Darke County Ohio Community News

Fort GreeneVille DAR... Local Chapter receives recognition at State Conference
Ohio Society Daughters of the American Revolution held their 113th State Conference in Columbus, OH. Fort GreeneVille Chapter members Regent Chris Nehring, Vice Regent Debbie Nisonger, and member Mary Kay Felton were in attendance. Fort GreeneVille Chapter... read more

Courtney’s Vicarious Voyage... China, By Courtney DeSchepper
Hello from China! I spent from April 1-7 in five different cities. I traveled independently all across China from Hong Kong, to Guilin, Yangshou, Beijing, and Shanghai. The weather in China has been much like a typical spring in Ohio. It was a little breezy and about sixty degrees but still very beautiful. My time in China was full of cultural diversity and new experiences I could have never imagined. While in Guilin I visited the... read more

Gathering at Garst... A Fitting Tribute
Greenville native, Pam Carpenter-Summers began searching for a way to honor her husband Dan, when he lost his battle with cancer earlier this year. Although he was not a Darke County native, Dan had a special place in his heart for Greenville and the people that live here due to their spirited nature and deep historical roots. So when the opportunity arose to contribute to the 2012 Gathering at Garst by... read more

Big Brothers Big Sisters... Bigs make “Monster size” impact on their littles
April 19, 2012 - Big Brother, Jeff Pollard and Big Sister, Heather Pollard decided to surprise their little brothers in a Big way by taking them to the Monster Truck Jam recently held at the Nutter Center. Big Brother, Jeff works with Best One Tire in Sidney which was one of the sponsors for the event. As part of this event their littles were given special VIP treatment. This is just one of the many fun activities that Jeff... read more

Annie and Dave Thank Maid Rite
Did you see Annie Oakley and her best friend, Dave, when they went to the world famous Maid Rite sandwich shop in Greenville, Ohio? They stopped in to thank Maid Rite for its contribution as a Gold Star Sponsor for Annie’s Wild West Gala. Annie’s Wild West Gala will be held on Saturday, June 9, 2012. This is a fund raiser for The Garst Museum and the Annie Oakley Center. All funds... read more

Volunteer opportunity... Help educate kids on oral health
A beautiful smile not only enables a person to eat and speak properly, but it also builds stronger self-confidence. Too often, however, we don’t realize the devastating effects of not caring for our teeth before it is too late. “Preventing dental disease before it occurs is our focus. Left untreated, cavities can cause infection which can impact a child’s health and future,” said Linda Primrose... read more

“I cried all the way home that first day” By Bob Robinson
Susie Riegle recalls her 31 years in the profession - “I would hug your knee-caps except I’m too big!” Susie Riegle said in greeting when we met for her interview a couple weeks ago. She had obviously read my commentary posted that day on CNO. Now that the dust has settled (a little) regarding Greenville Supt. Susie Riegle’s impending retirement, I thought it appropriate to put my two-cents worth... read more

Edison Community College...Edison Medical Lab Technician Program Joins National Event
Edison Community College will be participating in National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, also known as Lab Week, the week of April 22nd-26th. Lab Week is an occasion to recognize the more than 300,000 clinical laboratory professionals who specialize in the performance of laboratory testing. Lab professionals play an increasingly vital role in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of disease, and the... read more

Friends of the Library... Donate your new or gently used books
Don’t toss them out! While doing spring cleaning, why not get rid of those seldom read/seen books, paperbacks, videos, DVDs, CDs, and audio tapes? Friends of the Greenville Public Library would love to have them! Just box or sack them up and deliver small amounts to the Library or large amounts to PAWS Bingo Hall, 848 Martin Street across from the Dairy Queen. Please donate only good used items and do not donate magazines, encyclopedias or Readers... read more

Greenville sophomores visit Wright State University
April 20, 2012 - (Greenville) The newly-formed College Club at Greenville High School took its first campus visit to Wright State University this week. About 50 GHS sophomores arrived on campus Tuesday, April 17, ate lunch in the Student Union, attended a session on college admissions, and then toured the main campus. “I’ve never been on a college campus before, so I didn’t know what to expect... read more

