county news online
December 8, 1011

Check your facts

Hi again,
 
Mr. Starks should check his facts before publishing.  He writes in his piece today “I think Meyer will be a good fit at The Ohio State University, especially since he played there.”  Urban Meyer didn’t wear scarlet and grey; he played football at the University of Cincinnati.  He was a graduate assistant coach at OSU (a far cry from playing for OSU).
 
Please let him know that readers pay attention.
 
Thanks.
Susan Olling

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November 13, 2011

From Susan Olling...
What in the world is Mr. Starks thinking?

Mr. Starks,
 
I read your piece this morning, and I’m still trying to figure out where you’ve been all week.  Distilling everything, Mr. Paterno put the the football program ahead of the safety of children; and he had to go.
 
His action in “taking responsibility” should have been to resign immediately rather than retiring at season’s end.  May I suggest that you read (or re-read) Mr. Paterno’s retirement announcement which was the height of arrogance.  He apparently forgot who was in charge and essentially told his bosses to move on to other things since he had made the decision as to when he would retire.  However, he lost the “right” to retire his way when the poo hit the whirling blade last weekend... Read More

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November 12, 2011

From Dick Detrick...
Re... Joe Paterno

George,

You’re on the wrong side of the Patreno firing.  Everyone who enabled that pedophile to continue his preying on children should be removed from their authority.  Joe did a lot of good things but you will see the error of your opinion as this scandal unfolds.  You do good work but you did miss this one.

I like the County News.

Dick Detrick

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October 23, 2011

From Al Greiner, Greenville...
Democrat vs Democratic

Editor,
 
I would like to correct an error repeated hundreds of times a day, and perhaps uncountable times over the last few decades.  This has been done by many educated persons who should know better, but have forgotten their civics and U.S. history lessons.  The issue is the use of the word democratic when the speaker/writer is referring to the Democrat Party or someone who belongs to it.  Politicians and TV news anchors are especially guilty of this misuse.
 
The Webster’s Dictionary that I have defines democratic as “of, belonging to, or upholding democracy or a democracy, that is, a government in which the people hold the ruling power... Read More

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October 5, 2011

State Representative Jim Buchy…
Jesse Green’s Work Ethic Garners my Support to be Darke County Municipal Court Judge
 
Jesse Green should be the next municipal court judge in Darke County.  As a business owner I hire the best employees.  Jesse has real world experience that has led him around the world practicing law and defending his country.  His bar qualifications show that Darke County would be getting a bargain to have him on the bench.
 
I have witnessed first hand Jesse’s work ethic.  At the Darke County Fair I watched his work with the local voters.  He is diligent and in my years in this business I have never seen a candidate work as hard for election as Jesse does.  It is clear Jesse Green is a public servant at the core and he wants to serve us... Read More

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August 1, 2011

World's Largest Farce
By Susan Olling

Editor:
 
We’re watching the world’s largest farce playing out 20 miles away.  It has 536 stars and a supporting cast of millions who voted these 536 into office.  As an independent who didn’t vote for any of them, I’m holding my nose as I watch all this. Why the apparent refusal to compromise?  No one’s going to get everything they want out of this.  These people clearly have forgotten their country’s history.  The US Constitution wasn’t a perfect document, but it was signed and ratified, and the experiment was started.  Benjamin Franklin, among others, would be appalled at what’s happened to this country... Read More

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July 27, 2011

Letter the Editor, Dayton Daily News...
Uniquely Poor Journalism
By Al Bliss
July 25, 2011
 
The Dayton Daily News July 24, 2011 article on page E-1 with a header of ECONOMY was extremely successful in stimulating a rant to promptly and loudly address the presentation that so strongly wrote the biased position of the Federal and State Departments of Energy regarding the alternate energy values and wonderful successes. Before continuing, the author should have verified the alleged job creation and the forecast reduction of fossil fuels. These same rosy future results were heralded as viable expectations in Denmark, Spain and the Netherlands. Please spend a minute or two checking what are the actual results in just those three countries and then write your article about the probable results. The last item in the article is of significance to many taxpayers but based on its’ location, the author (Steve Bennish) of the article, apparently considers the end of the article an appropriate place that will probably be skipped by most readers... Read More

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July 24, 2011

Re: Increasing taxes on the ultra wealthy...
Kurt Fritsch

Dear Dr. Reier,

Referring to your “Letter to Mr. Obama,” published on CNO, I must admit that basically you would be right in your reasoning and in encouraging Mr. Obama to increase taxes on the ultra wealthy....

