Statewide write-in candidates
Yesterday was the deadline for write-in candidates to file for the May
2014 Primary. In all, the Secretary of State’s office received
declarations for three candidates. Individuals filing write-in
declarations for statewide offices include: Governor/Lt. Governor:
Anita Rios/Bob Fitrakis (Green) – Auditor: Bob Bridges (Libertarian) -
Secretary of State: Kevin Knedler (Libertarian). In order for a
write-in candidate with no opposition names printed on the ballot to
advance to the General Election, they must garner... read
more. |
Sheriff
terminates deputy after Sexual Battery charges filed,
By Ryan Berry
GREENVILLE – Former Darke County Auxiliary Sheriff Deputy Bryan
Wombolt, 27, of Versailles, had served the Darke County Sheriff’s
Patrol since September 2012 and pledged to uphold the law. His pledge
and the trust Darke County residents placed in him was shattered on
Feb. 27 when he was arrested on four counts of Sexual Battery. The
incident allegedly occurred with a high school... read
more. |
Fair Tax to become a national
issue,
By Bob Robinson
GREENVILLE – “The good thing about this election year is we’ve made
Fair Tax a national issue. We currently have 100 to 120 supporters in
the House,” said Steve Curtis, Ohio director of Americans for Fair
Taxation. “This year will be about creating the next wave of
supporters.” Curtis told Republicans and guests at the Republican Men’s
Club meeting Feb. 15 the organization’s focus was to put Republicans in
the House and Senate who support the Fair... read
more. |
Copeland remanded to custody to
await
sentencing, By Bob Robinson
GREENVILLE – Lacie D. Copeland was remanded to custody on $50,000 bond
pending sentencing on four Felony 2 counts of Burglary Feb. 18.
Sentencing will take place April 14. Copeland was charged with five F2
counts of Burglary. She pleaded guilty to four of them. The fifth count
was dismissed in return for her plea and cooperation with the state
should a trial be necessary for co-defendant, Matt Bowlin. Bowlin is
currently in prison on an unrelated... read
more. |
Greenville
Police… Deadly
Fentanyl now in
Greenville
The Greenville Police Department has received confirmation from the
Miami Valley Regional Crime Laboratory that a recent evidence
submission has resulted in the finding of heroin laced with the
powerful prescription drug, Fentanyl. Fentanyl, is
typically used to ease the pain of end-stage cancer patients or
in anesthesia; however, when
used
with heroin can cause immediate
death.
This is the first such finding for the... read
more. |
Greenville Police Beat… Drug
related death, weapons arrest and domestic violence
On Feb. 16 police were notified by Christopher Dotson that he and his
fiancé Michelle Defevers went to visit her father and believe he was
deceased when they found him. Police went into Apt. 10, 224 W. Main
St., and found Ric Defevers sitting on the floor slumped over. He had
no pulse. Greenville Rescue arrived and pronounced him deceased.
Michelle told police he had been staying in a homeless... read
more. |
DeWine… Nearly
$1 million in
Rape Crisis Program grant funding awarded
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) -- Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced today
that he has awarded 25 rape crisis centers in Ohio with a total of
nearly $1 million in new grant funding. "This is the first time that
money from Ohio's new Rape Crisis Program Trust Fund is being used, so
these are additional resources that can now go towards helping
survivors of sexual assault," said Attorney General... read
more. |
Columbus Dispatch… Text
of
Kasich’s State of the State speech
Kasich talks education, tax cuts during State of the State - The
following text of Gov. John Kasich’s State of the State speech
delivered in Medina, Ohio, on February 24, 2014, was provided by the
governor’s office: Thank you Mr. President and Mr. Speaker.
Thank
you members of the General Assembly, members of my Cabinet, the people
of Medina and, of course, my wife... read
more. |
ABC
News… 'Pay
Your Taxes Now or Be Arrested': The
Dirty Dozen Tax Scams You Want to Avoid
By Stephanie Zimmermann - Feb. 21, 2014 - This unnerving lie set the
stage for a costly scam that ensnared the mother of an ABC News viewer
in Jacksonville, N.C., who shared her story with the ABC News Fixer.
The scammer was so convincing, the woman immediately went out and
bought $2,000 in prepaid debit cards to pay for back taxes and
penalties the "agent" claimed she owed. But the con didn't stop there.