Big Brothers Big Sisters... BBBS Recognize Greenville Big Buddy Mentors
The High School mentoring program, which is in its tenth year, would like to take this opportunity to recognize and thank the High school mentors that give so willingly of their time throughout the academic year. The program, which began back in September of 2001 started with a total of nine high school volunteers and since has grown to over 85 volunteer mentors from both Shelby & Darke County serving 97... read more

Edison Community College... Veterans Symposium Brings Stories of Service to Edison
Seven military veterans with service in conflicts ranging from World War II to the current Afghanistan War took to the stage Tuesday night, April 10, at Edison Community College to share their stories for the Library of Congress Veterans History Project, in a symposium that brought a captivated audience into the horrors and hidden humanity of war. The evenings events began with a screening of Bradford... read more

Fort GreeneVille DAR... DAR participates in Third Annual ‘Trash Bash’ Darke County
Several Fort GreeneVille DAR members and family participated in the Darke County Trash Bash. The members walked a total area of 12 miles in about 1 1/2 hrs. The money raised will go towards the Studabaker Schoolhouse beautification project. Chapter members participating were: Helen Wright, Debbie Nisonger, Michelle Alderman, Chris and Taylor Nehring. Jordan Nehring also volunteered... read more

Darke County Treasure... Bear’s Mill Celebrates Spring, Nat'l Historic Preservation Month
To kick off National Historic Preservation Month, the Friends of Bear’s Mill will be hosting their annual Spring Open House on May 5 and 6 from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Free docent guided tours will be offered at 12:00, 2:00 and 4:00 both days. The Mill Store is well-stocked for the spring season with a wide selection of familiar favorites as well as new brightly colored aprons, towels... read more

Woodland Heights Elementary… Principal gets pie; Asst. Principal kisses goat
Friday was an interesting day for Woodland Heights Principal Tammy Stritenburger who got a face full of pie, and Assistant Principal Lisa Maher who got to kiss a goat. The kids (the entire building of kindergarten, first and second graders) loved it. Tammy and Lisa grinned and laughed a lot, but I never heard either of them say they had “fun.” Bet they did, though... read more

Darke County Beef 4-H Beef Club
The Darke County Beef 4-H Club met on Tuesday, April 3, 2012 at the Brethren’s Home Brick Room. Chris Goettemoeller, vice president called the meeting to order at 7:32 pm. The Pledge of Alligance and 4-H Pledges were said. Krisney Gwin and Kelsey Crandall read secretary’s report. Emily Vanhorn gave treasurer’s report $4,430.84. We made $2,315.10 from pizza sales. Ian Gehret gave health & safety tip make sure cows are washed more and have fans on them with warmer weather. Clover... read more

St. Mary’s School... April Parish News
I hope that you are still enjoying Easter. I always tell my children that Jesus rising from the dead is such a wondrous event that one day is just not enough time to celebrate. In fact even a week is not long enough. In the Catholic tradition, we celebrate for fifty days. The Lenten crosses that hung in our classroom for forty days have been transformed into Resurrection crosses. On the last day of school before the break, the children decorated the crosses with flowers and butterflies as signs of new life. The... read more

Darke County Center for the Arts... Sponsors Donate To DCCA’s A Taste Of Wine & Jazz
Zechar Bailey Funeral Home, Cox Insurance Agency, Kent & Melinda Myers - Darke County Center for the Arts (DCCA) has received sponsorship donations for the upcoming A Taste of Wine & Jazz XXIII from Kent and Melinda Myers, Zechar Bailey Funeral Home, and Cox Insurance Agency. The ever-popular Deron Bell and the Jazz For You Band will lead the party with their unique mixture of jazz and dance party... read more

Darke County Animal Shelter... Pets of the week
April 19th, 2012 - We have Rango at the Darke County Animal Shelter. He is a 1-year-old Lab/Collie mix. He is black and white with long hair. He’s a big guy and very friendly. He is current on his shots and good with kids. He loves to run and play and will make a great companion. He is ready to be adopted. We have Rusty at the Darke County Animal Shelter. He is a 2-year-old Lab/Shepherd mix. He is reddish brown and tan... read more

