact the Big Brothers Big Sisters office prior to Monday, June 7th, 2021.

If you are wanting to adopt a duck you can visit our website at https://www.bigbrobigsis-shelbydarke.org/duck-derby--duck-n-run-5k.html. You can also adopt ducks from Meyer’s Garage & Drive Thru in Newport, board members, local community festivals, and the agency office located at 121 E. North Street in Sidney. Don’t miss your opportunity for a chance to win over 30 fabulous prizes! For a complete listing of prize packages, sponsorship opportunities, online duck adoptions, online 5K registrations, and more information, go to www.bigbrobigsis-shelbydarke.org or call 937-492-7611 or 937-547-9622.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby & Darke County is a non-profit United Way member agency. Proceeds from the event will benefit our local Big Brothers Big Sisters agency which matches at-risk children with volunteer role models. These volunteers are screened thoroughly and meet with children at least two times per month offering guidance, support, and positive role-modeling. The concept of services by Big Brothers Big Sisters is to get community members to open up their lives to a young child within their own community. It does not take a great deal of time, money, or talent; the volunteers just need to care about children.

Community members who feel they don’t want to make a commitment of volunteering can help the agency in other ways. The agency is always looking for cost-saving ideas for activities that volunteers can do with their matched Littles. In the past, companies and individuals have donated tickets to local events, sporting events, or hosted a special outing for the Big Brothers Big Sisters group.

Poultry Day’s Art and Photography Show

noreply@blogger.com (John L) — Fri, 04 Jun 2021 13:42:00 +0000

Daydream Creative Services will sponsor and run this year’s Art and Photography Show. Registration is Wednesday, June 9th and Thursday, June 10th from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Multipurpose/Wrestling Building located at 459 S. Center St., Versailles. The show is open to students and adults, amateurs and professionals, and not limited to Versailles residents. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will be awarded in each art category; 2-D, 3-D, Poultry, and Photography. Best of Show Prizes will be awarded in Student, Amateur and Professional Divisions.

Art and photography from area artists will be on display at the festival June 11-13th. There is no

fee to participate, and there are cash prizes. For more information on categories, guidelines and prizes go to VersaillesPoultryDays.com. Please. Direct questions to Morgan Turpen Rose at 937-564-4645 or daydreamcreativeservices@gmail.com.

Summer Manufacturing Camp for Junior High Students

noreply@blogger.com (John L) — Sat, 22 May 2021 03:15:00 +0000

Do you know a student entering 7th or 8th grade? One who is interested in science, engineering, design, or marketing? Or one that likes to know how things work or how things are made?

Students entering 7th or 8th grade from Darke County are invited to participate in the Summer Manufacturing Camp which will be held at Greenville C-TEC from July 19 – 23, 2021. This five-day camp, held 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. daily, will explore the world of manufacturing. Campers will learn by creating a product or service to solve a real-life challenge. Along the way they will discover the wide variety of careers involved in developing products and services. In the afternoon, campers will tour a local manufacturer where they will see their morning topics applied in the real world. The $40 registration includes camp t shirt, lunch, snacks, transportation to tours, and all camp materials. (Registration fee assistance is available, if needed.) Deadline for registration is May 28, 2021.

Camp sponsors are Darke County Economic Development, Darke County CIC, Greenville City Schools & Greenville C-TEC, Edison State Community College, Fort Recovery Industries, JAFE Decorating, Midmark Corporation and Whirlpool Corporation.

For more information or to register, visit www.darkecounty.com or contact Tamala Marley, Darke County Economic Development at 937-548-3250.

Cash Reward! Help Locate Lost Scrap Book

noreply@blogger.com (John L) — Sat, 22 May 2021 03:10:00 +0000

Please Help -- Cash reward being offered.

A brown 3-ring scrap book was left at Jack’s Cabin Restaurant. This is an important family heirloom with old Darke County and Greenville postcards, and a special item given to me by my great grandmother (the only item I have of hers). These postcards were collected by family members over the years and have precious memories.

We would appreciate the return of this book.

Call 937 678 0030 with information and if no answer. please leave a message.

There is a nice cash reward for return of this beloved book.