Within three hours of handing over the money, the terrified victim got
another call... read
more. |
Greenville
Law
Director offers savings to GCSD, By Bob
Robinson
GREENVILLE – Greenville Law Director Eric Brand introduced himself to
the Greenville City School Board Feb. 13, noting his statutory duty
included representation to the district as needed. “I’m not here to
reinvent the wheel,” he said. “However there are things I can do as Law
Director that haven’t been done in a while.” He noted the district has
spent $92,623.59 in the past three years on outside legal fees. “I’m
not permitted to ... read
more. |
Ohio
Secretary Jon Husted… Ballot
Board Approves Language for May Primary Statewide Issue
Ohio Public Works Ballot Issue to be State Issue 1 and only statewide
issue voters will consider in May. COLUMBUS –Secretary of State Jon
Husted and members of the Ohio Ballot Board today approved ballot
language for the statewide bond issue appearing on the 2014 May Primary
ballot. The language, as well as the approved explanation and arguments
for and against the issue, are available online via the link below:
Issue 1: To Fund Public Infrastructure... read
more. |
Attorney
General Mike DeWine… Ohio
Seizes
Tax Refunds from Individuals Who Commit Fraud
COLUMBUS, OHIO – Starting this year, the Ohio Department of Job and
Family Services (ODJFS) will intercept federal tax refunds headed to
individuals who have committed unemployment compensation fraud. The
state expects to recover tens of millions of dollars more in
fraudulently obtained benefits through this new program, called the
Treasury Offset Program (TOP). When necessary, ODJFS already intercepts
state income tax refunds and lottery winnings... read
more. |
Dayton
Business Journal… Two
Ohio cities among ‘unhappiest’ cities for work
Workers, evidently, aren't all that happy working in two of Ohio's
largest cities, according to job-hunting Web site CareerBliss.com.
Cincinnati ranked as the No. 1 unhappiest cities to work in, while
Columbus ranked No. 7. CareerBliss’ ranking considered the opportunity
for growth, relationship with boss and colleagues, and working
environment in at least 100 reviews by employees. “Understanding where
people are happiest is a tool you can use to help navigate your own
career path,” Career... read
more. |
Dayton
Business Journal… Piqua
unveils $10M riverfront development plan, by
Tristan Navera
The city of Piqua has unveiled plans for a major redevelopment to
transform its riverfront space downtown. The plan calls for the
demolition or redevelopment of several buildings along the city’s
riverfront and park improvements to transform several blocks around
Main and Water streets into a more walkable space. Tentative plans call
for a new amphitheater, park space and more avenues for walking, biking
and possibly boating. The project could be a boon for the city and help
draw more... read
more. |
FBI
Releases
Preliminary Semiannual Crime Statistics for 2013
February 18, 2014 - Statistics released today in the FBI’s Preliminary
Semiannual Uniform Crime Report reveal declines in both the violent
crime and the property crime reported in the first six months of 2013
when compared with figures for the first six months of 2012. The report
is based on information from 12,723 law enforcement agencies that
submitted three to six months of comparable data to the FBI Uniform
Crime Reporting (UCR) Program for the first six months of 2012 and
2013. Violent... read
more. |
FBI.gov…
Protecting
Aircraft
from Lasers
New Program Offers Rewards for Information - 02/11/14 - Today the FBI
announced a program aimed at deterring people from pointing lasers at
aircraft—a felony punishable by five years in jail—and rewarding those
who come forward with information about individuals who engage in this
dangerous activity. “Aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft is a serious
matter and a violation of federal law,” said Ron Hosko, assistant
director of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “It is important
that people... read
more. |
Husted
Announces Certified Statewide Candidates for May Primary Ballot
COLUMBUS – Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted today announced the
complete list of candidates who qualified to run for statewide offices
following the review and verification of signatures by county boards of
elections. Statewide candidates appearing on the May Primary ballot
include: For Governor and Lieutenant Governor - Democratic Party, Larry
Ealy and Ken Gray, Edward FitzGerald and Sharen... read
more. |
Greenville Police Beat… Drugs
and assaults play significant role this week
On Feb. 6 police responded to Fairview Avenue regarding a possible
overdose of drugs (heroin). A witness said the victim was in the
bathroom unconscious. The victim was slumped backwards toward the
shower/wall. The officer found a pulse and moved the victim to the
floor. EMS arrived and began life-saving skills. The officer found a
brown belt and what looked like a used needle on the floor, along... read
more. |
LeMaster
Running for 80th District House Seat
ARCANUM – Joe LeMaster, Navy veteran and local pastor, has announced
his candidacy for the 80th District House of Representatives seat that
is being vacated by Representative Richard N. Adams. LeMaster believes
he offers the best solutions for the district, which includes Miami
County and portions of Darke County. The Republican victor in this
Primary Election will not face opposition in the November election... read
more. |
Former
Air
Force captain enters race for State Rep.
