Auction will help fund Susan J. North Art Scholarship

BY JOY ROSEBERRY 

ASST. MANAGING EDITOR 

GREENVILLE—When local artist Susan North was involved in a fatal car accident last summer, her family, friends and acquaintances knew immediately they wanted her incredible art legacy to live on.

Mark Bankson and Cindy 

McCallister with the gem 

one lucky cupcake owner 

will find!

“She painted the mural at the Shawnie Prairie Nature Center, the artwork in the halls at the new Franklin Monroe School, the animals on the wall of Dr. Chris Gilbert’s veterinary office and so much more. Her work is in many homes and businesses throughout Darke County,” stated friend Rita McCans. “That’s why we wanted to offer a scholarship in her name.”

Thus, the Susan J. North Art Scholarship was born. The scholarship, which will be administered through the HOPE Foundation, will be open to any Darke County student.

To help fund the scholarship, The Friends of Susan North, Susan’s husband, Dan, and daughters Abby Fisher and Emily Morris are hosting The Susan North Memorial Auction – A HeARTfelt Legacy of Love on Oct. 8, 7-9:30 p.m., at the Bistro off Broadway. Cost for entrance to the auction is $30, which includes hors d’oeuvres and a glass of wine. A cash bar will be open throughout the evening.

Ted Abney, owner of the Bistro off Broadway, has donated use of the Bistro for the event, and Mike Baker has also donated his talents as auctioneer.

Wieland Jewelers has generously donated a $2,200 diamond to be raffled off at this event! However, instead of drawing a winning name...the Friends are selling cupcakes which will be cut open during the event. The winning cupcake will contain a large crystal gem which will be exchanged for a beautiful diamond! The cupcakes, baked by Sean Strawser, owner of Beans Buttercream Cupcakes, must be pre-ordered and picked up upon arrival. Cost is $10 each or 3 for $25.

Some items to be auctioned include an original piece of artwork by Susan North, an original piece of pottery from Bear’s Mill, and works by several Darke County artists. (For more, visit susannorthauction.blogspot.com).

Several smaller items will be raffled, with tickets being drawn throughout the auction. These items include totes, gift baskets and gift certificates.

The group is still accepting items for the auction or raffle. Local students (former and current) are invited to donate art for the auction. If interested, contact Jan Teaford, 937-620-5831; Cindy McCallister, 548-6604; Isabel Culbertson, 548-7174, or Pam Shank, 937-459-2323, Rita McCans, 417-2428, Susan Spille, 423-1447. Cupcake tickets and/or event tickets can be purchased from Susan Spille, Mary Rivard, Pam Shank Isabel Culbertson, Jan Teaford, Pam Sloboda, Rita McCans, Kay Scammahorrn, Cindy McCallister, Dalene Thomas, or at one of the following Greenville businesses: Bistro Off Broadway, 117 E 5th St.; Brenda's Beanery, 410 S. Broadway; Creative Carpet, 1745 Wagner Ave.; Wieland Jewelers, 417 South Broadway; or Youniques, 529 South Broadway; or by emailing janteaford@gmail.com.

A ‘few’ of Susan North’s Friends who are establishing an art scholarship in her name: (l-r) Pam Sloboda, Cindy McCallister, Susan Spille, Mary Rivard, Rita McCans, Pam Shank and Isabel Culbertson.

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CIS and Engineering programs earn honor

GREENVILLE – The Computer Information Systems and Engineering Tech Prep Programs at Greenville High School have been asked to represent the school at the Ohio School Board Association Conference, Nov. 11-14. To honor this selection, the Southwest Region will be recognizing the district with a framed certificate at its annual Fall Meeting on Oct. 11 at the Warren County Career Center.

Greenville Senior High School is proud to be a comprehensive high school offering a variety of career opportunities for our students. In addition to the programs detailed here and presenting at the Ohio School Board Association conference, Greenville Career Technical Center offers the following programs for students - Agricultural Business, Automotive Technology, Biomedical Science/Project Lead the Way, Careers with Children (Greenville Learning Center preschool), Career Based Intervention, Computer Information Systems, Engineering College Tech Prep, Financial Specialist (accounting, insurance, HR, finance), Hospitality and Facility Care, Interactive Media, Marketing, Medical Tech Prep, and Supply Chain Management (logistics).

Greenville Engineering Tech. Prep.

Engineering Tech Prep students work on
a Gravitational Water Vortex Power Plant. 

AMThe 2012 Engineering 12 class has been studying the Gravitational Water Vortex Power Plant is a horizontal form of the hydroelectric dam. The benefits of using an artificially induced vortex above gravity- accelerated water increases efficiency, decreases cost, and not only lowers the negative impact on the environment, but actually increases the sustainability and health of the river as a whole. The ingenious invention was designed and developed by Franz Zotlterer, an Austrian engineer, who saw the advantage of using this natural process.

To date there are no Gravitational Water Vortex Power Plants present in the USA; they exist only in Europe. The most prevailing feature of the device is its necessary drop height is a minimal of 0.7 meters; whereas the minimal drop height necessary for a hydroelectric dam is two meters, a drastically larger drop. The reason that the small drop height is so important is due to construction; a smaller drop height means that less terra forming will be necessary for construction.

From a technical standpoint, the power plant is incredibly simple. A small channel is drawn off from a creek or river, which is then delivered, into a large rotation tank. Once in the tank, the water spirals around the center point until reaching the turbine designed by Zotlterer, located at the center point is poised directly above a hole where the water finally exits the tank. While falling through the hole, the water spins the turbine producing energy; the water then reenters the initial body of water from where it was drawn. While the water is in the tank many biological events occur; the water is aerated, decomposition is accelerated, and microbial growth is promoted.

One final, major advantage that the Gravitational Water Vortex Power Plant has over the traditional hydroelectric power source is that no fish ladder is required; fish and organisms are able to pass through the device freely in both directions.

For the 2012 Engineering 12 class at Greenville Senior High School, teammates Chase Jenkinson, Lane Flora, and Scott Wirrig have chosen to follow in the footsteps of the 2011 Engineering 12 class by further researching and developing the project. With instructor Chris Sykes, these students will prepare a written report, portfolio, a new functioning model, and a presentation to be used for various events. What makes this project different from previous projects is its ability to go further than the class itself. The students will be presenting the Gravitational Water Vortex Power Plant project at the Ohio State Board of Education in November.

Computer Information Systems

Computer Information Systems students 

work on computers at Greenville High School.

This is the second year for the CIS class to attend the conference. They will be presenting information on the employment experiences offered through the class. The Greenville City Schools has been hiring students from the CIS class between their junior and senior years to work over the summer with the network administrators to help get the district’s computers ready for the school year. The hired students were able to participate in a Progress Book training session so they were able to work with the returning teachers as the district changed to a different online grade book program. The students continue to work after the school day on an as-needed basis. This program provides an excellent opportunity to gain valuable work experience. Several of last year’s graduates have already secured positions in computer related fields at GTI and Crown Equipment while continuing their related education at Sinclair Community College.

The CIS program is a two-year program offered to juniors and seniors. It is taught using Cisco’s online curriculum which prepares students for the Cisco CCNA certification exam, the industry standard in computer networking. CIS also covers IT Essentials which prepares students for CompTIA’s A+ certification exam, which is the industry standard in computer repair/help desk. For more information contact Mr. David Peltz, CT Director, 548-4188 x 848, or instructors Robert Warner, rwarner@greenville.k12.oh.us, or Nathan Sharp, nsharp@greenville.k12.oh.us.

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FISH holds fourth annual Feed Darke County Food Drive

GREENVILLE – The Greenville FISH organization is currently engaged in an extreme food drive to help stock their pantry. The pantry provides food to local citizens with limited resources. The food drive, dubbed Feed Darke County by the ecumenical volunteer organization, was launched on Sept. 15 in conjunction with the Illumination Festival at the Darke County Fairgrounds, and will close on Oct. 20.

“The need is great, and our resources are becoming depleted. During this harvest season, we are hoping that generous Darke Countians will once again donate as they are able so that we can continue to serve our neighbors,” said FISH Coordinator Kristy Cutarelli. Donations of non-perishable food items may be delivered to the FISH Choice Pantry, 400 Markwith Ave., Greenville, at anytime, and dropped off in the box located at the rear of the building. A Harvest Day Celebration will be held from 9 a.m. until noon on the final day of the drive; all donors are invited to participate in the celebration.

FISH has served local citizens since 1967, and currently operates the Choice Pantry, which is open Mondays, 1-2 p.m.; Wednesdays, 10-11 a.m.; and Fridays, 4-5 p.m. Donations are welcome at any time throughout the year. In 2011, FISH served 3,085 households; this year the organization has already seen a 26-percent increase in participation.

For more information or to make different arrangements for donations, contact Ms. Cutarelli, 316-8420 or leave a message on the FISH phone, 548-2000.

Members of Greenville High School athletics program help stock FISH Choice Pantry. 

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Midmark expands support of Economic Development

VERSAILLES – Midmark Corporation has announced that it will significantly increase its contribution to Partnering for Progress (P4P), Darke County’s collaborative economic development initiative, beginning in 2013. The $10,000 annual contribution, which represents a substantial increase from the company’s initial $1,000 annual level of participation, will be reviewed again at the end of next year.

“The increase represents Midmark’s growing confidence in the programs being developed by the economic development office, the direction the partnership has plotted for the county, and in the way it has handled development projects in recent years,” commented Midmark President & CEO Anne Eiting Klamar

According to Darke County Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) President Jim Poeppelman, Midmark’s support of the county’s development efforts has gone beyond the financial. Poeppelman stated the company has assisted P4P officials with the county’s workforce development initiative and recently accepted a seat on the CIC board. The Darke County CIC is the governing board of the economic development office and the entity that guides the P4P initiative’s goals and objectives.

