Darke County Ohio Community News

Darke County Homeland Security... Spring Severe Weather Awareness Week
March 21, 2012 - To raise public awareness of the hazardous side of spring weather, Darke County Commissioner’s proclaim March 25 – 31, 2012 Spring Severe Weather Awareness Week. This proclamation is co-sponsered by The Darke County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management and the Darke County Chapter of the American Red Cross. Citizens are urged to participation in a statewide tornado drill... read more

Darke County Parks... New Event, Nature Day, at Shawnee
Darke County Parks is excited to announce the NEW upcoming event called Nature Day! Nature Day will be held here at Shawnee Prairie Preserve on Saturday, May 26th from 10AM-4PM. At this time we are currently seeking interested DCP volunteers for this day to host a station. Our current plan is to have 2 volunteers per station for the duration of the program; however if you are unable to assist the entire day please... read more

Fort GreeneVille DAR... GHS Senior Elizabeth Horner receives Good Citizen Award
March 26,2012 - Fort GreeneVille Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution would like to announce the winner of the DAR Good Citizenship Award, Elizabeth Horner. Elizabeth is a senior at Greenville Sr. High School. The DAR Good Citizens program and Scholarship Contest is intended to encourage and reward the qualities of good citizenship. The program is open to all senior class students enrolled in accredited public or private... read more

Greenville Library wants your used books
Don’t throw them out! The slightly used books, DVDs, videos and tapes that are clogging up your shelves and drawers could be enjoyed by a new owner. Your spring cleaning could mean hours of enjoyment to someone and funds for the FOL to add equipment to the Greenville Public Library over and above what its budget allows. Stash your used treasures in a bag or box and deliver them to P.A.W.S. across from the Dairy Queen on Martin Street in Greenville. The Friends of the Library Annual... read more

Community Action Partnership... CAP has demolition funds
Community Action Partnership of the Greater Dayton Area has received from the Ohio Department of Development NSP 2 money for demolition of blighted structures within Census Tracts 5101, 5555.01, 5555.02 and 5601 in Darke County. The grant is for Demolition/clearance of vacant residential structures that are blighted foreclosed and /or abandoned single family properties that would... read more

Big Brothers Big Sisters... Volunteering is a Family Affair
March 22, 2012 - For seven year old, Ava Bertke and her brother, four year old Ricky volunteering and giving back to the community has started at an early age. These two siblings are part of a family match through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. When Jeff and Jennie Bertke of Anna, decided to become volunteer mentors through the program, Ava and Rickey were all for it. The family became matched with... read more

Greenville DAR... GHS Junior Wilson Kirk wins American History Essay Contest
Kirk also wins Ohio DAR Southwest District; DAR writing contest open to students in grades 9-12
Fort GreeneVille Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution sponsored an American History Essay Contest. The contest is open to students in grades 9 through 12 in public, private, or parochial schools, or those who are home schooled. This years essay topic was “Christopher Columbus... read more

Darke County Visitors Bureau... New Look and Feel at Comfort Inn, Greenville
GREENVILLE, OH (March 22, 2012) –The 56-room Comfort Inn, Greenville recently underwent a renovation of its lobby, breakfast room, pool area and guest rooms. The lobby now offers guests flexibility to work, socialize and enjoy entertainment in either their rooms or the lobby. The guest lobby has also been updated with new décor, and a computer is now available for guests’ convenience, business or... read more

State Senator Bill Beagle... Beagle Honors Representatives from Dayton Public Schools
COLUMBUS — State Senator Bill Beagle (R – Tipp City) today welcomed several representatives from the Dayton School District. Prior to joining Beagle in the Senate Chamber, the group was recognized by the Ohio School Facilities Commission to commemorate the opening of the Wright Brothers PK-8 school building. Representing Dayton Schools was Dr. Robert C. Walker, Board Member; John... read more