Troy, OH, February 5, 2014: Mark Williams, a former U.S. Air
Force Captain, announced on Wednesday his intent to run for the Ohio
House of Representatives in the 80th district. After being
stationed at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi, Williams returned to
live on the Kuckherman family farm in Miami County and manage the
family engineering business. “As the next State Representative for
Miami and Darke... read
more. |
Officer
highest
risks in Domestic Violence and Traffic Stops,
By Bob
Robinson
GREENVILLE – The most dangerous calls a peace officer can make are for
Domestic Violence. “We run two units on all cases,” Darke County
Sheriff Chief Deputy Mark Whittaker said. “They are the most volatile
to us.” Lt. Steve Strick of the Greenville Police Department agreed.
“Definitely,” he said. While neither agency tracks the role of alcohol
or drugs in a “domestic” Whittaker believes they play a... read
more. |
Flint
gets 60
days on separate charges, By Bob Robinson
GREENVILLE – “All that stuff you said about wanting to do better… only
words. It’s your actions that count. You’re 44. There’s no excuse.”
Darke County Common Pleas Judge Jonathan Hein told Patrick J. Flint,
Ft. Recovery, he heard the defendant blame others three times and say
twice “I should have been smarter.” Hein said the criminal record
indicates Flint consistently takes the wrong steps, then noted “you
couldn’t keep the appointments I told... read
more. |
FBI…
Callback
scheme
used in
international revenue share fraud
Telephone companies in the United States are seeing missed calls used
to enable International Revenue Share Fraud (IRSF). Fraudsters are
using call generators with automated spoofing capabilities to place
calls to a large volume of US cell phone numbers. The calls typically
ring once. The number displayed on the recipient’s caller ID is a high
cost international number, usually located in the Caribbean. The
recipient calls the number back and is greeted with a message designed
to keep them... read
more. |
Redditt
gets 20
days and a tongue-lashing, By Bob Robinson
GREENVILLE - Ebony Redditt, Greenville, was sentenced to 20 days in
jail, service to begin Feb. 17, plus up to 60 months community control
sanctions, but that isn’t what had her in tears Feb. 13. Darke County
Common Pleas Judge Jonathan Hein gave her a tongue-lashing regarding
her attitude. “I don’t like the sighs I’m hearing,” Hein said. “All
that ‘I can’t do it’ attitude is what got you here today! You want to
have it... read
more. |
Dayton Business Journal… Chilly
winds still blow on job market, Kent Hoover
The job market remained frozen in January: Employers added only 113,000
jobs last month, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The
unemployment rate, which is based on a survey of households, fell to
6.6 percent, however. That's the lowest rate in more than five years.
That sounds good, but many Americans aren't even looking for work and
therefore aren't counted when computing this statistic... read
more. |
Attorney General DeWine… Sweetheart
Scam Complaints on the Rise
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today warned that
more consumers are reporting “sweetheart” or “romance” scams — costly
ploys where con artists develop relationships with their victims,
usually online, to convince them to send money. In 2013, the Attorney
General’s Consumer Protection Section received more than 50 complaints
involving sweetheart scams, double the number recorded... read
more. |
Sheriff
reminds
snowmobile and ATV operators not to trespass
Darke County Sheriff Toby L. Spencer is reminding operators of
snowmobiles and all purpose vehicles to use caution while operating
these types of vehicles and be aware that trespassing on another’s
property is a criminal offense. The weather the last few months has
been less than desirable for some; however, it has become a welcome
sight for snowmobile and ATV enthusiasts. With all of the
snow
that remains on the ground it has created great opportunities to ride
these special purpose vehicles through... read
more. |
Removing
a
child “worst task we have” By Bob Robinson
GREENVILLE – “At that moment they lose just about everything… law
enforcement arrives, the child loses parents, house, sometimes school
and church…” Becky James, Darke County Jobs & Family Services
Social Services administrator, said removing a child from his or her
home is the “worst task we have here.” It happens maybe five or six
times a year. She said the state mandate is to preserve the family if
possible. However if the child... read
more. |
We can’t
‘arrest’ ourselves out of the drug problem,
By Bob
Robinson
GREENVILLE – “You DO have a connection to someone with a substance
abuse issue,” said Darke County Chief Deputy Sheriff Mark Whittaker.
Everyone has a relative, a niece, nephew, sister, brother with a drug
problem. This is a huge problem. “It’s going to take the whole county,
community, city, village, schools… we have a problem here!” On Jan. 31
Whittaker told local business owners and community... read
more. |
Politico…
Chuck
Schumer
floats 2017 immigration plan, By Seung Min Kim
2/9/14 - Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) floated a compromise Sunday
intended to break the stalemate on immigration reform on Capitol Hill.