NEW CHICKEN EATING CONTEST

noreply@blogger.com (John L) — Thu, 20 May 2021 17:54:00 +0000

Bowlerstore.com and VTOWN Tigers are excited to announce a new Poultry Days Event. How fast can you eat a World-Famous Chicken dinner? Chicken, Chips, Roll, Butter, Applesauce and Chilly Willy Orange Drink. This event is judged on time, not how much chicken is ate.

The chicken eating contest will be held at 2:00 pm, Sunday, June 13th on the front lawn. FREE Registration begins at 1:00 pm and is limited to the first 20 qualified entrants per division. The two divisions consist of 21 & Over and Under 21. There is no preregistration.

First prize for each division is $150 and a novelty belt, second is $75 and third is $25. Contestants will compete in timed heats with the fastest time in the division winning. This event is sponsored by BowlerStore.com and conducted by the VTown Tigers. Chicken donated by John’s IGA. See the full rules at VersaillesPoultryDays.com. Email questions to VTOWNTIGER@gmail.com.

Entrepreneurs in Action

noreply@blogger.com (John L) — Thu, 20 May 2021 17:53:00 +0000

by Kitty Davis, Greenville Elementary Principal

Mrs. Sherry Flora, Mrs. Ashley Miller, Mrs. Lori Duncan, Mrs. Lois Britsch, and Ms. Brittany Voke are in the process of teaching young fourth grade entrepreneurs. Students will have the opportunity to experience a life lesson as well as put fourth grade social studies and math (economic) standards into action by first learning about “opportunity cost.” Essentially, there is only so much money one has (scarcity). Due to this, one makes a choice; opportunity cost is an item one has to forgo because in real life, you simply can’t have it all. With the “opportunity cost sundae activity” each student receives $.50 in classroom money. There is vanilla ice cream and nine different toppings from which to choose. Here the dilemma begins...an extra scoop of ice cream will take all of one’s money- not leaving any funds for toppings.

In this case, the toppings are the opportunity cost. If students decide to get toppings (priced $.05, $.10, $.15, and $.25) now the extra scoop becomes the opportunity cost. To complicate the decision, there are also incentives involved- “buy one topping/get one topping” and “quick sale/reduced price toppings” (with the cost drastically reduced) which could motivate one to make a choice that may not necessarily be their preference- just as in real life. After the sundae building, students enjoy their dessert while discussing why they chose (or what motivated them) to build their sundae in such a manner. A reflection paper is completed on what learners would have chosen had there been “unlimited funds,” equal topping price, and expenses (having to purchase a bowl and spoon). Additionally, students draw their ultimate sundae and discuss its total price based upon the classroom topping prices.

After this economics exercise, learners put their economic vocabulary into action as they experience how a business works from product to profit. With the help of school approved youtube videos, students will generate “kid friendly” items to sell. With product limitations due to Covid, students will have to be clever with not only choosing their product but marketing their inventory. Items will range in cost from $.25 to $2.00. Popular past items include: pet rocks, squish/stress balls, paper airplanes, origami decorations, bracelets, hair ties, and decorative magnets. A “division of labor” will also be experienced as specified homerooms will design a power point to advertise the products in the extended learning areas.

The real fun begins with conducting the sales, calculating the profits, and determining loss (if any). Due to gathering restrictions, students will sell to one designated homeroom at a time. Unlike true businesses, students will vote to determine which local charity (Humane Society, Special Olympics, Boys and Girls club, or Shawnee Prairie’s Raptor Birds Program) will benefit from their dividends. The charity chosen will be invited to school to receive the donation and meet the young entrepreneurs. Unfortunately, last year, due to school closure this joint project did not take place. However, in 2019, over $1000.00 dollars was raised for the Darke County Humane Society. Mrs. Flora smiled as she discussed the impact of this project, “This event is a tradition...maybe even legendary...brothers and sisters who have participated as buyers and sellers from years previous share stories of this beloved event with younger siblings. The anticipation level is so high every year. It is very possible that this year’s participants were recipients of an item from this very project years ago.”