Greenville DAR... Fort GreeneVille DAR donates to Darke County Veterans Services
Fort GreeneVille Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution recently donated items to the Darke County Veterans Services. The chapter sees the importance of basic necessities needed for our veterans when they are faced with unexpected difficulties. Besides donating to our local veteran services, the chapter also donates to the Dayton Veterans Hospital. Fort GreeneVille Chapter is... read more

Neff Joins Bridges to College Board
Greenville High School Principal Ken Neff recently was recently elected to the Bridges to College board of trustees. Neff joins Bill LaFramboise, Ryan Cox, Diane Swallow, Kevin Blakeley, Aaron Cox, Marlise McCallister, Janice Michael, Chris Mortensen, Chris Seger, Brian Swiger, and Rhonda Williams on the board. Bridges to College, started in 2006, helps more students go to college through educational... read more

Gus’s Garage, Versailles... People keeping cars longer, view them as investment
Planning on purchasing a new car soon? Most Americans aren’t. In fact, in the current economic situation, more Americans are choosing to hold on to their autos as long as possible. In the past 5 years, according to Polk Research Firm, the age of the average automobile has increased by 12%. Jon Snyder, owner of Gus’ Garage in Versailles, Ohio, agrees, “The cost of a new car is a major... read more

Greenville School District... Woodland Second Grade students treated to field trips
Second graders from Woodland Primary recently enjoyed one of nature’s sweet treats-maple syrup from Shawnee Prairie! Naturalists toured students through the woods, stopping at various stations to demonstrate the process of turning sap into syrup. Here, students are shown visiting the “Sugar Shack”- a steam-filled evaporator room where the sap is boiled for hours to reduce it down to that... read more

Greenville Kiwanis... March Seniors of the Month
Greenville Kiwanis has recognized four Greenville High School students as its March Students of the Month. They are left to right, Andrew Cech, Kelly Martin, Nicole Raffel and Hugo van der Walt. Andrew is the son of Russell and Roxanne Cech. Andrew is involved in the National Honor Society, Science Club, Spanish Club, Cross Country, Swimming and Ultimate Frisbee. He also participates... read more

Darke County Friends of the Shelter... WANTED! Your Creative Ideas!
The Darke County Friends of The Shelter will be constructing a Dog Park in Darke County. We are asking the public for help in ideas for naming the park. Please submit your idea(s) with your name, phone number and e-mail-address to: friendsoftheshelter4@gmail.com. The deadline is April 30, 2012. The reward for the winner is a gift basket. Darke County Animal Shelter: 5066 County Home Rd., Greenville... read more

Bears Mill... “Bright Beginnings” opens “Art at the Mill” Season
An exhibit dubbed “Bright Beginnings” will open the new season of art shows at historic Bear’s Mill. Featuring blown glass created by Cedarville resident Jim DeLange and the “Rhythms of the Earth” paintings of Rusty Harden, the show opens on Friday, March 30 with a reception offering light appetizers and wine from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. “Both of these artists produce joyous, brilliantly colored works... read more

If you missed it, you missed a great ‘deal’
Breakfast lovers missed out on a great opportunity Saturday… pancakes, sausage, drink of choice and an old-fashioned get-together with old and new friends. All for five bucks! Kiwanians and Key Club members put on a pancake breakfast for the community Saturday. Customers not only got a great morning meal but had an opportunity to meet with old and new friends and discuss a few issues of the... Read More.

‘Nelson Remembered’ sold out; lecture moved to auditorium
Due to an overwhelming response, Darke County Center for the Arts has moved the Ricky Nelson Remembered pre-show lecture from the Anna Bier Civic room into the auditorium of St. Clair Memorial Hall in Greenville. Beginning at 7:00 pm on Saturday, March 24, the lecture by Matthew and Gunnar Nelson is free and open to the public and will last approximately 30 minutes. The 8:00 pm performance is sold-out... Read More.

BPW Scholarship Winners Announced
Greenville, OH. March 15, 2012 Two Darke County Senior High Students were notified they are winners and will receive scholarships from the Greenville Business & Professional Women’s (BPW) Club. The Scholarship Committee consisting of Dorothy Poeppelman, Shelly Sander, and Deb Smith canvassed all eight Darke County high... Read More.