... if there wouldn’t be several problems:

1) the folks you mentioned belong to the group (of ultra wealthy people) of Obama’s greatest supporters (funds as well as in the usage of Internet and Social Media in the 2008 campaign)... Read More

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July 23, 2011

Increasing taxes on the ultra wealthy
Charles E. Reier MD

TO: President Barack Obama
July 20, 2011
 
Subject:  Necessity of increasing taxes on ultra wealthy individuals: If low taxes are good, why has the 21st century been so disastrous for the country as a whole while simultaneously spawning a new class of multi-billionaires?

Dear Mr. President,

As a lifetime Republican millionaire at age 76, I urge that you not depart from your commitment to increase taxes on the ultra wealthy to levels approaching historic norms.

Who are Larry Page, Sergey Brin, Geoff Yang, and Mark Zuckerberg? They are a group of young men hardly out of their tennis shoes that have made excessive fortunes on the Internet that was built by the United States Defense Department with hard earned American tax dollars at a time when they were in grade school... Read More

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July 9, 2011

White House Rural Council
Al Bliss

All Darke County Residents:
 
I believe that we in Darke County truly qualify as a part of rural America. This is July 8, 2011 and until yesterday July 7, 2011, I did not know that the President had issued an Executive Order (EO) pertaining to Rural America.  I have included a copy of the EO below with the addition of the individuals in the offices identified in the EO for your information.
 
You are probably wondering why I am bothering with this and what difference this EO makes or could make. Because of the importance of this document and the fact that it was issued a month ago with absolutely no fanfare... Read More

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June 23, 2011
 
To All Darke County Voters/Taxpayers/Homeowners  and County Commissioners
Transfer Tax/Conveyance Fee
Reference: Monday June 20, 2011 Darke County Commissioner’s Meeting
 
An improved name for the subject Tax/Fee has been suggested and will be used subsequently. The appropriate name [my opinion] is the STEALTH TAX. The reason that this is meaningful is that to date, no one asked has any idea that this tax even exists. So STEALTH TAX it is.
 
The comprehensive report by Bob Robinson in the County News Online was detailed and professionally done. Kudos to Bob for a job well done... Read More

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June 19, 2011

Letter to the Commissioners

Folks,

As we are out of county, cannot attend the public meeting(s) on the proposed conveyance fee increase, here is my input .....

The current ‘fee’ rate of $2 per $1000 is composed of two parts -
A- the OHIO mandatory charge (R.C. 319.54(G)(3)), called “real property transfer fee” of $1
B- the county permissive charge (R.C. 322.02), called “real property transfer tax” of $1, (and for which state law allows for a max rate of $3)

The proposal is to increase the permissive portion (the tax) to $2

A tax is a tax, any increase in tax rate is and will be unpopular... Read More

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June 15, 2011

Attention Darke County Commissioners:

A footnote to the Darke County Commissioner’s meeting today, Wednesday June 15, 2011 at 1:30 P.M. in the Commissioner’s Conference Room.

My personal assessment of the hour and a half discussion regarding the “Real Property Transfer Tax” --aka Conveyance Fees -- was that virtually all present considered an aggressive Economic Development effort was vital to the growth and financial well being of Darke County. It also seemed that all present with the exception of the Economic Development Director and the members of the Community Improvement Council (CIC) opposed the option of increased funding for the Economic Development effort via an increase in the current permissive conveyance fee from one dollar ($1) to two dollars ($2)... Read More

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June 5, 2011

LETTER TO THE EDITOR:  Next Coffee with the Commissioner

Commissioner Mike Stegall will be having his next “Coffee with the Commissioner” on June 18th, 2011 at Sweet One 0 One in downtown Greenville.  Commissioner Stegall will be answering your questions and discussing any county issues that are brought up.  This is an opportunity for people to meet with your county officials and to learn what is going on in Darke County.  The session will last from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.   Everyone is invited, and it is sure to be a fun time for both the commissioner and the people.  Please join him for an informative and fun morning, June 18th at Sweet one-o-one in downtown Greenville.  See you there!