“We are extremely fortunate to get the level of participation that we do from a company like Midmark,” said Poeppelman. “They are a very respected company with a great reputation. Their support is obviously appreciated and their input is essential to maximizing our efforts.”

Midmark is currently Darke County’s second largest employer and has recently announced plans to expand its physical plant in Versailles. The company’s growth and diversification in recent years, along with the outstanding reputation it has earned for customer service and quality products, has helped make Midmark one of the most respected companies in the Dayton region. Klamars’ appointment to the Dayton Development Coalition’s governing board, the region’s umbrella development organization, is one of many examples of that respect.

“Partnering for Progress is an initiative driven by local business and industry. To truly achieve our long range goals, we need the support of companies like Midmark,” commented Economic Development Director Marc Saluk. “It’s quite a compliment that they believe in our future plans and in what we have already achieved. There’s no doubt that we’ll be that much stronger with their involvement.” For more information about Midmark, visit the company’s Web site at midmark.com.

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P4P launches first stage of workforce development initiative

DARKE COUNTY- After months of planning, the first stage of Partnering for Progress’ (P4P) workforce development initiative has been launched with the recent issuance of a training curriculum designed, in conjunction with the area’s businesses, to address the oft-spoke of skills gap in Darke County’s existing workforce. The program will be based at Greenville High Schools’ Career Technical Education Center (CTEC) but will also include partners such as the Darke County Job Center and Edison Community College. According to officials, initial training will largely focus on employees in the manufacturing sector and is designed to give companies the opportunity to provide local, affordable, and customizable training to their new and existing workforce.

“Many area employees, including some in neighboring counties, had a hand in helping us craft this initial course offering,” explained Darke County Economic Development Director Marc Saluk. “We will always keep this a program driven by the input of local companies since this is obviously the best way to ensure that our employers have the specific skills training they need available to fuel their current and future growth.”

According to Saluk, several large manufacturers have already expressed an interest in having courses customized for specific training needs in areas such as machining, maintenance, hydraulics, and manufacturing readiness. He states that, although the initial course catalog does include generalized curriculum, the initiative’s ability to design customized classes across a broad range of disciplines is the true growth engine for the project.

“That’s the best way to ensure that our workforce is getting trained specifically to meet the needs of business and industry in the West Central Ohio area,” said Saluk. “We are also lucky enough to have consultants working on this effort that have extensive experience in manufacturing skills training.”

The consultants, ProtoGen Group, LLC, includes staff experienced in developing workforce solutions for business and industry in conjunction with Sinclair Community College, Edison Community College, Upper Valley Joint Vocational School, and the Ohio Department of Development, among others.

The incumbent worker training program is the first stage of an initial three-tiered approach to implementing a workforce development solution for Darke County. According to Partnering for Progress officials, the initiative is also preparing to launch a manufacturing awareness campaign and a manufacturing readiness initiative which is designed to assist the under-employed and under-skilled segment of the population to be better prepared for positions in the local manufacturing community. Questions about the training curriculum can be directed to Jon Heffner of ProtoGen Group, LLC, 526-5315 or 658-3641. Questions about Darke County’s workforce development initiative or about Partnering for Progress can be directed to the Economic Development Office, 548-3250.

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Zumbrink and Roll honored by Kiwanis

Zachary Roll receives the Teacher of the Year Award from Mike Snyder, president of the Kiwanis Club.

BY RYAN BERRY

MANAGING EDITOR

GREENVILLE – The Greenville Kiwanis Club presented its annual Kiwanian of the Year and Teacher of the Year Awards at its regular meeting on Sept. 25.

Scott Zumbrink

The Kiwanian of the Year Award recognizes a member of the Kiwanis Club that has contributed greatly to the club over the past year. Mike Snyder, president, noted that everyone in the club does a great job of going out into the community and serving. Earning the honor for 2012 is Scott Zumbrink. Snyder pointed out Zumbrink does a great job of taking care of signing up members to work Gate 5 at the Darke County Fair.

This year’s Teacher of the Year is Zachary Roll, a sixth grade teacher in the Greenville City School District. Roll grew up in Versailles and was part of the football and wrestling teams. He continued his education and played football for Bluffton College. He graduated from Bluffton in 2003. Teaching is part of his heritage as his father and two uncles are teachers.

Roll pointed out his first two years as a teacher were in Columbus and he felt like he was in over his head, which made him appreciate his return to Darke County even more. Roll goes above and beyond what the state requires a teacher to do. He said, “The State of Ohio says you have to teach this. It doesn’t say you have to be a role model.” Roll feels it is part of his job to create responsible citizens. “It is our job to get them going in the right direction.” Roll lives in Englewood with his wife, Tammy. In addition to his teaching duties, Roll currently serves as an assistant wrestling coach for Greenville.

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CBC October blood drives listed

DARKE COUNTY – Ask any blood donor why they give the gift of life and the answer will be “to help someone in need.” Very often that “someone” – perhaps a loved one – is battling cancer. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Community Blood Center (CBC) is proud to support the cause with the “Fight Cancer” campaign honoring cancer patients and blood donors.

Everyone one who registers to donate blood Oct. 1-20 at any CBC branch or most mobile blood drives will receive the “Fight Cancer – I support the fight. I donate blood” t-shirt. This year the October t-shirt is white and features the iconic pink ribbon, recognized internationally as the symbol for breast Chat with donors on a typical day at the Dayton CBC and you’ll quickly recognize the bond between those touched by cancer and those who give blood. Michael Gale of Butler Township, who made his 350th lifetime donation, explained why he became a platelets and plasma apheresis donor. “My wife died of cancer,” he said. “She was getting a lot of platelets. That’s when I started.”

On the very next bed in the donor room Carman Kahler of Dayton made her 60th lifetime donation. “My mother had cancer, and she was getting donations,” she said. “I had donated before then, but it reinforced it. You always think it will help someone. You always feel good.”

The following is a list of blood drives in Darke County for October:

Oct. 1 - Greenville Technology, Inc., 12:30–3:30 p.m., employees only

Oct. 2 – Whirlpool Corporation, 6–10 a.m., employees only

Oct. 2 – Ohio Department of Transportation, 8–9:30 a.m., employees only

Oct. 2 – Norcold, Inc., 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., employees only

Oct. 2 – Neff Company, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., employees only

Oct. 2 – Ansonia First Church of God, 750 South Main St., Ansonia, 2:30-4:30 p.m., Community Blood Drive, appointments encouraged

Oct. 3 – Greenville Technology, Inc., 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., employees only

Oct. 3 – Ansonia High School, 8–11 a.m., students and faculty only

Oct. 5 – Mississinawa Valley High School, 8:30–11:30 a.m., students and faculty only

Oct. 9 – *Blood Drive Location Change* Drive was scheduled for Greenville VFW will now be at Greenville Church of the Brethren. Greenville Church of the Brethren, 421 Central Ave., Greenville, 12:30–6:30 p.m., sponsored by the Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Greenville Memorial Post 7262, open to the community, appointments encouraged

Oct. 11 – Greenville High School, 8:30–11:30 a.m., sponsored by NJROTC, students and faculty only

Oct. 12 – Midmark Corporation, 7–11 a.m., employees only

Oct. 15 – Greenville Grace Church, 4805 St. Rt. 49, Greenville, 3–7 p.m., open to the community, appointments encouraged

Oct. 17 – Darke County Courthouse, 7:30–11:30 a.m., employees only

Oct. 18 – Bradford High School, 750 Railroad Ave., Bradford, 2:30–6:30 p.m., open to the community, appointments encouraged

Oct. 20 – Tri-Village Rescue, 320 North Main, New Madison, 8–11 a.m., sponsored by Tri-Village Rescue and Tri-Village High School NHS, open to the community, appointments encouraged

New Promotion begins October 22 – November 3 - watch for details. It’s ghostly!

Oct. 22 – Kroger Store, 200 Lease Ave., Greenville, 9 a.m.–noon, open to the community, appointments encouraged

Oct. 26 – St. Louis Catholic Church, 15 North Star Ft. Loramie Rd., North Star, 8–11 a.m., open to the community, appointments encouraged

Notice about important changes to CBC’s donor ID system - CBC has assigned new, eight-digit donor identification numbers to all donors. When donors present their current CBC Donor ID card at a CBC branch or mobile drive it will be noted for replacement and the donor will receive a new plastic Donor ID card and key fob card in the mail. Donors must use their new Donor ID number to schedule appointments on www.DonorTime.com.

Technology is making it faster and more convenient than ever to schedule your next blood donation. Just use your computer or smart phone to make an appointment online at www.DonorTime.com. Individuals with eligibility questions are invited to email canidonate@cbccts.org or call 1(800)388-GIVE.

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GFD hosting Open House on Oct. 7

GREENVILLE—The City of Greenville Fire Department will host a Fire Prevention Open House with the theme “Have 2 Ways Out” on Oct. 7, 1-4 p.m., at the fire station in the City Municipal Building, 100 Public Square. Activities will include guided station tours, a static display of a complete set of firefighter turnout gear will be presented, a vehicle extrication demo at 2:30 p.m., thermal imaging camera demonstrations, a kiddie fire hose station, EZ-Child ID (hard copy of ID and will burn CD to take home), adult use of portable fire extinguishers, and blood pressure screenings. Various safety handouts will be available. Refreshments and door prizes will also be offered. As a reminder, the City of Greenville Fire Department has smoke detectors available free for any city resident.