Music and Its Role in Art and the Humanities, By Kirsti Pickering, Humanities 121
On nearly any topic, I myself tend to understand the more personal and emotional levels of things as opposed to their literal aspects; this same concept is true when it comes to the topic of music. According to the literature I understand The Subject Matter of Music (Martin and Jacobus 250) and less of The... Read More.

Darke County Center for the Arts... Coppock-Hole Trust sponsors Ricky Nelson Remembered
Darke County Center for the Arts has received a much-appreciated sponsorship donation from the Coppock-Hole Trust. The funds will be used to further DCCA’s mission of offering opportunities for cultural enrichment in our community, according to a DCCA representative. Coppock-Hole Trust will sponsor a special performance by Ricky Nelson’s twin sons, Matthew and Gunnar Nelson, as they honor the legacy of their... read more

St. Mary’s School... March Parish News
Happy belated St. Patrick’s Day! Last Sunday, the eighth graders anticipated St. Patrick’s Day with their annual St. Patrick’s Day Pancake Breakfast. Once again the breakfast featured Chris Cakes. For those of you unfamiliar with Chris Cakes, they are part breakfast food and part skillful exercise. Unlike traditional pancakes, these are tossed to you by the chef. Half of the fun of being at the breakfast is watching people catch their breakfast. (For the timid, pancakes are served the traditional... read more

Edison Community College... Edison Wraps Up Record-Breaking Charger 300 Event
The Edison Theater was rocking Thursday night as the college held its third-annual Charger 300 fundraiser to support the basketball, volleyball and baseball teams. A record-setting crowd of more than 400 people were on hand for the reverse raffle, which awarded one lucky ticket holder the $10,000 grand prize. The event helped to bring in approximately $20,000 for the athletics program through the sale of tickets and... read more

Eldora Speedway... National Anthem Singers Sought
Pride of Country and Strong Vocal Talent Requested - ROSSBURG, OH (March 13) - - Eldora Speedway is seeking enthusiastic and talented individuals to sing “The Star Spangled Banner” during pre-race ceremonies at selected race meets this season. Applicants that have a strong sense of pride for their country and love to use their voice to show it off are invited to submit an mp3 or You Tube link to... read more

Senior Independence Hospice... “Make it Happen” Volunteers Needed
Have you ever wondered what impact you have made on one person’s life? Now you have an opportunity to directly witness just that. Senior Independence Hospice, a faith based non-profit organization serving the elderly, needs volunteers for their Make it Happen program, which takes special patient final wishes and develops a plan to Make it Happen. Depending upon the nature of the individual wish, volunteers may be utilized in any of the steps of planning, development and or implementation... read more

Fort GreeneVille DAR... DAR Chapter donates to Veterans Services
Fort GreeneVille Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution recently donated items to the Darke County Veterans Services. The chapter sees the importance of basic necessities needed for our veterans when they are faced with unexpected difficulties. Besides donating to our local veteran services, the chapter also donates to the Dayton Veterans Hospital. Fort GreeneVille Chapter is... read more

Greenville Kiwanis… GHS Auto Tech Team presents 2012 Project
The Greenville High School Automotive Technology Team presented its 2012 project, “Riding with Steering & Suspension,” at Greenville Kiwanis recently. The program consisted of an automated demonstration, slide show and a detailed “Q&A” following the presentation. Team members, left to right, are seniors Andrea Arthur, Trevor Bates and Jillian Mann. According to GHS instructor Travis Nichols... read more

Darke County Center for the Arts... Gordon Orthodontics Supports Theater for Children
Dr. Doug Gordon DMD, MS of Gordon Orthodontics, located in Greenville and Troy, has given generously to support Family Theater Series programming for children. “Dr. Gordon has committed his life and his practice to improving the quality of life and confidence level of his patients, and feels that providing opportunities for youngsters to learn and grow through the arts is a natural... read more