Poultry Days 5K is a GO!

noreply@blogger.com (John L) — Thu, 20 May 2021 17:50:00 +0000

After a year of running from germs it is time to run for fun! YOLO and Poultry Days are excited to offer our annual 5K on Saturday, June 12th in Versailles. The Fun Run is back and starts at 8:am followed by the 5K at 8:30am. Both events are held at the Versailles Exempted Village Schools located at 280 Marker Road (East Parking Lot). The top male and female will receive a cash prize!!!!

Online registration and event details can be found at YOLOorg.com. Registration is also available Friday June 11th from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm and Saturday, June 12th 7:00 am-8:15 am at the Versailles Exempted Village Schools. Registration includes a ticket for a World Famous Chicken Dinner and shirts are available.

We would like to announce a few safety measures:

During the Race - Water Stations will be handled differently and Water cups will be pre-filled to take
After the Race - Awards will be given out immediately following the 5k.
With social distancing in mind. Food will be provided but will be limited. Bottled water will be provided.
For information on Packet Pick Up please visit YOLOorg.com.

Proceeds from this event will support community projects. Email YoloRaces@gmail.com with questions. Visit VersaillesPoultryDays.com for festival details and schedules including registration for the Grand Parade, Miss Chick and Vendors.

“ART AT THE MILL” RETURNS

noreply@blogger.com (John L) — Thu, 20 May 2021 17:49:00 +0000

The Clark Gallery at Historic Bear’s Mill will host a return of “Art At the Mill,” starting with an exhibit featuring landscapes by painter Stacie Seuberling and the nature-infused sculptures of Stephanie Skurow. The show opens with a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, May 28; the artists will share information about their work, methods, and inspiration at 7 p.m. The exhibit will continue through Sunday, June 20; subsequent exhibits will open on the final Friday of each month through November 26. “Art at the Mill,” curated by Jan Roestamadji and Julie Clark, is free and open to the public.

According to Ms. Roestamadji, the artists are sisters who live and work in Cincinnati where they share a studio at Pendleton Art Center. “They each produce exciting, innovative, and unique creative expressions of nature; their breathtaking pieces will appeal to lovers of almost all artistic styles and traditions,” Ms. Roestamadji said. Ms. Clark states that she is thrilled to once again be involved with this effort which draws people to Bear’s Mill and the surrounding 35 acres, and contributes to the preservation and upkeep of this historic treasure. “This is but the first piece of an exciting season featuring diverse artists from a variety of disciplines; we are looking forward to once again providing access to exceptional art in this inviting and welcoming setting,” she concluded.

Sculptor Stephanie Skurow, a graduate of Cincinnati College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning has always been involved in creating art; her resume includes an impressive stint in the art department of The Cincinnati Post as an illustrator and graphic designer. Her current output includes delightful whimsical boxes in clay, wood, and papier mache, three-dimensional pieces originally inspired by a gingerbread house she spotted at a Dollar Store. Stephanie also creates papier mache vessels using easily accessed materials combining papers, patterns, twigs and other natural objects to create pleasing and interesting organic forms.

Along with her sister and fellow artist, Stacie Seuberling, also a CCDAAP graduate, spent part of her childhood in a home where the backyard was actually untouched farmland and woods; growing up in this comforting landscape contributes to Stacie’s ability to create realistic and soothing investigations of color, space, and light. “I’m trying to depict nature the way it was at the moment I encountered it, trying to draw the color of light, consciously giving beauty to people,” she explains. All four seasons appear in her drawings with sunrises, sunsets, and water being frequently depicted elements in her evocative work producing a peek at nature’s secret gardens.

The Clark Gallery and the Mill Shop are operated by Friends of Bear’s Mill, which has recently become the newest addition to Darke County Park District. Bear’s Mill is located at 6450 Arcanum-Bear's Mill Road, about 5 miles east of Greenville. “Art At the Mill” is funded in part by a grant from Darke County Endowment for the Arts, and can be viewed during regular Mill store hours, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, contact Bear's Mill at 937-548-5112 or www.bearsmill.org.