First Baptist Church… Gas Buydown, Serving the Community
With gas prices sitting at $3.74.9 (plus or minus) and no guarantee that it won’t shoot up 50 cents in the next 24 to 48 hours, who wouldn’t take advantage of a tank fill-up for $3.24.9 at the Circle? About two dozen cars, forming lines from three different directions. The First Baptist Church held a “Gas Buydown” Saturday until about 1 p.m. at the Circle Convenience Store where they “picked up” 50 cents a gallon... read more

CAP offers Homeless Prevention Program
Community Action Partnership of the Greater Dayton Area – Darke County will be offering assistance to eligible citizens of Darke County to find or maintain housing through the Homelessness Prevention Program. The mission of the Homeless Prevention Program is to work with individuals and families at risk for eviction and homelessness by helping them to maintain housing and stabilize their situation... read more

Volunteer Opportunity... Seamstress
Are you a gifted seamstress? Would you like to put your talent to use by helping others? If so, HandsOn West Central Ohio is looking for individuals interested in tackling some sewing projects. Projects range from making child aprons to creating slipcovers. All materials are provided for each project. Schedule is flexible and volunteering can take place in the comfort of your own home. To learn more about this volunteer opportunity or other opportunities within our community, contact HandsOn West... read more

State Senator Bill Beagle... Dunbar High Sports Teams Receive Senate Honors
COLUMBUS— The Ohio Senate today recognized a pair of championship teams from Dayton’s Paul Laurence Dunbar High School. State Senator Bill Beagle (R – Tipp City) led his Senate colleagues in commending Dunbar’s boys’ basketball and boys’ indoor track squads. Though it is common practice for lawmakers to recognize the acheivements of Ohio’s student-athletes, it is rare for multiple... read more

Edison Community College... Edison Celebrates “Week of the Young Child”
The Early Childhood Education Program at Edison Community College will join the National Association for the Education of Young Children from April 22 through 28 in celebrating “The Week of the Young Child.” The Week of the Young Child is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The purpose of the event is to focus public attention on... read more

St. Mary’s School... Hayley Maher finalist at VFW Patriot’s Pen
Greenville St. Mary’s 6th grade student Hayley Maher displays her certificate and medal she received from the V.F.W.. Hayley was one of four finalist out of 85 students... read more

CrossRoads to Destiny... Darke County Historical Society Presents Heritage Awards
Established in 2004, the Darke County Historical Society’s Heritage Award was created to recognize outstanding citizens or organizations for their distinguished contributions or actions of unusual excellence that help connect people to Darke County’s past. At the Society’s 2012 Annual Meeting, Fred C. Brumbaugh, Dave and Mara Cox, and Tony DeRegnaucourt... read more

Local Early Childhood Advisory Council Asking For Community Reps
GREENVILLE – Are you interested in early childhood education issues? Please share your voice in an opportunity to help shape an innovative and positive future for the young children of our communities. Call today and be part of the solution. The Council on Rural Services…programs for innovative learning, a leading local early childhood education provider, needs interested community... read more

Courtney’s Vicarious Voyage... Vietnam, By Courtney DeSchepper
Hello from Vietnam! I spent from March 25-29, 2012. Vietnam is a very interesting country with a lot of rich history. I was able to see many different aspects of life in Vietnam. I spent one day traveling to the Mekong Delta. The Mekong Delta is a river that surrounds a small group of islands. While traveling around the islands I was able to learn how coconut candy is made, saw fresh honey being poured into... read more

Garst Museum... Garst Welcomes Retired Army Veteran as Latest Intern
The Garst Museum is pleased to introduce its latest Wright State University Public History program intern, Retired Major David J. Manges Sr. After retiring from the Army, David began pursuing his Masters of Arts degree with a concentration of Public History from Wright State University. He is now completing his final degree requirement by interning at the Garst Museum. David will serve as the Military Collections... read more