State Rep. Jim Buchy... Buchy Announces Start of “Ohio Ag Week”
COLUMBUS—State Representative Jim Buchy (R-Greenville) today announced the start of “Ohio Agriculture Week,” a week devoted to honoring the contributions of Ohio’s farmers and other agricultural workers. It runs from March 11th through the 17th. “The hard work of Ohio’s farmers helps to feed the state and the country each year,” said Rep. Buchy, a member of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. “Ohio Ag Week is a time for us to recognize all that these men and women do.”... read more

Darke County Friends of the Shelter... Pets of the week
We have Queenie at the Darke County Animal Shelter. She is a 4 year old German Shepherd. She is black and tan with medium length hair. She is a good-looking girl and very attentive. She will make a nice companion. She is a big girl and weighs around 80 pounds. She is looking for a good home and is ready to be adopted. ... read more

Power of the Pen Regionals… All contestants are winners, By Bob Robinson
While trophies eluded Darke County 7th and 8th grade writers in the Power of the Pen Regional Competition Saturday, two local students in the Seventh Grade competition still scored in the top 15. They were James McClure, Versailles Middle School, who came in seventh, and Camille Watren, also Versailles, who came in 15th. Congratulations to James and Camille, as well as all other Darke County Regional winners who accepted... read more

Big Brothers Big Sisters... Little Brother takes an active interest in 4H
It came from the inspiration of Big Brother Marke Kremer - Big Brother Mark Kremer of Versailles has been matched to his assigned little brother Michael Poth since 2009. Poth, a resident of Ansonia is the son of Tonia Mendenhall and Ned Poth. Kremer was originally inspired to become involved in the program through his daughter, who was a volunteer at the time. Kremer who stepped up to the challenge... read more

Edison Community College... Honors Society Accepting Books for Charity Sale
Edison Community College’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society is having a used book sale and is in need of donations for the event. The organization is asking for donations of family friendly paperback and hardback books including fiction, non-fiction, textbooks, biographies, recipe books, religious books, children’s books that are in good to excellent condition. The organization will also be accepting family friendly movies on DVD or VHS and music of different genres. Phi Theta Kappa requests... read more

Greenville Kiwanis… Students of the month honored
Greenville Kiwanis honored students of the month for January and February recently. Pictured, left to right, are: Parker Cameron, Amanda Helfrich, Pankti Bhavsar and Megan Foley. Parker, January, is the son of Deborah and Mitchell Cameron, is involved in the Science Club and organized his group’s engineering project that was presented to Greenville City Council. Parker plans to major in Robotics... read more

Greenville Rotary... Community Garden presentation
Greenville has a new gardening program called The Community Garden. This program will offer garden lots for folks to grown their own vegetables and garden items for personal use or to offer at the FARMERS MARKET for sale as extra family income. Pictured are Rotary President, Phillip Pierri and The Community Garden representative, Jeff Beasecker. Greenville Rotary... read more

Darke County Visitors Bureau... 2012/2013 Official Visitors Guide Released
GREENVILLE, OH (March 7, 2012) – Hot off the presses, the Darke County Visitors Bureau announced the release and distribution of the 2012/2013 Official Visitors Guide for Darke County, Ohio. “The Official Visitors Guide is designed to resemble the look and feel of a lifestyle magazine. The cover titles invite readers to open the magazine and discover the urban-country spirit of Darke County,” stated Deanna... read more

Greenville Rotary... Horner wins speech competition
Greenville – The Greenville Rotary Club conducted their Four-Way Speech Competition on February 28th at the BRC’s Chestnut Village Community Center, and is pleased to announce that Elizabeth Horner from Greenville High School was selected as the winner. Elizabeth will represent the Greenville Rotary Club at the Rotary District competition on April 15th at Wittenberg University in Springfield... read more

State Senator Bill Beagle... Beagle Announces New Scholarship Opportunity
More than $1 million to be provided for new college students - COLUMBUS – State Senator Bill Beagle (R – Tipp City) recently announced that the Ohio Association of Career Colleges and Schools is now taking applications for its 2011-2012 Legislative Scholarship Program. The program offers over 340 scholarship opportunities worth more than $1.1 million. High school seniors are eligible to apply and participate... read more