2021 Miss Chick Pageant Registration

noreply@blogger.com (John L) — Tue, 04 May 2021 13:49:00 +0000

Win $1,000 and a title for life! This contest is sponsored by Park National Bank and Versailles Poultry Days, Inc. The preliminaries are online, Friday, June 11th, 2021 at noon and finals will be held on the festival grounds located at 459 S. Center Street on Saturday, June 12th at 2:00 p.m. in the former high school gymnasium. This contest is open to females 16 years of age by the day of the contest, and no older than 19 years of age. Limited to High School underclassmen and 2021 graduates. Contestants must reside in Darke County or a contiguous county (Miami, Mercer, Montgomery, Shelby, Auglaize, Preble, Jay, Randolph and Wayne). Register at VersaillesPoultryDays.com.

After 70 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 local festivals. The court also participates in philanthropic events that raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the Wounded Warrior Project, or conducts events like Confident Chicks; 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.

Applicants require a business or club sponsor. Early applicants will receive a discounted entry fee of $5 payable by the sponsor or contestant. The early application deadline for entries will be May 15, 2021. After this date contestants will be subject to a $10 entrance fee. Final deadline for entries is May 31, 2021. Please email MissChick.vpd@gmail.com with any questions.

Contestants will be judged on: Appearance - 25%, Clothing - 25%, Poise, ability to speak, platform presence - 25%, and Personal Interview - 25%.

For online registration and festival information, please visit VersaillesPoultryDays.com. Like our Facebook page, Miss Chick - Versailles Poultry Days. Versailles. Poultry Days will be following all local and state guidance as it relates to the health and safety of our guests.

Bradford Public Library Spring Book Sale: Happening Now!

noreply@blogger.com (John L) — Tue, 04 May 2021 13:47:00 +0000

Bradford Public Library will be hosting a Spring Book Sale on May 3,4,6 & 7. Sale will be ready each day by 10:00 am. Weather permitting, sale will be held in the parking lot and library lobby. Books will be sold by the bag as we did in the fall. Simply ask our staff or volunteers for a bag to fill up and pay as you leave..only $1.00 a bag! We have plenty of gently used books of all genres including adult fiction, inspirational fiction, non-fiction and lots of children’s books. Make plans to stop and pick up some titles for your summer vacations or reading by the poolside.

Garst Mission: Possible

noreply@blogger.com (John L) — Tue, 04 May 2021 13:46:00 +0000

A new day dawns at the Garst Museum!

Garst Museum is adding the position of Development Director to its staff to ensure that it remains an award-winning institution of excellence. Sustaining and enhancing the 35,000 square-foot facility in Greenville, Ohio, its 300,000 artifacts, and permanent exhibits of national significance and recognition (Annie Oakley, Lowell Thomas, the Treaty of Greenville, Ohio’s Native Americans, and the multi-racial settlement of Longtown) will require external funds. These funds exist at local, state, and national levels, and the process of securing these funds is challenging and often very competitive.

The Development Director will be essential to the Garst Museum’s mission to collect, exhibit, and preserve its assets by cultivating relationships among past, current, and potential donors and sponsors. The director will be recruiting volunteers for development activities and overseeing the fundraising process, including preparation of proposals, grant applications, fundraising publications, correspondence, and reports.

This position is an exciting opportunity for a fundraising professional to showcase expertise in fund development, donor and public relations, networking, event planning, and grant writing for 25-30 hours per week at a salary commensurate with experience. Strong skills in fundraising, leadership, communication, sales/marketing along with a bachelor’s degree in Business, Communication, or a related field—and passion for Garst’s mission—are necessary.

If you are that person who is the key link to viability and growth as part of the Garst Museum’s mission team and would like to apply, please send a resume with three references and a cover letter by May 14, 2021, to the Darke County Historical Society, Attn: Development Director, 205 North Broadway, Greenville, OH 45331. You can also visit the museum’s website for more information and application material: garstmuseum.org/post/garst-museum-job-opportunity.

AMP AWARDS SCHOLARSHIP TO LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR

noreply@blogger.com (John L) — Tue, 04 May 2021 13:45:00 +0000

COLUMBUS, OH: American Municipal Power, Inc. (AMP) is pleased to announce the 2021 recipients of two scholarship programs, the Lyle B. Wright Scholarship and the Richard H. Gorsuch Scholarship. AMP is awarding a total of nine scholarships to graduating high school seniors.