Capt. Fasher and Greenville Firefighters Dirk Lewis, Brad Wilcox and Jeremy Brandenburg 

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Get involved in parade or events at 84th annual Pumpkin Show

BRADFORD – Start making plans for the 84th annual Bradford Pumpkin Show. A lot of events have been planned and it is time to start thinking about which parade or event you want to participate in or attend.

All Gulf War Veterans will be the honored guests at the Extravaganza Parade on Oct. 13, 4 p.m. The parade will also feature fire trucks from area villages, antique cars, floats, drill teams and more. First and second place trophies will be awarded to the drill teams, honor guards, non-commercial and commercial floats and family float contest winners. Each alumni band participating in the parade will receive a cash award. Each first and second place winners in the float contests will receive cash prizes. Each drill team participating will receive $25. As a reminder, nothing can be thrown from cars or floats, but may be passed out by walkers. Veterans or any group wishing to be in the parade should contact Debbie Richard, 448-2845 or drichard2@woh.rr.com.

The Family Float Contest theme should include something about pumpkins or the pumpkin show. The floats should be made by the family members and can be any size and any type of material. To be judged, you must be at the high school by 3 p.m. on Oct. 13. If you need more information, contact Debbie Richard at the number listed above.

The Diaper Derby contest and Pumpkin City Run for children ages three months to 48 months will be held on Oct. 12. The contest will begin after the Best Baby Contest at approximately 2:45 p.m. There is a $10 entry fee. The Diaper Derby is for crawling babies only. There will be heats in each division with the heat winners advancing the finals. Each entry must be pre-registered and have the entry fee paid by Oct. 7. All checks must be made payable to the Bradford Pumpkin Show. For more information, contact Debbie Richard, 448-2845, or Rita Brandon, 526-5436 or send entry to Debbie at 127 W. Church St., Bradford, Ohio 45308.

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New Madison and Tri-Village School Fair Event Information

New Madison and Tri-Village School Fair is Oct. 5 & 6

NEW MADISON – The 79th Annual New Madison Community and Tri-Village School Fair is set for Oct. 5 and 6 and is themed “Supporting Our Community Through the Generations.” In keeping with the theme, Monyca Schlechty has been chosen as Grand Marshal in honor of her many years of service to community. The Honorary Grand Marshal is Breanna Locke for winning the Poster Contest.

The New Madison Community and Tri-Village School Fair’s website is linked from the school’s site www.tri-village.k12.oh.us, and has a complete schedule, contest rules and other information about the fair.

This year’s King and Queen Contestants are as follows: Freshmen –Paige Sloan and Wesley Murphy; Sophomores – Ecko Brown and Jesse Bright; Juniors – Alex Baker and Kyle Brock; and Seniors –Shaye Thomas and Haedon Schlechty.

There will be a vast assortment of vendors, artists and local groups providing booths at the fair. On Friday, the Cutest Patriot Contest will be held along with the Pumpkin Decorating Contest. Entries for the Crop and Produce Section will be accepted Friday from 4–6 p.m. and Saturday from 8–9 a.m. Booths will open at 5 p.m. and the cafeteria will be manned by Cedar Grove Church of the Brethren. They will offer complete meals as well as ala carte items.

The Little Mr. & Miss Patriot Contest is being held prior the crowning at 6 p.m. in the High School Gym. The Friday evening program begins at 7 p.m. and consists of music provided by the Tri-Village High School band and chorus. The crowning of the King and Queen sponsored by the School Fair Committee will take place, and a dance will be held after the program from 8 to 11 p.m. The dance for students K-6 will be held at the New Madison Civic Center and 7-12th grades will dance in the high school auditorium with music provided by Aaron Sebring of “Pardon the Noise.”

Saturday activities include The Masonic Temple All You Can Eat Sausage and Pancake Breakfast, 7-10 a.m., at the Masonic Temple on East Washington Street. This is a first time they have been serving during the School Fair and the Fair Committee is excited to have new activities offered to the community. The Booths and the Petting Zoo open at 9 a.m. The Baking Contest begins at 9 a.m. in the High School Gym. Also at 9 a.m. is a Treasure Hunt for all ages with a Super Colossal Prize. Parade line-up is from 10-10:30 a.m. on Anderson St. with the parade beginning at 11 a.m. Cedar Grove Church will be serving lunch in the cafeteria from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Following the Parade, the Tri-Village High School Band along with the Starlets Drill Team will perform a selection from the Darke County Fair Program on the front lawn. The Pinewood Derby Race, held by the Boy Scouts, will begin with registration at 1 p.m. and the race at 2 p.m. in the High School Gym.

The outdoor games will begin at 1 p.m. on the front lawn with the return of the rolling pin toss for the adults. The Civic Organization will hold Bunco in the Auditorium at 2 p.m. The mini tractor pull will be held at 2:30 p.m. in the student parking lot.

The 4th Annual School Fair Auction with the assistance of Auctioneer Brian Rismiller will take place at 3 p.m. in the Commons.

Daniel Wittler from Wittler’s Black Belt Academy will be doing a Martial Arts Demonstration at 4 p.m. in the High School Gym.

The special Saturday evening program will begin at 4:30 p.m. The “Minute to Win It Game” will be taking place in the Auditorium with contestants ages Kindergarten to adults who are randomly chosen from the audience. The final activity planned for the event is the American Legion Chicken Supper that begins at 5 p.m. at the Legion on Fayette Street.

Candidates for King and Queen of the New Madison Community and Tri-Village School Fair are Girls: Ecko Brown, Shaye Thomas, Paige Sloan, and Alex Baker; and Boys: Jesse Bright, Haedon Schlechty, Wesley Murphy and Craig Swartz (not pictured)

Schlechty named Grand Marshal of School Fair Parade

NEW MADISON – Supporting Our Community Through the Generations is the theme of the 2012 New Madison Community Tri-Village School and the family of Grand Marshal, Monyca George Schlechty shines with generations of her family being a part of the school fair.

Schlechty said, “My grandpa, Kenny George was chairman of the Pony Show in 1965 and 1966 which was held on the ball diamonds at the school. My dad Dick George was a committee member for the Pony Show in 1966, 1967 and 1968. My mother the late Peggy George served on the committee in 2004, 2005 and 2006. Our daughter Kami Hollinger has been on the committee since 2007 and I have enjoyed being on the committee since 2000, with six of those years being president. Our daughter Kara Graham is not an official member of the committee but helps me with the baking contest and is a first grade teacher at Tri-Village. My uncle and aunt, Dave and Beck George and sons Rocky, Mike and Troy have also helped in past years with the greased pig contest.”

She continued, “All New Madison or Tri-Village graduates, my family now has the fifth generation attending Tri-Village schools as grandsons Jayden and Kasyn Hollinger are in first grade and kindergarten.”

Monyca and Bob Schlechty celebrated 31 years of marriage this past March. They have three children; Josh and wife Amy of Harrisburg, North Carolina and grandchildren Cameron, Cadyn and Emma Grace; Kami and Adam Hollinger of New Madison and grandsons Jayden and Kasyn Hollinger; and Kara and Zac Graham of New Madison whom are both teachers at Tri-Village School.

“I have sincerely enjoyed working with members of the Tri Village communities and school officials. When our committee President Lauren Armstrong announced at our follow up meeting last year that I was chosen as Grand Marshal for 2012, I couldn’t believe it. I truly enjoy organizing events and working for the community. I appreciate the honor of being chosen to represent my family as well,” said Schlechty. Monyca is a member of the Tri-Village Athletic Hall of Fame, New Madison Community Tri-Village School Fair Committee, New Madison Tri-Village Alumni Committee, past junior high volleyball coach and fifth and six grade basketball coach, grandsons T-Ball coach, assistant coach for girls jr. high softball and past member of New Madison Fourth of July Committee. In her spare time she enjoys reading, crocheting, sewing, yoga, zumba, spending time with friends and family and playing with her grandchildren.

School Fair Baking Contest

NEW MADISON – The Tri-Village School Fair committee is a sponsoring a baking contest on Oct. 6. The categories are: PK through sixth grade and seventh grade through 12th – Cookies, Decorated Cookies, Cupcakes, Decorated Cupcakes, Decorated Cakes and Candy.

The adult divisions will include Pies, Cookies, Decorated Cookies, Cupcakes, Decorated Cupcakes, Decorated Cakes and Candy.

New this year is the Family Project, which is for unique items made together as a family, such as edible play dough, baking in a jar, crafty food projects, etc.

There is also a Professional category. This includes Cookies, Decorated Cookies, Cupcakes, Decorated Cupcakes, Decorated Cakes, Pies and Candy. Baked goods will be accepted in the high school gym from 8-9 a.m., Saturday. If you have any questions, contact Monyca Schlechty, 548-0725, or visit http://www.tri-village.k12.oh.us/Downloads/Baking%20Contest2.pdf.

Breakfast planned for School Fair

NEW MADISON – The Ft. Black Masonic Lodge Fellowcraft Club, New Madison, will be sponsoring an all-you-can-eat pancake and fresh sausage breakfast on Oct. 6. Serving is from 7-10 a.m., in the lodge dining room. Assisting with serving breakfast will be the Tri-Village Cheerleaders.

The Ft. Black Masonic Lodge, New Madison, invites everyone to attend the pancake and sausage breakfast and stay all day enjoying all the festivities of the New Madison Community and Tri-Village School Fair including the parade at 11 a.m.

Proceeds from the breakfast assist Masonic charities and the Tri-Village Cheerleading squad.