It was immediately rejected by House Republicans, but key advocates
said it is an option worth considering. The Gang of Eight leader’s
plan: Pass a law this year, but don’t allow it to actually start taking
place until 2017 — when President Barack Obama leaves office. That’s
meant to target the heart of House GOP resistance to taking up
immigration measures... read
more. |
Youngstown
Vindicator… Lt.
Gov. kicks off state’s youth drug abuse
prevention initiative
By Denise Dick - YOUNGSTOWN - Sept. 25, 2011, started just like any
other Sunday for Dale Batdorff. The Stark County man got up and headed
to Bob Evans for breakfast, enjoying the sunny day and thinking about
what he planned to accomplish that day. The next day, his son, Dustin,
21, was to check into rehab for a heroin addiction. He didn’t make it.
While Batdorff was at the restaurant, he got a call from his wife
telling him that his son was dead from... read
more. |
Curb
drug
abuse; improve the bottom line, By Bob Robinson
GREENVILLE – “About 70 percent of workplace accidents are due to some
sort of drug impairment,” said Adriane Scherrer, CEO of Enhancements to
Your Workplace, Inc. She added there are many underlying costs as well.
She noted lost productivity, excessive use of healthcare benefits,
theft and morale damage to the work team. There is also the cost
associated when a family member requires the worker to take time off
the job to deal with... read
more. |
Police
Beat… Police
deal with multiple assault and
domestic violence issues
On Jan. 26 police responded to Sportzters at 406 S. Broadway regarding
an assault. The victim, Mark Haney, said he was hit outside of
Sportzters and complained his head was in pain. Greenville Rescue
responded and transported Haney to Wayne Hospital. The left side of
Haney’s face was slightly swollen and there was a large, bloody bump on
the top of his head. A witness said two males and a female entered the
bar close to closing time and... read
more. |
Mercer
County inmate causes physical alteration
Celina, OH - Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey released few details of an
incident in the jail. On Thursday evening around 6:30 PM an
inmate became unruly in the jail. When corrections officers entered the
cell block, the inmate refused to comply and follow directions. As
corrections officers approached the inmate they saw that he had a
homemade shank. A physical altercation ensued and the inmate was
disarmed by the corrections officers. Patrol units were called to the
facility to assist... read
more. |
Chamber breakfast focuses on drugs,
By Bob Robinson
GREENVILLE – Think a little marijuana on occasion is no problem? Think
again. According to Adriane Scherrer, CEO Enhancements to your
Workplace, Inc., single use of marijuana: 3 to 10 days detection and
impairment; weekly use: 30 to 50 days and daily use: 125 to 145 days
detection and impairment. Eventually impairment is permanent. Whether
or not this bothers the individual, it puts a burden... read
more. |
WHIO-TV…
Dog
attack
victim was animal lover, active volunteer
By Breaking News Staff and Meredith Moss - DAYTON — The decorative
welcome sign and mailbox on the front of Klonda Richey's white
clapboard home on Bruce Avenue reflect a homeowner who loves animals.
Cats are everywhere. Behind the attractive wood-and-glass door lived a
57-year-old Dayton woman and 20 of her beloved cats. Richey, 57, was
found naked on the sidewalk in front of her home on Friday morning,
fatally mauled by... read
more. |
Buchy
Launches
Website to Respond to Rumors About Natural Gas Extraction
Columbus, Ohio– Ohio State Representative Jim Buchy
(R–Greenville) launched a website to provide
factual
information about oil and gas exploration in Ohio.
Although Darke County is highly unlikely to host any
hydraulic fracturing sites or waste sites for fracturing
fluid,
www.gastruth.com is a one–stop shop for answers to
common questions in the community. Representative Buchy
explained, “Because of the work of my... read
more. |
Attorney General DeWine… February
Sexual Assault Kit Testing Update
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) -- In an effort to keep the public up-to-date on the
progress of the Sexual Assault Kit (SAK) Testing Initiative, Attorney
General DeWine released the following status update today: As of
February 1, 2014: Forensic scientists with the Attorney General's
Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) have received 5,523 previously
untested rape kits from 121 law enforcement agencies in Ohio. BCI
has... read
more. |
Fair
investigation continues to be delayed due to weather
The Board of Directors for the Great Darke County Fair are issuing this
press release to update the public on the status of the ongoing fire
investigation taking place involving the 60' by 240' Beef Palace; the
60' by 240' Dairy Palace; the 50’ by 50’ connector and the 12’ by 20’
Cattle Office. An all interested party’s scene examination took place
on the morning of February 5th, 2014. This scene examination had fire
investigators present that represent the insurance carriers both for
the building and items... read
more. |
Byers named 2014 Darke County
Fair Marshall
February 6, 2014 - Greenville OH - Born December 21, 1921, Francis
Byers has been exhibiting fruits, vegetables and grains at The Great
Darke County Fair since 1939. Francis has won over 250
rosettes
and hundreds of exhibitor ribbons during these 74 years.