Lauren Menke of Versailles is a recipient of the Lyle B. Wright Scholarship.

Lyle B. Wright was a strong public power advocate who served on the AMP Board of Trustees from 1979 until his death in 1986. The $3,000 Wright scholarships are awarded to graduating seniors whose households receive electricity from an AMP member utility. This year, 23 students were nominated for the Wright Scholarship, and the recipients were selected based on their scholastic record, personal achievements and test scores. Four graduating seniors are receiving the 2021 Wright Scholarship.

Lauren is a graduating senior of Versailles High School and plans to attend Case Western Reserve University to study nutrition and pre-medicine. Lauren, the daughter of Bethany Menke and Robert Menke, is a member of the National Honor Society and participated in many activities, including student government, marching and concert band, cross country, swimming and track. She has won many honors in district and state science fairs and most recently has had scientific research on mealworms and soybean stover published online through the Ohio Soybean Council.

"It is great to have a strong municipal electric community like Versailles as home to one of this year’s Wright scholarship recipients,” said Jolene Thompson, AMP President and CEO. “This year’s group of scholarship applicants was outstanding, and I congratulate Miss Menke on her exceptional achievements and wish her the best of luck in her educational pursuits.”

The AMP Board of Trustees established the Richard H. Gorsuch and Lyle B. Wright scholarship programs in memory of public power leaders who contributed significantly to AMP and municipal electric systems in the region.

Since 1988, more than $400,000 has been awarded to deserving high school seniors through the AMP scholarship program. For more information about the program, click here.

Kiwanis Resumes Meetings

noreply@blogger.com (John L) — Tue, 04 May 2021 13:44:00 +0000

The Greenville Kiwanis Club is resuming its weekly meetings starting Wednesday May 5 and will continue each Wednesday. Meetings are held at the recently remodeled Darke DD building at 5844 Jaysville-St. Johns Road at twelve noon. This spacious venue has plenty of room for social distancing. Lunch will not be provided so members must bring their own. Anyone interested in Kiwanis or who would like more information is welcome to attend.

It’s time to beautify downtown Greenville

noreply@blogger.com (John L) — Tue, 04 May 2021 13:43:00 +0000

Members of the Darke County Democratic Women
have helped beautify historic downtown Greenville for many years.

GREENVILLE - In 2007, Main Street Greenville created the Adopt-A-Box Flower Program in downtown Greenville. Since then, more than 70 flower boxes and pots are funded and planted each spring by individuals and businesses located in the community.

This year’s Downtown Planting Day will be held on Saturday, May 22, beginning at 8 a.m. During this time, a group of volunteers gather downtown to plant the flowers along South Broadway. Main Street Greenville invites you to get your family, business, church, or organization together and join us as we work to beautify our town!

The Adopt-A-Box Flower Program was created to increase community pride and provide an active and colorful atmosphere. “Planting fresh flowers in the boxes along Broadway brings such a sense of life and vibrancy to the downtown district,” said Ryan Berry, executive director of Main Street Greenville. “The volunteers who donate their time take pride in their hometown and they know that little touches can make all the difference.”

The Adopt-A-Box Flower Program also receives sponsorship and assistance from BASF Corporation, Miller Flowers Greenhouse & Florist, Dave Knapp Ford Lincoln and Flory Landscaping.

If you would like to volunteer for this event please report to the area in front of the courthouse at 8 a.m. and bring a hand trowel, gloves, and a broom if possible. All are welcome to help with this community activity. Please contact Main Street Greenville at info@mainstreetgreenville.org for additional information.

If you are interested in adopting a flower box, please contact Main Street Greenville or fill out the adoption form on their website. Flower boxes can be sponsored for $50 and flower pots for $75. Plaques are placed on each box and pot to recognize the wonderful family of donors who contribute to making downtown a beautiful destination!

Main Street Greenville is a non-profit organization committed to stimulating and supporting revitalization efforts, historic preservation and growth in historic Downtown Greenville. To learn more, visit www.MainStreetGreenville.org, follow them on Facebook, or contact them at 937-548-4998.