Used Book Sale in New Madison

NEW MADISON – As part of the School Fair festivities, the Friends of New Madison Public Library, 142 S. Main St., New Madison, will hold its annual Fall Book Sale Oct. 5-13. The sale will be held during the library’s normal business hours, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday-Tuesday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. Prices are 10 cents for magazines, 25 cents for paperbacks, 50 cents for hardcover books and $1 for CDs, audiobooks and software. Library tote bags will also be available for $5. Donations of gently used books will be accepted beginning Oct. 1. No encyclopedias or Reader’s Digest condensed books, please. Proceeds from this sale will be used to fund book purchases and special projects for the Library.

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First Friday Event Information

Library gives preview of Harvest of Quilts

The Towne Squares Quilt Club will be raffling this quilt during the Harvest of Quilts, but local residents can get a preview of the quilt during the First Friday event on Oct. 5. 

GREENVILLE – The Greenville Public Library is hosting a free Quilt Show on Oct. 5, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The show is in conjunction with Downtown Greenville's “First Friday” theme Artisan Corner. The Towne Squares Quilt Club will provide the quilts for display as well as a few technique “demos” throughout the day. Raffle tickets are also available for purchase. This year the prize is a queen-size quilt in the “Evening Star” pattern seen in the picture. 

The Towne Squares Quilt Club is presenting its 31st annual Harvest of Quilts the following weekend on Oct. 12 and 13 at the Darke County Fairgrounds. This show is a huge event with over 200 quilts, a Merchants Mall, a Country Store, scissors sharpening, and food vendors. There is a quilt auction at 2 p.m., Saturday and the raffle drawing for “Evening Star.”

The Club was started in September 1980 by Raine Hunt and her mother Leola Crowell in the Extension Office on Wayne Street. They began with 45 members and soon moved their meetings to the Brick Room at the BRC where they still meet every third Tuesday at 7:00 pm. The meetings are informational and everyone is invited to join – whether a quilter or not! Some people love quilts though they don't sew. The Club holds workshops, takes bus trips to quilt shows, attends retreats, and hosts guest teachers. The proceeds from their annual show and raffle are given to charities. A person can get $1 off the price of admission by bringing a non perishable food item to the show. These are then given to the food pantry. See their website http://townesquares.blogspot.com. Come to the Library for a glimpse of their beautiful quilts.

Artisan Corner highlights October’s First Friday

GREENVILLE – An Artisan Corner is the theme for Oct. 5 First Friday, which has everything to do with handmade, homemade, and artisan craft. Jafe Decorating, a local company since 1978 and a leading producer of specialty colored glass, sponsors First Fridays: Artisan Corner.

From 6-9 p.m., the blocks of S. Broadway will be lined with artisans displaying photography, paintings, wood art, bees wax, hand carved canes, homemade cards, jewelry makers, doll makers, women hair accessories, children apparel, primitive furniture, wreaths and flower arrangements. Downtown Greenville Farmers Market will be joining along with a display of Susan North’s artwork. Activities during the evening will include face painting and paper flower making. You will also be able to enjoy the sound of musicians playing at various hot spots around downtown. The artisans join over 20 downtown businesses in staying open late for October’s First Friday event.

Partnering in presenting this First Friday Greenville Business and Professional Women and Main Street Greenville. Greenville BPW is a non-profit organization that strives to give businesswomen a networking avenue that helps to stimulate ambition in women with their career paths. Their monthly meetings educate, provide professional guidance, promote community involvement and create awareness of political issues that impact working women. The club also provides scholarships for women of Darke County. First Fridays aims to bring people downtown during evening hours to enjoy activities, demonstrations, food and music in a beautiful historic setting. This monthly event is presented by Main Street Greenville a non-profit organization committed to stimulating and supporting revitalization efforts, historic preservation and economic growth in historic Downtown Greenville. To learn more, visit www.DowntownGreenville.org or call 548-4998.

‘Artisan’s Corner’ to showcase local talent

GREENVILLE--The Greenville Business and Professional Women’s Club (BPW) is partnering with MainStreet Greenville and JAFE for MainStreet Greenville’s First Friday event, “Artisan’s Corner” on Oct. 5.

All local artists, creators, and craftsmen are invited to be a part of this happening. Greenville BPW is taking on this challenge due to tis belief in involvement with the community and making downtown Greenville a vital part of Darke County. This is the chance for local artists and vendors to showcase their talent and business and be a part of downtown Greenville. Local downtown merchants will be offering their place of business to put up a display in their inside space or on the sidewalk. Contact Leigh Fletcher, 564-8017, or Susan Fowble, 548-1414 for more details.

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Genealogical Society hosts Fall Workshop

GREENVILLE – The Darke County Genealogical Society, Inc. is having a Fall Genealogy Workshop on Oct. 27, at Garst Museum in the Lowell Thomas meeting room. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. Pre-registration before Oct. 17 is $15. Registration at the door is $20. Make checks payable to the Darke County Genealogical Society and mail to Brenda Arnett, 6745 Dull Road, Arcanum, Ohio 45304.

The speaker is Peggy Clemens Lauritzen, AG. She is a nationally known speaker and has made presentations at the 2008 and 2011 BYU Conference on Family History and Genealogy, 2007 ICAPGen Conference at BYU, Provo, UT, 1998-2009 and 2012 OGS Annual Conference, and 1999-2011 OGS Summer Workshop in Mansfield.

The sessions will be 1. America’s Forgotten War – The War of 1812; 2. Following the Money Using Tax Records; 3. Migration into the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia; and 4. German Migration into Ohio.

Pack your lunch – drinks and dessert furnished. For more information, call 692-6511 or email garstadmin@embarqmail.com.

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Life Chain set for Oct. 7

GREENVILLE – This is the 25th year of the national Life Chain held across America in hundreds of cities. Its purpose is to provide prayerful, peaceful witness to the sanctity of human life. Life Chain will stand in honor of the 55 million children that have lost their lives since the Roe v. Wade decision of 1973.

Life Chain will be held Oct. 7, in Greenville, 1:30-2:30 p.m.  Parking is available at Romer's Catering, 118 E. Main St., Greenville. Signs will be provided. For more information call Right to Life, 547-3113.

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Democratic National Convention through the eyes of a delegate

BY ENID GOUBEAUX

Recently, I had the privilege of being a delegate from Ohio to a Democratic National Convention for the fifth time. Prior to 1968 the purpose of these conventions was to select the party nominees for president and vice president of the USA. Delegates were chosen by party leaders, sometimes called “bosses.” Delegates did what they were told. Few primaries were held and were considered “beauty contests” producing few if any delegates. In 1968, Democratic baby boomers rioted in the streets of Chicago, site of the Democratic Convention. They battled police as they protested the Vietnam war, President Lyndon Johnson, and prospective nominee Hubert Humphrey. The convention was disrupted. The whole world watched and Nixon was elected in November.

In 1972 Sen. George McGovern was recruited to write new rules for delegate selection, opening up the process to ordinary Democrats to be elected in primaries. Party leaders were excluded from the delegate pool, including governors and members of Congress. Using the rules he had written, McGovern was nominated for President. He carried one state, Massachusetts, and Nixon was reelected.

In the years following these disasters, the Democratic National Committee wrote new rules opening up to process to more Democrats and requiring outreach to every race, ethnic group, color and creed. Delegates were to be equal numbers of men and women. Party leaders became delegates automatically.

Now presidential nominees of both parties are chosen prior to the conventions through primary elections and state conventions. National Conventions are TV events to energize the faithful, clarify the message, showcase the rising stars, and criticize the opposition.

In the Democratic Party each state writes its own delegate selection plan which must be approved by the DNC. In 2008, 4400 delegates attended the Denver convention.

This year nearly 6000 were chosen to go to Charlotte.

Ohio sent 191 delegates: 174 pledged to a candidate.

These delegates were chosen at the local and state level. This year the nominee was known, and all were pledged to President Barack Obama. There were also 17 unpledged or “super delegates” who are automatically delegates due to the office they hold including Democratic National Committee members like me, members of Congress, and distinguished party leaders, like former Gov. Ted Strickland.

Apart from attending the evening sessions at the Time Warner Arena, the most important official convention activity is the daily delegation breakfast.

Attendance is required because this is the only place where each delegate receives the daily credential necessary for admission to the convention hall. You must sign your name and present your photo ID to get this all important document each day.

This is for security reasons but also because in the past the daily document could be altered thereby creating a situation where non delegates would occupy official seats leaving no seats for elected delegates. I have seen grown men cry when Ohio Chairman Chris Redfern tells them that are not going to the hall because they did not sign in for their credential at the breakfast despite being warned to do so 50 to 100 times.

Even though they began at 7:30 a.m. the breakfasts are entertaining social events with very good speakers such as Sen. Sherrod Brown, Gov. Ted Strickland, Ashley Judd, delegate from Tennessee, Jim Messina, Obama campaign manager, Jesse Jackson, Secretary of HHS Kathleen Gilligan Sebelius, Democratic Governor’s Association President Marty O’Malley of Maryland, and Dennis Lieberman heroic ex- member of the Montgomery County Board of Elections and others.

In addition to attending formal evening sessions, many delegates attend constituent group meetings which take place after the delegation breakfasts and before the trip to the Arena. These meetings recognize, among other groups, seniors, women, veterans, labor unions, Latinos, African Americans, Pacific islanders,and rural Americans. I attended the Women’s meeting and heard Secretary Sebelius and Sandra Fluke, the law student who drew the verbal scorn of Rush Limbaugh.

I attended the Rural Council which I along with other rural dwellers helped found after the 2000 election. It took three years for the DNC to give us formal recognition because so much attention is paid to urban and suburban dwellers by our party. It would surprise and please you to know that at least 200 people from Florida to California attended this meeting. We heard from Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsak, Montana Governor Brian Schweiker, and President Roger Johns of the National Farmers Union.