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June 5, 2011

The issue was swimming in Greenville Creek

Editor:

I really didn't think my article would have been classified as a rant. But that's OK. Although it is a little odd that the pool wasn't open on Memorial Day I can deal with that and accept Ms. Beam's reasons for its tardy opening this year.  I'm not sure, however that the pool should have been the real focus point of the article. Since the Greenville Creek runs right through the middle of the park but in the city of Greenville, it seems that one of those entities should concern themselves with kids in the rain swollen creek. This didn't just start yesterday.  It's been going on for a while.  The very day in question, WHIO reported on a kid who jumped into a creek and the undertow took him away.  It could have easily happened in Greenville Creek and still can.  Budgets being what they are, disabling the stairway to the creek could relieve the Park Board and the City of some liability, maybe even a sign posted "No Swimming", even though it wouldn't be read, might help. Next time I'll be very explicit on what the problem is and I won't be accused of ranting or have to write an explanation.

Bob Rhoades
Greenville

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June 3, 2011

Right back atcha

Editor:

If there is a brain running loose in the Darke County Commissioners Office it will die of loneliness. Nowhere in my letter do I even mention the commissioners in relationship to what I said about CAUV and the new taxes. A third grader should have been able to see that my letter was on multiple subjects.

As for the real estate taxes and unemployment in Ohio, the key word here was “real.” These investigative reporters dug out the “real” numbers on Ohio. I believe them. Politicians lie to look good and keep their jobs... Read More

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June 3, 2011

Response to Bob Rhoades’ Memorial Day in Treaty City

Bob, I really think that Bob Rhoades should have checked all the facts before writing his rant on the park and park board. First, our pool and general budget was cut by several thousands dollars, so this board had to make decisions on the pool and other areas. I have been on the park board for almost 2 years and I can count on my fingers how many people have attended meetings, or even called me as a board member. In these board meetings a lot of information is given and decisions are made. I would invite those that want to “Rant” about the park and the park board to come to our next meeting and voice your concerns. Thanks.

Kathy Beam
Greenville

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June 2, 2011

We have to wake up

Editor:

According to Ted Finnam a proponent of CAUV and Scott Zumbrink representing the State Treasurer Association, CAUV is losing it’s clout in Ohio. Taxes on our farm acres will increase 100 percent to 300 percent in January 2012.

We have to wake up immediately and begin to protect ourselves from any additional taxes.

A national TV program just revealed that Ohio has the highest real estate taxes in the nation. Can you believe we pay more than New York? We have the second highest real unemployment rate behind Michigan in the nation... Read More

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May 17, 2011

Regarding the letter from Mr. Al Bliss dated May 15th:
 
Any writing gives food for thought.  However, there is always some knowledge that can add to the understanding of any article.  Mr. Bliss noted that one member of the Board abstained from the vote.  The reason was attributed to Ohio Law which prohibits a board member from voting on employment which could impact them personally.  In this case, the Board Member is married to a special education aide... Read More

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May 15, 2011

Letter to the Editor:

To all voters and taxpayers and folks who care,

The following information is presented to start a process of keeping Greenville voters and taxpayers informed about the Darke County and Greenville School Systems with emphasis on financial elements and consistant review and comment regarding the performance of the team that constitutes the Board of Education, Why, well the seven Boards of Education and eight superintendents in Darke County control more money than the County Commissioners and are directly responsible for the future of our county and country through the education of our youth. It has been suggested that a comment made by a Board of Education Member in Darke County that indicated his real job kept him from spending much time preparing for the Board Meeting, is easily justification to replace the Board Member promptly... Read More

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May 11, 2011

Letter to the Editor

Thank You to Arcanum

I would like to thank all of the people who came to the first “Coffee with the Commissioner” at Smiths’ Coffee House in Arcanum on Saturday, May 7th.  There were a lot of good questions asked, and the interaction between myself and the people was informative and enjoyable.  I would personally like to thank Chuck Zell who came well prepared and asked a lot of great questions.   In the next couple of weeks I hope to announce where the next “Coffee with the Commissioner” will be held... Read More

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May 5, 2011

GCS District Voters... Thank you for your support

GCS District Residents,

On behalf of the students, staff, and administration, please accept our thanks on the recent passage of the Operating Levy Renewal.  We truly appreciate your support!