Big Brothers Big Sisters... BBBS teams up with Nick Lachey and the Cincinnati Reds
Saturday, April 28 2012 - Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby & Darke County, along with other Ohio BBBS agencies, will be celebrating “Big Brothers Big Sister Day with the Reds”. The game, where the Cincinnati Reds take on the Houston Astros, will be hosted at the Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati. Game time begins at 4:10 with doors opening at 2:40 to kick off several fun filled festivities including... read more

Main Street Greenville... Discover our Hidden Gems
Main Street Greenville, Friends of Bears Mill & Darke County Historical Society celebrate National Preservation Month - May is National Preservation Month and this year’s theme is “Discover Our Hidden Gems.” Locally, Friends of Bear’s Mill, Darke County Historical Society and Main Street Greenville are collaborating to bring historic preservation awareness to the... read more

St. Mary’s School... Registrations being accepted for kindergarten assessment
Mrs. Carol Henry, kindergarten teacher at St. Mary’s School is working with Andrew Winner at the St. Mary’s School kindergarten assessment... read more

Big Brothers Big Sisters... BBBS Makes Volunteer Recruitment a Priority
In an effort to reduce the number of children that are currently waiting for a volunteer Big Brother or Big Sister, the agency staff and board have made volunteer recruitment efforts a priority. The agency is pleased to announce the newest core program volunteer mentors for the organization. Alisha Robinson resides in the Quincy area and decided to become involved in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program after seeing her mother play the role as a Big Sister to a little in the past. She felt like she has... read more

Darke County Centr for the Arts... Greenville Federal Sponsors DCCA Programs
Toledo Symphony Orchestra and Arts Programs for Children - Greenville Federal has donated funds to Darke County Center for the Arts sponsoring the upcoming Stars And Stripes Forever performance by Toledo Symphony Orchestra, the final show in DCCA’s 2011-2012 Artists Series line-up. Greenville Federal also supports DCCA’s Family Theatre Series and Arts in Education programs... read more

Courtney’s Vicarious Journey... Singapore, By Courtney DeSchepper
Hello from Singapore! While I was only in this port on March 22 I was still able to see so much of the city. The weather was a little humid and warm with the temperature in low 80’s. However, this was the first country that it really rained in during the day. Even through the rain it was still beautiful. While in Singapore I visited China Town and Little India. In China Town I was able to go and see a Hindu Temple... read more

Ohio Supreme Court... National Library Week
April 10, 2012 - The Ohio Supreme Court Law Library is celebrating National Library Week April 8-14. It’s a great time to visit the library and get reacquainted with all the resources it offers. National Library Week is celebrated to help motivate people to read as well as support and use local libraries. This year’s theme is “You belong @ your library.” The first National Library Week was observed in 1958. The Ohio Supreme Court Law Library offers access to Lexis, Westlaw, HeinOnline and... read more

Darke County Friends of the Shelter... Pets of the week
We have Chinlo at the Darke County Animal Shelter. He is a 1 year old Shih Tzu. He is black and white and has short hair right now. He is current on his shots, has been altered and is housebroken. He is a friendly little guy and will make a great housedog. He like to run around and have fun. He will make great companion and is looking for a... read more

Greenville Eagles 2177… The Easter Bunny visits Eagles Shade Road
Last week, the Easter Bunny dropped by Eagles Shade Road and hid eggs for about 20 children and grandchildren of Eagles members. He came out a little later to view his handiwork as the “Under 6” group wrapped up its search. The children were separated into two groups: the “Under 6” with eggs mostly in plain sight and the 7-12 group that had to search a little harder at a different location for their... read more

Annual ‘Rite of Spring’ at Greenville Circle, By Bob Robinson
Sometime Sunday night or early Monday morning, an event took place that made ‘official’ the beginning of Spring and wrapping up a school year. Detergent-filled balloons were tossed into the fountain at Greenville Circle. As I took photos, young people (still on their Spring break) drove by with thumbs up and horns honking. The usual rubber-neckers slowed down to catch a glimpse of the sudsy tradition. And a few friends told me.... read more