Former DNC Chair Howard Dean gave rural Democrats a boost not only because he was from rural Vermont, but because he had a fifty state strategy for our party.

There were formal “entertainment events” for delegates and their guests.

On Sunday, there was a tour of the Mint Museum in downtown Charlotte, and a reception sponsored by the Ohio Democratic Party. On Monday night, there was a cocktail party and reception sponsored by Duke Energy at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in downtown Charlotte. There were at least 1000 people crushing together in a real mob scene. If you could push your way upstairs, you could use an interactive card to simulate driving a race car, or a semi or changing a tire. Jim and I moved to a space with more air and watched the people who included many very good looking women wearing five inch stiletto heels. The event concluded with an outdoor concert by John Legend (standing room only) which we had to miss otherwise I would have been unable to arise for the breakfast. There were also “watch parties” at various restaurants held during convention hours for those who were guests of delegates. Food and drink were provided. These events lasted until 2 a.m. so that delegates could party after the gavel.

The convention sessions began at 4 p.m. Local TV started at 5 p.m. and national at 8 p.m. My favorite parts excluding President and Mrs. Obama and President Clinton, were the films and then the live speeches by average Americans such as the family whose infant had reached her lifetime insurance limits now outlawed by the Affordable Care Act; the Cincinnati firefighter; the auto worker from Mahoning County who got her job back due to the auto bailout and others. I was astounded by their poise and confidence when addressing a live audience of thousands and a TV audience of millions. Their messages were a testament to their courage and grit. My favorite part of the Convention took place in the hall. I love being around other Democrats from all parts of the country. I love hearing the speeches from our rising stars, I love partisan cheering, which I view as a form of primal scream therapy. It’s a lot like going to an Ohio State game if you are a real fan; an exhausting experience but a meaningful one. If they continue to hold these things and you get a chance to go, do it. It is uniquely American and always unforgettable.

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Quilt club gives to BRC residents and plans Quilt Show

GREENVILLE – Towne Squares Quilt Club, Inc. recently donated several wheel chair bags to the Brethren's Retirement Community residents. This is one of many donations/activities the quilt club does throughout the year.

Another activity sponsored by the club is the annual Harvest of Quilts Show. This year’s show will be held Oct. 12, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Oct. 13, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Darke County Fairgrounds. There is ample parking and the building is handicap accessible. Admission at door is $5. Bring a can of food and the admission will be $1 off. All food collected will be donated to the local food pantry.

Quilt Show events include:

* Auction, Oct. 13, 2 p.m. Along with a nice variety of quilts there is a Charity quilt to be auctioned off. The club matches up to $500 with proceeds going to the local Breast Cancer Awareness of Darke County.

* Club has a raffle quilt that will be raffled off on Oct. 13. Proceeds from the raffle helps support the donations throughout the year and club activities.

Persons interested in exhibiting a quilt(s) should contact Linda, 548-7084. For more information, contact Lewcrese, 547-0202.

Accepting the donation of wheelchair bags from Ellen Wick, vice-president of the Towne Squares Quilt Club, is Janet Ashworth, volunteers coordinator.

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New menus planned at CAP

DARKE COUNTY--“Beginning in October, we are offering new and exciting menus for our Seniors,” stated Mary Puthoff, Senior Programs Coordinator at Community Action Partnership of Darke County. “We’ll have different flavors and different foods! We’re very excited about the changes taking place and are now working with a nutritionist from US Foods in meals planning. The menus will continue to appear in local newspapers, so we invite Seniors to watch for them and plan to have lunch with us.”

Puthoff invites everyone who is 60 years old and older to participate in their congregate meals program offered five days a week. She continued, “Our Seniors are able to get a nutritious mid-day meal and can opt to play cards or bingo and occasionally listen to guest speakers who offer timely information pertaining to their needs.” Locations of the meal sites are the Senior Citizens Center in Greenville, the Community Center in New Madison, and the Fleur de Lis apartment complex in Versailles. Meals are served at 11:30 a.m. with activities before and after meals. Transportation is available to those who need it. For more information or to schedule lunch or transportation, please call 548-2727.

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Free computer classes at library

GREENVILLE--The Greenville Public Library is again offering free computer classes for beginners. There are three different classes: Basic Computer Skills, Internet, and Email. These three will be offered two times – Oct. 11, 18, and 25, 4-6 p.m., and also Oct. 15, 22, and 29, 10 a.m. to noon.

Librarian Stephanie St. Myers is the new instructor. She's a computer whiz and a very patient, easy-to-understand teacher. Please sign up at the Circulation or Reference Desks or call the Library at 548-3915 to reserve a place in class.

Stephanie St. Myers

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Fourman will address Oct. 11 BPW meeting

Krista Fourman

GREENVILLE--What happens to the garbage in your neighborhood? Where does it go after you throw it away? What can you do to reduce the amount of trash going into the landfill? Landfills are expensive to build, take up space and pose risks to the environment, particularly water and groundwater.

The Greenville Business & Professional Women’s (BPW) Club Guest Night Committee has invited Krista Fourman, Director of Darke County Solid Waste, to be their featured speaker on Oct. 11 at the Chestnut Village at the Brethren Retirement Community. Krista will discuss how landfills are made and what safety precautions are taken when building a landfill. To enhance her presentation, Krista will create the “Edible Landfill.” In addition to discussing the creation of landfills, Fourman will discuss some of the district’s most popular recycling events and programs.

This event is open to the public. Those attending are asked to bring empty Pringles cylinders or containers and clean empty baby food jars for a Solid Waste Recycling project. The dinner meeting will start at 6:30 p.m. at a cost of $10. Reservations need to be made by noon on Oct. 8, by calling Susan Fowble, 548-1414.

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Cancer Support Group meets 10/4

GREENVILLE--The cancer support group will hold their monthly meeting at Wayne Healthcare in the 3rd floor Conference Room on Oct. 4, 7 pm.

This meeting is an open forum with attendees encouraged to come ready to share information with each other, nutritional tips that have worked for you, new treatments you have heard about, any hand-outs you would like to share, questions you want to ask each other, etc.

Cancer patients and friends/family are encouraged to attend. Light refreshments will be served.

This support group is sponsored by the Cancer Association of Darke County. The association partners with United Way. They are not affiliated with the American Cancer Society or other organizations.

Christine Yount, Executive Director of the association and Jill Brown, RN from Wayne Hospital will facilitate the meeting.

For more information concerning the association or cancer support, call 548-9960. The association is always looking for volunteer drivers to drive patients to and from appointments in Greenville, to Good Sam North, Richmond, etc. Reimbursement for mileage is provided if requested. Call the office if you think this might be something you would like to do to assist patients.

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Bear’s Mill presents legendary Fall Open House Oct. 6&7

GREENVILLE--The Friends of Bear’s Mill will be holding their annual Legendary Fall Open House Oct. 6 and 7, 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. each day.

The event will include free guided tours and grinding demonstrations by Master Miller Terry at noon, 2 and 4 p.m. both days.

Visitors will also be entertained on Saturday by multi-instrumentalists Brian Keith Wallen & Alexis Klosinski, Bob Behringer playing the Native American flute and local artists Cinder Home.

On Sunday, Steve Ward of Springfield and Ron & Elaine Mar

shall of Versailles will both be playing guitar and singing familiar songs, everything from rock to country, adult contemporary to alternative. This event is free to the public. Donations are greatly appreciated.

“The mission of the Friends of Bear’s Mill is to provide a rich cultural experience and community-oriented events including educational tours, demonstrations and nature walks while preserving the Mill’s historical significance and natural beauty,” said Outreach Manager Merri Niekamp. “This is a fun, family-oriented event that appeals to young and old alike. Bear’s Mill offers a beautiful fall setting that encourages the community to come out and celebrate the harvest and changing of the seasons with nature . . . take in some history, grab a bowl of delicious bean soup with cornbread, perch on a straw bale and relax to some local entertainment,” Ms. Niekamp concluded.

In addition to stoneground flours and meals, the Mill Store offers kitchen and gourmet goods as well as Boston Stoker Coffees and Bakehouse Breads. Original pottery by the Bear’s Mill potters, giftware and women’s jewelry and accessories are also available for sale. The gallery at Bear’s Mill will feature the October artists for the ‘Art at the Mill’ series. Included will be the sculptures by Gary Marcinowski as well as photography by Fred Niles, both professors of visual art at the University of Dayton.

“Unique new items are coming in daily,” stated Julie Clark, Retail Manager. “And of course we have the traditional pumpkins, gourds and bittersweet that everyone looks forward to displaying in celebration of the autumn season,” she explained. Bear’s Mill, a working national landmark, is operated by the Friends of Bear’s Mill, a non-profit organization. Bear’s Mill is located at 6450 Arcanum-Bear’s Mill Road about 5 miles east of Greenville. For more information, contact Bear’s Mill at 937-548-5112 or visit www.bearsmill.com.

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Extreme Guitar Duo to perform at Arts Depot

UNION CITY, IN--Darke County Center for the Arts will present Extreme Guitar Duo in concert at the Arts Depot in Union City on Oct. 25. According to DCCA Artistic Director Keith Rawlins, Keith Knight and Don Alder, the energetic guitarists who make up the Duo, play a wide range of musical genres including modern finger-style guitar, delta blues, Appalachian folk, bluegrass, and calypso on 6-string and 12-string guitars, harp guitars, dobros, and mandolin, and frequently add vocals to the mix. The show, a part of DCCA's casual Coffeehouse Series, begins at 7 p.m.