Mariah Reitz Recognized for Volunteer Service
Greenville, Ohio – Mariah Reitz, 18, of Greenville has been honored for her exemplary volunteer service with a President’s Volunteer Service Award. The award, which recognizes Americans of all ages who have volunteered significant amounts of their time to serve their communities and their country, was presented by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program on behalf of President Barack... read more

Big Brothers Big Sisters… Bowl for Kids’ Sake 2012 BIG Winners Announced
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby and Darke County has drawn the winners of the Bowl For Kids’ Sake 2012 Prizes. Grand Prize winner was Scott Philpot of Russia taking home $500 cash! Sarah Porter of Versailles took home the Sweetheart Package which included overnight accommodation in a French-inspired room compliments of The Inn at Versailles, dinner at Michael... read more

Vicarious Voyage... Cape Town, South Africa
Hello from South Africa! This country is the most beautiful country I have seen to date. I was in port from February 24-February 29. The temperature was in the mid 80’s the whole week with a nice breeze. Even the locals said that we were very lucky because February is their hottest month. The sites were just absolutely breath taking. Everywhere I turned I could see majestic mountains, soft ocean ripples, and fresh flowers and fruits.... read more

Darke County 4-H recognizes 2011 accomplishments
Great news from the 4-H Recognition & Kick-Off ceremony Sunday. There was a huge attendance of 4-H members, families, friends and supporters in attendance at the Lighthouse Christian Center, Sunday March 4, 2012. The youth and advisors were recognized for their many efforts during the 2011 year. Darke County 4-H program: 1170 Community 4-H Club members, 245 Adult Volunteers, 48 Community 4-H Clubs and 2581 4-H School Enrichment Students. Diane Delaplane, Cheryl Leugers, Alex Mikos and Scott Zumbrink received the 2012 Friends of 4-H Award.

DCCA Coffee House Series... Grabers, Litchfields and Oda are Co-Sponsors
Thomas H. and Julie Graber, Steve and Eileen Litchfield, and Rodney Oda have once again contributed funds as co-sponsors of Darke County Center for the Arts’ Coffee House Series. According to DCCA Executive Director Julie Strait, “The Grabers, Litchfields, and Oda have been strong supporters of Darke County Center for the Arts for many years and have been involved in many aspects... read more

Architecture and its relationship with the Humanities, By Christopher Smith
Humanities 121, Edison Community College - November 15, 2011 - Architecture is the planning and construction of buildings attempting to incorporate some form of aesthetic design. It offers a form of art in motion helping to shape and drive a culture in a particular direction. Space is one of the key elements in the designing process of architecture. A church uses its height not only to rise... read more

Miami Valley Career Technology Center... Consider a Career in Food Science
Clayton, Ohio -- Employment positions in the food science industry are available but are often unfilled for up to a year until a qualified candidate is found. The Miami Valley Career Technology (MVCTC) recognizes the growing need for individuals in food science careers and is the first school to offer a Food Science program within the state of Ohio. Food science is the study of food and the principles of its production, processing, preservation, and packaging. Students will study and experience... read more

Big Brothers Big Sisters… High School Volunteers make Big impact in community
Eighteen year old Abigail Ball is your typical busy High School senior. At Sidney High Abby stays active in many clubs and organizations, is a varsity cheerleader and works part time at the YMCA. However, when the opportunity to join the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization came during the fall of 2010, Abby stepped up to be a high school mentor through the after school mentoring program, Big Buddies... read more

Greenville High School… Six business students to compete at State level
Recently Greenville High School Business students competed at the Regional Workplace Assessments for Business Professionals of America. Over 21 awards were won by Greenville business students in various events. Students were representing Supply Chain Management, Financial Specialist, Interactive Media and Computer Information Systems. Students placing first or second... read more