Thank you!
Ben Studabaker, Cindy Scott, Sue Bowman, Joe Payne and Jim Sommer - Board of Education Members
Susie Riegle-Superintendent

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May 4, 2011

To all Darke County Folks who care about their schools

The following three tables consist of facts derived directly from reports generated by school districts in Darke County as required by the Ohio Board of Education, the Ohio Board of Education Annual School evaluation report or the School Facilities Eligibility Ranking List.

The purpose of presenting these three tables is to give each eligible voter an opportunity to look at relevant information about the schools in Darke County. As you can see, Bradford School District is included because it is physically in Darke County. The Ohio Board of Education considers it to still be in Miami County and is still tracked as such... Read More

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April 28, 2011

To the Republican Voters of Greenville –

On May 3 those of us who vote Republican will be choosing the candidate who will not only likely be the Mayor of Greenville, but will also be the Republican Party’s candidate for Mayor.

One candidate has contributed to the party and actively participated in party activities on a routine basis. When asked to help, he has been there and was always willing to take on whatever job was asked of him. He has contributed funds to party activities and attended party events on a regular basis... Read More

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April 27, 2011

Petition to Repeal Senate Bill 5

ATTENTION!!! The first opportunity for Darke County residents to sign the petition to repeal Senate Bill 5 will be in the former Marsh's Parking Lot in Greenville (around 125 Martin Street) this Friday, April 29, from 3:15 to 5:30 PM... Read More

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April 24, 2011

Space Shuttle Commentary

Hi there,
 
Thanks for your informative web site.
 
I've quite enjoyed the articles on your site as they pertain to the soon-to-be-relocated space shuttles and have refrained from saying anything.  However, today's piece, "Commentary: Brown had no help from Obama aides on shuttle effort" on your web page was amazing beyond belief.  How sad it is that a senator or anyone would think the POTUS's aides would help in any way with NASA's decision.  Given what's going on with the debt/economy, the POTUS... Read More

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April 24, 2011

Versailles School District Citizens

This is the third in a series of articles to inform you of the serious financial condition of our school district. A new contract Master Agreement  is being negotiated between the Versailles Education Association and the Versailles Board of Education for the period of July 1 2011 - June 30, 2014. The state has finalized how they will increase/decrease funding for  all school districts in Ohio. The funding will be based on a formula that divides  the total property values in a district by the total number of students in that district. The good news is state funding for our district will increase by $295,675  (5.2%) in fiscal... Read More

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April 21, 2011

Help us stop Obamacare in Ohio!
 
It was March 23, 2010 when President Obama signed his health care bill into law, and it was one of the worst pieces of legislation our country has ever seen.  Please join us in supporting the Ohio Liberty Council in their efforts to promote the Ohio Health Care Freedom Amendment... Read More

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April 20, 2011

Letter to the Bloggers:

In fulfilling a campaign promise that I made to make your County Commissioners more accessible, I will be at Smith’s Coffeehouse in Arcanum on Saturday, May 7th 2011, from 8 until 10 a.m.  I will be answering your questions about the County or any other topics that affect your lives.  I firmly believe that better communication between elected officials and the people makes for much better government.  Government belongs to the people, not those who govern.  This is your chance to ask questions and to find out what we are doing in the Commissioners office that affects you.  Smith’s Coffeehouse is located at 109 West George Street in downtown Arcanum.  I look forward to seeing you there!

Mike Stegall- County Commissioner

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April 13, 2011

Proposed 28th Amendment

No one has been able to explain why young men and women serve in the U.S.
Military for 20 years, risking their lives protecting freedom, and only get
50% of their pay while politicians hold their political positions in the
safe confines of the capital, protected by these same men and women, and
receive full pay retirement after serving one term. It just does not make
any sense.

On Monday, FOX news learned that the staffers of Congress family members are
exempt from having to pay back student loans. This will get national
attention if other news networks will broadcast it. When you add this to the
below, just where will all of it stop? ... Read More

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April 1, 2011

Educate Versailles Members express their Concerns

Editor:

RE: Versailles Board of Education (BOE)  Meeting of 3-15-11
  
Several Educate Versailles members presented questions, made comments and noted responses. These are noted below.

*Has the BOE run any financial projections relative to the impact of SB 5 (Senate Bill 5) and state funding reductions?  The Boards response was NO.

*Does the Board intend to attempt to complete a new "Master Agreement" prior to SB 5 being signed into law? This question was related to a 3-12-11 article published in the Dayton Daily News entitled, "Teachers rush for contracts before SB 5 becomes law"... Read More


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