“The Duo's collaboration takes audiences to the extreme edge of modern guitar finger-picking, thus the name,” Rawlins stated. “These two guys are monster players who deliver an unforgettable upbeat performance peppered with delightfully engaging stories that charm all ages and make the Extreme Duo a perfect fit for our Coffeehouse Series,” Rawlins concluded.

DCCA's Coffeehouse Series was created to offer performances by high quality artists in comfortable social settings where food and drink are also available. The Coffeehouse Series is sponsored by Julie and Tom Graber, Eileen and Steve Litchfield, and Rodney Oda. Darke County Center for the Arts also receives support from local businesses, foundations, and the Ohio Arts Council, which helped fund this program with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence, and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. Tickets for the Extreme Guitar Duo concert are $10, and may be reserved by contacting DCCA, 547-0908, or purchased online at www.centerforarts.net. Tickets are also available at the Arts Depot, 115 North Howard Street, Union City, Indiana.

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ODA urges owners to register dangerous wild animals by Nov. 5

REYNOLDSBURG – The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) reminds dangerous wild animal owners that a new state law passed in June requires the registration of their animals before Nov. 5. Failure to register animals by the deadline can result in a first degree misdemeanor for the first offense, and a fifth degree felony for each subsequent offense.

Additionally, timely registration is a requirement for anyone who wishes to receive a permit to keep any dangerous wild animal past Jan. 1, 2014. Failure to register and microchip by Nov. 5 will disqualify the owner from permit eligibility.

The registration forms, which are available on the Department’s website at http://www.agri.ohio.gov/TopNews/DangerousWildAnimalAct/ must be printed, signed and returned to the department no later than Nov. 5. Forms that do not include microchip serial numbers will not be considered complete.

In addition to requiring registration, the new law, which became effective Sept. 5, regulates the ownership, sale and permitting of dangerous wild animals and restricted snakes. The law prohibits any person from:

* Buying, selling, or trading a dangerous wild animal;

* Allowing a dangerous wild animal or restricted snake to roam off the property where it is confined;

* Knowingly releasing a dangerous wild animal or restricted snake into the wild. After Jan. 1, 2014, possession of all dangerous wild animals and restricted snakes will be prohibited unless the individual is exempted under the law or is granted a permit by the department. Permit applications will be made available in 2013.

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Tail Gators gives donation to CADC

GREENVILLE – A local resident, Alice Marker, was diagnosed with cancer and her friends and family held a benefit poker run for her in June. Alice said that she had insurance and her bills were being paid and she wanted all proceeds to go to the cancer association to benefit local cancer patients.

The ride was 108 miles and along with it were raffles, door prizes, music with Amanda Livingston, Frohna and Warner and Renegade RailRoad. A meal was also provided.

The association wants to thank the Tail Gators and Alice for their generosity toward the patients battling the serious illness of cancer.

Tail Gators wants to do this each year and donate to the association. The association is grateful for this and all donations. It exists to provide financial benefits, nutritional support and emotional support to local cancer victims. CADC is local and partners with United Way. It is not affiliated with the American Cancer Society.

“Where there is help, there is hope.” If there are any questions, call the office, 548-9960.

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Commissioners Corner

DARKE COUNTY – September is almost gone already, High School Football, College, and the N.F.L. are in full swing, temperatures are cooler, and all of our summer festivals are done. With the onset of fall and then the winter season, one would think that things would slow down for us here in the County. Right now, we have a lot of projects in the works, and tying up loose ends is going to be the work for now.

We have been working on our buildings now for quite a while. Earlier this month in the Commissioner’s Office, we had an overflow of a third floor toilet that ruined both second floor bathrooms and one basement office. This happened on a weekend when no one was in the building. We are now in the process of getting both floors refurbished by our maintenance department. They have done an excellent job of completing this task in a timely manner. Some of you may have noticed the work being done on the Visitation House on 5th Street. After going through the quote process, Nealeigh Plastering is replacing the outside stucco on the west and north sides of the building. This has needed to be done for a while, and this work will certainly enhance the exterior of the building. The total cost of the project is $3900. One of the major projects we have completed is cleaning the duct work at the Sheriff’s Department. The air ducts at the Sheriff’s Office had not been cleaned since the building was built. Service Tech Corporation out of Dayton won the quote to clean the ducts for $18,068. The work took about three weeks to complete. This process has increased the airflow in the building dramatically. While this work was being done, our maintenance people refurbished the cells at the jail. This work was also needed, and with the duct cleaning, it was the right time to complete this work. In other work, Western Ohio Asphalt Sealing out of Versailles is going to seal the parking lot for the Elected Officials. This is the small lot behind the Commissioner’s Office. This process will increase the life of the asphalt, and included in the cost of the project was re-striping the lot as well. The cost of this improvement is $597.00. Other projects that we are in the process of completing or working towards are new signs for the Courthouse, Commissioners Office, and the Law Library. The new signs should be in soon. Thank you to Krista Fourman at DC Solid Waste for buying the new signs. The new signs will be made totally of recycled materials, and should really enhance the downtown County Campus. There will be some shrubs replaced on the new Parking lot behind the Courthouse, and general landscaping will continue to be done. In the Courthouse, we are looking at improvements on the 3rd floor to improve the appearance and functionality of the Court. This is being done in conjunction with Judge Monnin and with Kelly Ormsby, the Prosecutor. We will update everyone when we have a solid plan as to what is going to happen.

Marc Saluk and the Economic Development Department continue to keep pace with all the activity in the county. Workforce Development will continue to be the main focus for now, and for the foreseeable future. As we move forward with this project, more and more of our local companies are getting on board to offer assistance and advice on curriculum. While workforce continues in the forefront, Marc continues to deal with other projects at hand. We are fortunate to be able to expand and entice businesses to Darke County in these tough economic times.

While everyone is busy with school, and work, and family, we do hope that some of you will take the time to come to a Commissioners meeting. We meet publicly every Monday and Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. in the Commissioner’s Office located at 520 S. Broadway in Greenville, just south of the Courthouse. Hope to see you there! (The Darke County Commissioners)

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Arcanum and EPA reach deal to become compliant

ARCANUM – Ohio EPA and the village of Arcanum have agreed to a plan for the village to upgrade its wastewater treatment system.

Under the settlement, Arcanum agreed to:

* Establish a schedule to come into compliance with its permit limits;

* Submit engineering plans and an application to upgrade the wastewater treatment facility;

* Complete construction within 14 months after receiving an approved permit to install the upgrades; and

* Come into compliance with the law and permit limits six months after construction is complete.

The agreement includes a provision to allow the parties to negotiate a modification if the village is not able to meet any of the timeframes established. Since 2004, the village has not met permit standards which negatively affected the quality of Painter Creek. Arcanum’s most recent discharge permit included a schedule for the village to upgrade its equipment but the village has not returned to compliance.

To see the EPA report, click on the following link http://epa.ohio.gov/portals/35/enforcement/ArcanumVill.pdf

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GPD Seeks Information on Traffic Crash

GREENVILLE - On Sept. 25, at approximately 9:44 p.m., the Greenville Police Department received a call of a traffic crash on US 36 E at US 127. After a preliminary investigation, it was determined that two separate crashes had occurred. The first crash involved a silver 2001 Ford Windstar van traveling eastbound on US 36 E. The unknown driver of the van lost control of the vehicle, causing the vehicle to strike the guardrail and roll over onto its top.

The second crash then occurred when a 1994 Buick Celebrity, driven by 27-year-old, Heather Gregorace, was eastbound on US 36 E and changed lanes, striking the van that was on its top. The van then struck a pedestrian, 18-year-old, Casey McGlothlin, who had stopped to render aid to the driver of the van. McGlothlin was taken by Greenville Rescue to Wayne Health Care. Gregorace was also taken to Wayne Health Care by Greenville Rescue and her passenger, 21-year-old, Anna Kenworthy, was flown by Care Flight to Miami Valley Hospital.

The driver of the van is believed to have entered a maroon vehicle which fled the scene prior to officers’ arrival.

This case remains under investigation by the Greenville Police Department. Anyone with information is asked to call the Greenville Police Department at (937) 548-1103.

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Columbus Day Announcements

Columbus Day closing

DARKE COUNTY – Community Action Partnership of the Greater Dayton Area – Darke County will be closed Oct. 8 in honor of Columbus Day. This includes the Senior Meals Program and Metropolitan Housing Authority. Normal hours will resume on Oct. 9.

Transportation is available

DARKE COUNTY – Community Transportation will be in operation for those who need service through the JARC program Columbus Day, Oct. 8. Reservations should be made by Oct. 5 by calling 547-9129.

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Memory Matters meeting slated

GREENVILLE – Memory Matters, an Alzheimer’s Support Group meets the second Tuesday of every month from 6-7 p.m. at Sterling House, 1401 N. Broadway, Greenville. Complimentary refreshments are served.

For more information, contact Amy Schwieterman, 564-1120 or aschwieterman@brookdaleliving.com

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Sterling House holds Euchre and Bingo

GREENVILLE – Sterling House of Greenville, 1401 N. Broadway, Greenville, hosts a Community Euchre every Monday at 2 p.m. and Community Bingo is held on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 10 a.m.  Euchre games are free and one hour of Bingo is 25-cents. All are welcome! Complimentary refreshments are served. For more information, contact Amy Schwieterman, 564-1120 or aschwieterman@brookdaleliving.com.

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CBC recognizes milestones for local blood donors

DARKE COUNTY —Community Blood Center congratulates all of the following donors for reaching their milestones. Thanks to the generosity of all donors many lives have been saved.

Donors are recognized for their Life Time Donations (LTD) Milestones.