Francis
still enjoys exhibiting very much but he stated he is not getting along
as he used to. His Darke County Fair awards also include: Best Display
of Vegetables and Best Display of... read
more. |
State
Senator Bill Beagle… Beagle
Applauds 100 New Jobs in Tipp City
COLUMBUS– State Senator Bill Beagle (R–Tipp City) (R–Tipp City) is
proud to announce that Meijer Stores Limited Partnership has decided to
invest $105 million in a dairy plant in Tipp City that will create more
than 100 new jobs. The announcement follows a competitive process where
Michigan and Indiana were also considered for the location of the
plant. “Expansions like the Meijer dairy plant in... read
more. |
Civitas
Media
considers CCW public records request, By Bob
Robinson
DARKE COUNTY – “I don’t agree with that happening,” said Howie
Schaefer, president of the Darke County Fish & Game
Association. “I
know our membership would not want it to happen either.” Schaefer was
referring to the possibility of a public records request by Civitas
Media, publishers of several area newspapers, for Concealed Carry
Weapons (CCW) permit holders in Darke and surrounding counties... read
more. |
Ohio
Attorney General Mike DeWine… Ohio
AG Monitoring Propane Price Complaints
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today said that his
office is actively monitoring complaints regarding propane prices and
shortages. The Attorney General also will work with other states to
look for possible anti-competitive activities related to the sale of
propane. “We want to assure Ohioans that we will carefully monitor
reports of potential price gouging or other unfair business practices
related... read
more. |
Police
Beat… GPD
investigates rape,
robbery and arrest warrants
On Jan. 25 police were dispatched regarding an unresponsive female with
a syringe lying at her side. The complainant advised she was in the
bedroom. Police found her on her back unclothed and partially covered
with a small blanket. To her right was a syringe and a nearly full open
can of beer. She was breathing lightly, had a steady pulse but was
unresponsive. Following police efforts she eventually became coherent
and was able to talk. She... read
more. |
FBI…
Sixteen
Juveniles Recovered in Joint Super
Bowl Operation Targeting Underage Prostitution
The FBI, in partnership with more than 50 law enforcement agencies,
recovered 16 juveniles during an enforcement action focused on
commercial child sex trafficking. Additionally, more than 45 pimps and
their associates were arrested, some of whom claimed to have traveled
to New Jersey from other states specifically for the... read
more. |
Ohio
Attorney General Mike DeWine… AG
Collections at Historically High Levels
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced that
efforts to collect debts owed to Ohio state government offices have
resulted in more than $1.3 billion recovered from 2011 to 2013. The
amount recovered represents the first time an Ohio Attorney General has
recovered more than $1 billion for the taxpayer funded agencies in the
first three years of his or her term. “The data shows a positive trend
in that the Attorney General’s... read
more. |
Newsmax…
Louisiana
Gov.
Jindal
Fights Washington War on School Vouchers
By Andrea Billups and Jennifer G. Hickey - Saturday, 25 Jan 2014 - Gov.
Bobby Jindal is battling to protect Louisiana’s fast-growing school
voucher program from an all-out attack by the Obama administration. The
Justice Department claims the state’s private schools are defying a
decades-old federal desegregation order. In November, a judge ruled the
Department could monitor Louisiana's voucher program, even though 90
percent of the 6,750 students who use the Louisiana Scholarship
Program... read
more. |
Weather
frustrations high among educators, By Bob
Robinson
GREENVILLE – On Jan. 27 Greenville School District was scheduling
school days until May 30 to make up extra calamity days. Overnight
temps dropped to minus 15 degrees with minus 32 degree wind chills…
Darke County campuses, including Greenville’s, were once again closed.
This pushed GCSD to June 2, one short of its final available day. While
some school districts were going to Blizzard... read
more. |
Jessup
pleads to lesser sex offense
, By Bob Robinson
GREENVILLE – Paul Jessup, Randolph Co., Ind., pleaded guilty to two
counts of Attempted Gross Sexual Imposition for his actions with two
minors, one 14 and one under 14, early in 2013. Both are Felony 5
charges with possible prison terms of up to 12 months each. An earlier
Grand Jury indictment of four counts of Felony 1 Rape and six counts of
Felony 3 Gross Sexual Imposition was dismissed and replaced by the
current F5 Bill of Information... read
more. |
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