St. Mary’s School... St. Mary’s first and second graders tend eggs, hatch chicks
Chicks hatched at St. Mary’s School. Mrs. Carol Henry’s kindergarten class and Mrs. Kathy Ayette’s 1st/2nd grade class welcomed the arrival of 10 chicks that hatched from the eggs the children have been tending. The classes participated in the egg hatching program offered by the Darke County Extension Office. Mrs. Blocher’s Pre-School students are checking the chicks out... read more

St. Mary’s School… St. Mary’s Third, Fourth grade teacher gets Reader’s Choice Award
Rhonda Dorsten presents Mrs. Linda Waltke the 3rd/4th grade teacher at St. Mary’s School with a Plaque for being... read more

Enrolling now for Fall Head Start Preschool
Research shows that early childhood is a time of extraordinary growth; the most important time for learning that helps all children succeed for a lifetime. Now is the time to ensure that your child is ready for their future. The Kids Learning Place - Education and Care Centers are now enrolling children for Fall 2012 in classrooms at Greenville, Bradford and Union City centers or home base... read more

Courtney’s Vicarious Voyage... India: Part 2, By Courtney DeSchepper
The Ganges River was something that will forever stay in my memory. I thought after seeing the Taj and the river I could just get back on the ship because there was nothing else to see. Well, I was wrong. There was so much more that I could see in India, and there was no way I would ever be able to do it all in one trip. While in northern India I did a few other tourist activities: saw Gandhi’s... read more

Big Brothers Big Sisters... BBBS Volunteers Inspire Children to Give Back to the Community
The grandparents of 12 year old, Kylie Williams originally enrolled her in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program to enable her to do more activities outside the home. Kylie is the daughter of Ken Williams & Kimberly Reynolds, both of Sidney. Kylie is matched up with volunteer Big Sister, Julia Pleiman of Fort Loramie. The two will soon celebrate their two year anniversary in May. Julia is a busy health & fitness... read more

Darke County Animal Shelter... Pets of the week
We have Mikie at the Darke County Animal Shelter. He is a 1-year-old Dachshund. He is brown with short hair. He is a fast little guy and loves to run around. He will make great housedog and great walking buddy. He is very playful and loves to have fun. He is looking for a good home and is ready to be adopted. We have... read more

Wayne HealthCare Cancer Program... Cancer Care Closer to Home
Dr. McKellar ensures rural patients get quality care - Darke County, OH, is a rural area situated on the Ohio/Indiana border. It is the birthplace of famed sharp-shooter Phoebe Ann Moses, better known as Annie Oakley, who became legendary for her ability to support her family by hunting and selling game that showed few signs of gunshot damage due to her precise aim. Today, Daniel P. McKellar, MD, FACS... read more

Greenville City Schools... After-School Tutoring: Working Together
Greenville City School Mission Statement: Our mission is to create a quality learning environment that enables the school community to invent highly engaging work for students every day. As we strive to establish and maintain a high performing, always improving school system that looks to the future, the student and adult knowledge workers will be the focus of the system. Families, businesses, community organizations... read more

Horner recognized for accomplishments by DAR
Elizabeth Horner, Greenville Senior High School Salutatorian for class of 2012, was recognized on March 24 by The Fort GreenVille Chapter of Daughters of American Revolution (DAR) as this year’s “Good Citizenship” awardee. The recipient of this award must have proven qualities in four selection criteria: Dependability (truthfulness, loyalty, punctuality); Service (cooperation, courtesy, considerations of others); Leadership... read more

Darke County Visitors Bureau... Nominees Sought for Tourism Citizen of the Year
DARKE COUNTY, OH – Nominees who exemplify the best in tourism in the Darke County community are being sought. The Tourism Citizen of the Year Award is the highest community recognition award given by the Darke County Visitors Bureau. This second annual award will be bestowed upon a Darke Countian in May at the Darke County Chamber of Commerce annual meeting.... read more