425 LTD – Donn Thornhill

100 LTD – Dan Lenker

60 LTC & 100 LTD – Husband and Wife Team - Kathy and George O’Dell

5 LTD – Nicholas Borchers, Kathleen Bruns, Ryan Butts, Jeffrey Dohme, Ryan Drees, Chad Drew, Rachel Duncan, Jason Durbin, Pete Eikenberry, Kimberly Ferryman, Laura Francis, Rehbekah Guaderrama, Karen Herndon, Brooke Howard, Angie Kaiser, Shawn Kemper, Katlyn Kenworthy, Kyle Lehman, Kayla Linkous, Adam Magoto, Christopher Miller, Misty Murphy, Tommy Nelson, Brittany Peters, Ashley Pipenger, Logan Puterbaugh, Thomas Shaw, David Stacy, Michael Stump, Shawn Thomas, Jim Thornburg

10 LTD – Susan Ackley, Cheryl Batten, Sherri Beisner, John Crider, Steven Dapore, Brent Driver, Timothy Ellis, Daniel Fourman, Travis Francis, Donald Hathaway, Monica Heckman, Kevin Hedrick, Jerome Heitkamp, Wanda Henninger, Scott Hill, Todd Householder, Gary Hummel, Brenda Johnson, Keith Kretschmar, Fonda Newbauer, Brooke Pierron, Rockne Seiler, Rita Sharp, Sue Swartz, Judy Webber, Robert Widener

20 LTD – William Beisner, Jerome Bey III, Charles Ford, Jennifer Gepfrey, Carrie Hackney, Jeffrey Hunt, Allen Keaser, Stephen Scantland, Cindy Scott, Rusty Waymire, Tammy Wehrkamp, Vickie Willcox, Teddy Woodall

25 LTD – Connie Bates, James Buschur, Jeffrey Cochran, Robert Daugherty, Rick Elsass, James Frech, Randy Grilliot, Bradley Hampton, Michelle Sanders, Donald Simpson, Gary Wisner II

30 LTD – Stephen Blocher, Larry Grill, David McClure, Rhonda Mead, Gina Morgan, Adam Schmitz, Robert Wisner

40 LTD – Roger Bruns, Jeff Garland, Kimberly Harmon, Jack Kaffenbarger, Lincoln Poling

50 LTD – Rick Brumbaugh, Gail Dynes, Wayne Fourman, Rhonda Gnade, Thomas Newbauer, Sandy Pierron, Tony Rose, Donald Schmidt

60 LTD – Kathy O’Dell, Tom Wentworth

70 LTD – Grethen Baker

75 LTD – Richard Emrick, Carl Hummel

80 LTD – Margie Buschur, Roscoe Hinkle, Garry Jenkinson, David Muir, Glenn Turner

100 LTD – Marianna Edwards, Dan Lenker, George O’Dell, Ron Stauffer

120 LTD – Mark Baker, Evelyn Linebaugh, Michelle Sander

125 LTD – Mary Williams

130 LTD – Robert Foster, Edna Peden

190 LTD – Frederick Roll

200 LTD – Denise Swabb

390 LTD – N. Ivan Patterson

425 LTD – Donn Thornhill

For information about blood drives in Darke County please contact Dana Puterbaugh, Darke County Account Representative, 997-2199 or dputerbaugh@cbccts.org. Individuals with eligibility questions are invited to email canidonate@cbccts.org or call 1(800) 388-GIVE. Make an appointment at www.DonorTime.com.

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PAWS hosts Bark in the Park on Sept. 30

UNION CITY – The third annual “Bark in the Park" fundraiser for PAWS (Pets Are Worth Saving) Animal Rescue & Shelter will be held on Sept. 30, at Harter Park, Union City. The event will kick-off at noon at the shelter house near the horse arena.

Free bandanas will be available for each pooch who attends (cats, too, if they so choose!), while supplies last. Pet ID tags are being offered for $1, and dogs can get microchipped for $20. Microchipping can significantly increase the chances of a lost pet being reunited with its owner by providing a permanent identification for the pet once the owner's information is inputted into a national database.

Kids all of ages can have their face painted and pets can participate in a Frisbee contest for a nominal fee! PAWS t-shirts, collar covers, decorated dog biscuits, collars, leashes, and socks that can be personalized will also be available for purchase.

Pets should come dressed and be ready to strut their stuff in the Pet Parade! The parade begins at 1:30 p.m. There is a $10 entry fee and prizes will be awarded. The silent auction begins at noon, with the last bids taken at 2 p.m.

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Dance event salutes 'Greatest Generation'

BY CYNTHIA AUKERMAN

UNION CITY – Jan Aukerman, organizer of the Oct. 13 "The Love of Dance" program, is the youngest son of the late Robert Aukerman, a World War II veteran. That's part of the reason the second-annual Chamber of Commerce program will include a salute to "The Greatest Generation."

Aukerman says, "I wasn't much aware until later of what Dad being a World War II veteran meant. The older I've gotten, the more I understand that generation's struggles and victories, the Great Depression and the War."

Bob Aukerman and Alberta Williamson were married one week before Aukerman left for the war in the Pacific. He was 18. An infantryman in the Americal Division, he was wounded in the Philippines in April 1945 just a few days after his brother's ship was sunk in the Battle of Okinawa. A third Aukerman brother, Darrell, served in the European theater. All of Alberta's brothers-in-law also served in World War II.

"We just didn't think much about it when we were kids," Aukerman said. "About all I remember is knowing that loud noises made Dad jumpy."

The other inspiration for Aukerman's desire to salute the "Greatest Generation" came, oddly enough, from the Japanese team at last year's dance competition in Nashville, TN. While the Japanese dance team was front and center on the stage, the event's emcee read a moving letter from a Japanese woman thanking the United States dancers for the support they gave in the aftermath of the terrible tsunami that struck Japan.

Aukerman explains, "That made me think about how 67 years later, there is peace between our two countries, and how the love of something like dance can bring us together."

At the world competition, snippets of each participating country's national anthem was played. The host team, the United States, was last, and when the snippet of recorded music ended, all the participants continued to sing the Star Spangled Banner to the end.

"I hope people come out to support our event, the Chamber and our young dancers," Aukerman states. "The 'Greatest Generation' is something to celebrate with other people."

Brian Jenkins is helping Aukerman prepare a video tribute to local World War II veterans. The deadline to submit photos for the video is Oct. 5. For information about how to submit photos for the tribute, call Aukerman, 964-4460 (days) or (765) 964-5403 (evenings).

The cost of the tickets for the Chamber fundraiser is $10. For World War II veterans and their spouses, there is no admission charge. Tickets are available at the door.

The dance program will be held at 7 p.m., Oct. 13, at the Mississinawa Valley High School Cafetorium stage. Proceeds will help fund the Chamber's new office. Doors will open at 6 p.m. for viewing of a special exhibit honoring all veterans. Anyone wishing to submit photos or memorabilia from veterans from all years may contact Aukerman about how to do that.

Aukerman and Becky Dirksen, silver champions with the United Country Western Dance Council, will dance, along with dance teams from Mississinawa Valley and Union City Community High School, plus three other competition teams: Don and Suzette Johnson; Sam and Chris Wetzel, masters; and Ronnie and Cindy Mullins, diamond champions. The winner of the Chamber's raffle of a patriotic trunk of items valued at over $550 will be announced at the end of the dance program. The trunk includes a flag, an afghan, picture frame and album, and children's items, all with a patriotic theme, plus gift certificates from Subway, Aukerman's Service, Main Street Market and Super Wash. Raffle tickets ($2 each or three for $5) are available from any Chamber member or at Aukerman's Service in Union City.

Pictured is World War II Army veteran, the late Bob Aukerman, who served in the Pacific.  

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Village Singers begin rehearsals

ARCANUM – The Village Singers of Arcanum will begin rehearsals for the Christmas season. Beginning Oct. 2, 7 p.m. and Oct. 7, 2:30 p.m., and the following Tuesdays and Sundays, they will be holding their four-part harmonizing at Trinity United Methodist Church, located on W. South St., Arcanum. If you like singing and fraternizing with nice people, you will enjoy attending their sessions and upcoming concerts. For more information about this organization, call Mark, 692-5998.

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Wagner speaks to retired teachers

GREENVILLE – The Darke County Retired Teachers’ Association met Sept. 20, at the Brethren Retirement Community, in the Brick Room. Lunch was served by Nancy Isch and was followed by a brief business meeting with reports from Beth Sears and Bill Phillips. Daryl Goodwin was introduced as a new member.

The featured speaker for the September luncheon was Brian Wagner, vice president of Second National Bank. Wagner described some of the current consumer scans including friend-in-need scams, phone fraud, phishing, sweepstake and lottery scams and grandparent scams. He also gave the audience suggestions for avoiding identity theft and becoming the victim of scans.

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Darke Co. Photo Club announces results of 2012 Photo Show

GREENVILLE – On Sept. 8, the Darke County Photography Club held its fifth annual photography competition, “A Moment of Time”. The club would like to thank Judge Scott Thayer and the sponsors for helping make the show a success. In addition, the club thanks C.J. and Emily Jasenski for the use of the home of Elements Life Yoga/Third Street Market as the site of this year’s show.

Best of Show, sponsored by Greenville National Bank, was awarded to Mel Cabeen.

Student Best of Show, sponsored by Financial Achievement Services, was awarded to Kate Young.

Ron Swank People’s Choice, sponsored by Jeannie’s Pooch Parlor, was awarded to Denice Martz.