Big Brothers Big Sisters... BBBS Announces New Volunteers
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Shelby & Darke County is pleased to announce the newest volunteers in the core mentoring program. Susan Dilworth, of New Madison, loves animals and spends many hours with them through Friends with the Shelter in Darke County, the Miami County Mounted Search and Rescue, tending to abandoned or abused animals, as well as her own pets. Susan also enjoys hiking, reading, and doing craft projects. Since her children are grown and away from home... read more

Darke County Red Cross... During Red Cross Month, Help People in Need
By Supporting the American Red Cross - March 1, 2012 Darke County, OH— During March, the American Red Cross is asking everyone to help people in need by supporting the lifesaving services it provides. “Please remember those who need our help and support the Red Cross by making a donation, becoming a volunteer, taking a class, or advocating for such a great organization,” said Lynne Gump, Executive Director of the Darke County Chapter. “We want to thank everyone for their... read more

Darke County Friends of the Shelter... Pets of the week
We have Molly at the Darke County Animal Shelter. She is a 5-month-old Lab mix. She is black with short hair. She is a sweet girl and loves to play with a ball. She will make a wonderful companion. She is looking for a home to romp and have fun. She is ready to be adopted. Felicia is a 3-year-old Wirehaired terrier. She is black and white with long hair. She is a happy little girl and is full of energy. She will make a great... read more

Courtney’s Vicarious Voyage... Refuge Chapel, By Courtney DeSchepper
February 13, 2012 - On the first day in Ghana I had the opportunity of a lifetime. In Greenville, First United Methodist Church has sponsored a village called Aworesu in the bushes of Ghana. This is an area far outside of any major city. The roads are nothing but dirt and rocks that leave an eroded, dangerous, unsafe path to a village of about 500 people. Through the help of some church members back home... read more

Solid Waste District... Trash Bash 2012 T-Shirt Contest Winners Announced
The Darke County Solid Waste District and 1 Shot Services recently sponsored a t-shirt design contest for Trash Bash 2012. Students in grades K-12 were eligible to enter the contest. The Darke County Solid Waste Policy Committee selected Kiteara Stellmach’s, of Ansonia, entry as the winner. Kiteara’s design will be put onto t-shirts that will be distributed to all participants of Trash Bash 2012... read more

St. Mary’s School... Seventh Grade Student qualifies for State Level National Geographic Bee
Joseph Aulbach, a 7th grade student at St. Mary’s School has qualified to participate in the state level of the National Geographic Bee. The State Bee will be held on Friday, March 30, 2012 at the Ohio State University, Mansfield Campus. The state winner will advance to the national competition held in Washington D.C. beginning on May 22nd and ending on May 24th. From the National Geographic website: Each... read more

Darke County Visitors Bureau... Travel Expo Successful for Darke County
GREENVILLE – Billed as a one-stop shop for everything related to travel, the Fourth Annual AAA Travel Expo offered Central Ohio consumers information and EXPO-only deals, along with the best-ever travel values on everything from exotic cruises and European vacations to affordable escapes close-to-home. With more than 250 exhibits, attractions and events – including the Darke County... read more

Darke County Friends of the Shelter... Lydia E. Schaurer Memorial Trust Awards Grant
The Darke County Friends of the Shelter received a grant from the Lydia E. Schaurer Memorial Trust. The grant was to assist in funding the future dog park in Darke County. The dog park will be located on County Home Rd., just south of the Darke County Animal Shelter. The Darke County Friends of the Shelter is a 501c3 non profit organization that provides extra amenities for the cats and dogs at the shelter. Contributions for the... read more

A Community Working Together... Memorial Hall Awarded a $250,000 Grant for Restoration and Repairs - March 1, 2012 - GREENVILLE – While it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community partnering together to keep a historic treasure alive, such as Darke County’s historic Henry St. Clair Memorial Hall, located in Greenville. Memorial Hall, which celebrates its 100th anniversary in May, was awarded a $250,000 grant for façade repairs and exterior restoration by the Ohio... read more

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