Darke County Center for the Arts... Darke Rural Electric Trust sponsors Children’s Programming
Darke County Center for the Arts has received funding from the Darke Rural Electric Trust Cooperative to support the 2011-2012 Family Theatre Series and Arts In Education programs. “Darke County Center for the Arts greatly appreciates being included among the recipients to receive funding from this program, and will use the funds to provide opportunities for children and families in our community to learn and grow through the arts,” stated Julie Strait, DCCA Executive Director... read more

Darke County Visitors Bureau... Local Events supported by Visitors Bureau grants
GREENVILLE, OH (March 30, 2012) – The Darke County Visitors Bureau released the names of the recipients of the 2012 Darke County Tourism Grant, today. This year, three recipients were chosen. They are: Annie Oakley Days Festival Committee for Annie Oakley Festival, Darke County Horseshoe Pitchers Club for Ringer Classic and Versailles High School Alumni Association... read more

Courtney’s Vicarious Voyage... India: Part 1, By Courtney DeSchepper
Hello from India! I spent from March 12-17th in India. While I didn’t spend much time in Kochin, it was a beautiful city. The weather was in the 90’s in southern India and very humid. Northern India was only in the high 70’s to mid-80’s and almost no humidity. I spent the first four days in northern India and the last 2 in the south. The first day was mostly travel which was unique in itself. My flight stopped... read more

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7262... VFW hosts annual Americanism Banquet
By Al Bliss, Senior Scribe - The report of a banquet is normally unemotional, objective, and filled with expected facts blandly describing the event. An apology is offered now for any deviation from the expected report. The primary reason for the Americanism Banquet is to recognize and present awards to the youth who successfully competed in the VFW’s Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy Contests. Other awards... read more

HandsOn West Central Ohio program director sought
The Council on Rural Services is seeking a skilled and experienced program director for their HandsOn West Central Ohio/Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. This program is a local resource for nonprofit groups and volunteers linking for meaningful volunteer opportunities in Miami, Darke, Shelby and Logan Counties. The selected candidate is responsible for the daily supervision/operation of the volunteer program, along with developing grant workplans that ensure delivery of a comprehensive... read more

Kasich signs legislation honoring Vietnam Veterans
Bill Designates March 30th as Vietnam Veterans’ Day in Ohio - COLUMBUS—Governor John R. Kasich today signed Am. Senate Bill 134 to designate March 30th as Vietnam Veterans’ Day in Ohio and ensure veterans of the Vietnam War have a day to be formally thanked for their service. The date represents the first day in 1973, after the signing of the Paris Peace Accords, when all U.S. combat troops were out of the... read more

Local poet Lois Wilson publishes “Slices of Wry” By Marianne Clark, Senior Scribe
Lois Wilson is a lovely lady whose talents are many and her dedication to community service has been a blessing to all who have the privilege of knowing her. Her expertise ranges anywhere from writing to education to public relations. She has written for The Early Bird, The Advocate, Dayton Daily News and County News Online. Her verses have been published in a new release, “Slices of... read more

Hundredth birthday approaching for community landmark
On May 3, St. Clair Memorial Hall will be 100 years old - Darke County has been the recipient of considerable generosity over the decades. One of the more notable gifts is Henry St. Clair Memorial Hall. This Darke County Landmark will be 100 years old on May 3, a gift from Henry and Ella St. Clair. Henry, a successful grocer and community supporter, had a strong commitment... read more

Frazier’s Celebrate 50 Years of Marriage
James and Esther Jean (Rose) Frazier will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on April 7. They were married in 1962 at the St. Luke Methodist Church in Fairborn, Ohio. Since Jim was a student at the Methodist Seminary, their pastor Rev. James H. Walker could not perform the actual wedding ceremony. Instead, the senior pastor, Rev. Donald L. Robertson gladly performed the ceremony for them. Following the event... read more

Edison Community College... Edison Dean to Present at HLC Annual Conference
Edison Community College Dean of Institutional Planning & Effectiveness Mona Walters will be presenting at the 2012 Annual Conference for the Higher Learning Commission in Chicago. This will be the second year in a row that Walters has presented at the HLC annual conference. Her topic this year will be “CQI Processes: Keeping the Myriad of Processes on Target and on Task.” At the 2011 conference, Walters... read more

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