In addition to these special awards, 15 Sponsor Choice Ribbons were awarded as follows: Burr Oak Family Dentistry ribbon to Kathy Quinn; Creations A Hair Studio ribbon to Jeannie Grosch; Craig Leland Dentist ribbon to Mel Cabeen; Cratiques ribbon to Denice Martz; Double M Diner ribbon to Kaitlyn Straight; Edgetown Veterinary Clinic ribbon to Pat McCarthy; Granny’s Corner ribbon to Cassidy Clark; Hartzell Veterinary Service ribbon to Leigha Brown; Hittle Buick GMC ribbon to Jeannie Grosch; Jeff Hole and Max ribbon to Lauren Hartzell; Making Waves ribbon to Amy Schneider; McCabe Painting ribbon to Roger Heil; Ridgeway Cleaning Service ribbon to Amy Schneider; Schultz Motors ribbon to Cheryl Duncan; and The Winery at Versailles ribbon to Tom Temple.

Class placings were as follows: People Category: 1st place – Denice Martz, 2nd place- Rene Bechard, 3rd place- Cliff Hensel, HM- Kathy Quinn, HM-Ray Duncan; Sea/Landscapes Category: 1st place-Cliff Hensel, 2nd place-Melonie Metzcar, 3rd place-Denice Martz, HM-Jeannie Grosch, HM-Terry Mann; Architecture Category: 1st place-Roger Heil, 2nd place-Cheryl Duncan, 3rd place-Jeannie Grosch, HM-Janet Dehart, HM-Ray Duncan; Nature Category: 1st place-Denice Martz, 2nd place-Roger Heil, 3rd place-Carolyn Klepinger, HM-Melonie Metzcar, HM-Jeannie Grosch; Domestic Animals Category: 1st place-Joanne Stuck, 2nd place-Kathy Quinn, 3rd place-Carl Gay, HM-Carolyn Klepinger, HM Pat McCarthy; Wildlife Category: 1st place-Denice Martz, 2nd place-Terry Mann, 3rd place-Rene Bechard, HM-Janet Dehart, HM-Tom Temple; Unclassified Category: 1st place-Clara Lantz, 2nd place-Carl Gay, 3rd place-Dick Garrison, HM-Dick Garrison, HM-Dick Garrison; Digitally Enhanced Category: 1st place-Rene Bechard, 2nd place-Carly Gay, 3rd place-Roger Heil, HM-Mel Cabeen; Photojournalism Category: 1st place-Mel Cabeen, 2nd place-Jeannie Grosch, 3rd place-Leigha Brown, HM-Cliff Hensel, HM-Ellen Spinks; Student 12 & under Category: 1st place-Lauren Hartzell; and Student 13 – 18 Category: 1st place- Hannah McCartney, 2nd place-Kate Young, 3rd place-Erika Jeffers, HM-Mariah Edwards, HM-Josh Fulkner

If you enjoy taking photographs and making friends, give the Darke County Photography Club a try! Come to a meeting on the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m., at the Shawnee Prairie Nature Center on State Route 502, Greenville. For more information, visit www.darkecountyphotoclub.com or call 548-6287.

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Mehaffie named Presidential Elector

COLUMBUS – Members of the Republican State Central and Executive Committee of Ohio (RSCECO), have, in the absence of a State Convention, the duty and authority to nominate candidates for Presidential Electors.

The resolution was unanimously adopted by the RSCECO at a meeting held in Columbus on Sept. 21. The RSCECO submitted the names of the following persons to be elected as Presidential Electors at the General Election. On this list is Darryl Mehaffie, of Darke County. Mehaffie said, “It certainly is an honor to represent the Eighth Congressional District as an elector to the Electoral College in this important Presidential race.” On Dec. 17, 2012 the electors will meet for the official vote at the statehouse in Columbus.

Joining Mehaffie on the list are At-Large - Jim Dicke, At-Large - Mary Carducci, 1st District - Linda Burke, 2nd District - Mary Anne Christie, 3rd District - Bruce Soll, 4th District - Justin Smith, 5th District - Brian Davis, 6th District - Marilyn Ashcraft, 7th District - Doug Sibila, 9th District - Bob Rousseau, 10th District - Fran DeWine, 11th District - Andre Morrison, 12th District - Richard Harris, 13th District - Sarah Brown, 14th District - Amy Sabath, 15th District - Geoffrey Phillips, and 16th District - Jane Timken.

Should any of the above electors be unable to serve due to death, illness, or some other incapacity, Tracey Winbush will act as the first alternate elector and Kathi Creed will act as the second alternate elector, followed by Gayle Manning if there is a third vacancy. If other vacancies occur in the above electors, their positions shall be replaced by a member of the Ohio Republican State Central and Executive Committee, according to seniority.

The Electoral College consists of 538 electors. A majority of 270 electoral votes is required to elect the President. Ohio’s entitled allotment of electors equals the number of members in its Congressional delegation: one for each member in the House of Representatives plus two for the Senators. Ohio currently has 18 Electors. At the General Election the candidate who wins in Ohio is awarded these 18 votes in the Electoral College.

The elector is nominated by his or her state party committee. The U.S. Constitution contains very few provisions relating to the qualifications of electors. While the constitution doesn't dictate what an elector should know or be able to do, it does suggest who or what an elector cannot be:

* He or she cannot be a Representative or Senator

* He or she cannot be a high-ranking U.S. official in a position of "trust or profit"

* He or she cannot be someone who has "engaged in insurrection or rebellion" against the U.S.

The following female electors and alternates are members of the Ohio Federation of Republican Women: Mary Carducci, Linda Burke, Mary Anne Christie, Marilyn Ashcraft, Fran DeWine, Sarah Brown, Amy Sabath, Tracey Winbush, and Kathi Creed. Christie is past president of OFRW and Burke is the current Southwest District Vice-president.

These electors’ names will appear on the ballot for the Nov. 6 general election.

The votes are recorded on a "Certificate of Vote." These Certificates are then sent to Congress and the National Archives. On Jan. 6, 2013, in a joint session of Congress ─ held in the House ─ the House and Senate meet to count the Certificates of Vote. Vice President Biden will preside over the counting and announce who has been elected as President and Vice President. These winners will be sworn in on Jan. 20, 2013.

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Local families award HOPE Foundation Scholarships

DARKE COUNTY – The HOPE Foundation of Darke County has helped several local families establish scholarships in honor of a special person or a course of study that is important to them. Using income from invested funds, these scholarships create legacies that continue year after year by providing financial assistance to deserving college students. The five scholarship recipients received a total of $4,750. Overall in 2012, the HOPE Foundation of Darke County awarded nearly $70,000 to 55 graduates of Darke County high schools.

Melvin and Mary Ann C. Stucke of Versailles started an endowment fund in memory of their son, Steven, who died in 1979 at age 18. Each year, investment income supports a scholarship for at least one Versailles High School graduate pursuing an agriculture-related degree. The Stuckes were pleased to award the first Steven Stucke Memorial Scholarship to Mackenzie Buschur of North Star, who is studying agricultural business at Wright State University, and Brent Stammen of North Star, who is studying agricultural communications at Ohio State University.

April Wulber of Versailles started an endowment fund in memory of her husband, Ryan, who died in 2010. Ryan graduated from Versailles High School in 1998 and was a power technician instructor at Miami Valley Career Technology Center. Each year, investment income from this fund supports a scholarship to a Darke County student who was involved in FFA or graduated from MVCTC, and is pursuing an agriculture-related degree. April and her daughter, Aubrey, age 4, presented the first Ryan Wulber Memorial Scholarship to Amy Schmitz, graduate of Mississinawa Valley High School and agriculture student at Ohio State University.

Dick and Cindy Wuebker of Versailles started a fund in 1990 in memory of their son, Matthew, an Ohio State University student who died at age 19. Since then, 21 Versailles High School graduates have received the Matthew Wuebker Memorial Scholarship, which recognizes an outstanding leader of the boys basketball team. The most recent recipient was Damien Winner, 2011 graduate attending Wright State University.

The HOPE Foundation awards an annual scholarship in memory of Versailles resident Joyce Bruns, who died in 1998. Joyce’s husband, Tony, started the scholarship to help nurses pay for continuing education. This year’s recipient, Deb Poeppelman of Ft. Loramie, has worked at Wayne Healthcare for 35 years and is pursuing a master’s degree in nursing from Wright State University. The HOPE Foundation is grateful to these generous families who are helping to enrich the lives of promising students. Over $1.1 million has been awarded to Darke County students since the HOPE Foundation started in 1986. For information on establishing a fund for a scholarship or community grant, call 548-HOPE or visit HOPE’s website at www.hopedarkecounty.com. As the community foundation of Darke County, HOPE receives, administers and distributes charitable gifts for the benefit of Darke County residents.

The HOPE Foundation of Darke County awards the Matthew Wuebker Scholarship each year to a Versailles High School graduate who played on the varsity basketball team. From left: Dick Wuebker, recipient Damien Winner, Cindy Wuebker.

The Ryan Wulber Memorial Scholarship was recently awarded by The HOPE Foundation of Darke County to a Darke County graduate pursuing an agriculture-related degree. From left: scholarship recipient Amy Schmitz of Mississinawa Valley H.S. Aubrey Wulber, April Wulber. 

The Steven Stucke Memorial Scholarship was recently awarded by The HOPE Foundation of Darke County to two Versailles graduates pursuing agriculture-related degrees. From left: Mary Ann C. Stucke, scholarship recipients Mackenzie Buschur and Brent Stammen, Melvin Stucke.

Tony Bruns of Versailles established a HOPE Foundation nursing scholarship in memory of his wife, Joyce. From left: Kelley Hall, Kathy O’Dell and Theresa Hall from the Darke County Nursing Education Council, Tony Bruns, scholarship recipient Deb Poeppelman, Christy Prakel of the HOPE Foundation.

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