A possible return of our tax dollars to the state
Ohio is among the 18 state finalists in the “Race for the Top” with funding of 4.35 billion dollars. Tennessee and Delaware, first round winners, have been awarded 600 million dollars. Regionally, Montgomery County schools stand to receive approximately 4 million dollars. How much do Darke County schools anticipate receiving?
“Race to the Top” ignores bricks, mortar and the age of school buildings. Instead it rewards states that tie teacher evaluation to student performance. The education overhaul includes tougher standards for teachers to receive tenure while making it easier for them to lose it. The competition has already convinced 29 states to adopt common learning standards for language and math.
We have always supported school levies for brick and mortar issues even though in our own profession, ranging from universities to the smallest rural hospitals, we have seen absolutely no correlation between the physical facility and the quality of care given at the professional level.
Recently we have seen numerous new schools built in west central Ohio. The questions we have for educators: Have student test scores and graduation rates improved? Has the number of students going to and graduating from college increased? Have the new schools retained old industries and attracted new while decreasing the unemployment rate?
How have Darke County schools participated in our state effort to regain our tax dollars contained in the “Race for the Top” program? Did they send in the required application? Without such an application, none of these precious tax dollars will return to Darke County.
Our observations in medicine, agriculture, business and even athletics, are that those not eagerly racing for the top are usually sinking to the bottom. We do not think any industry will be attracted to a community where the race for the top does not include the educational system.
Charles E. Reier MD, Rebecca A. Reier
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
"They didn't tell us anything we didn't already know."
Mercer County residents are not buying the governor's solutions. Click image for Mark Bruce's video.
Here There and Everywhere (Darke County Extension)
This week has been a great learning experience for me, so I figured I should pass along as much as I can remember. I started this week in a bean field in Preble County, Tuesday I traveled a few hours north to the Allen/Hardin County border, Thursday, I traveled north to Custar for the Field Crops Field Day; and Friday learned about dragline application of manure.
Looking back, the week seems to be a blur. Therefore I’m going to blur all of the events together into something that makes a little more sense. Let’s start out with nutrient management. Tuesday I learned from Glen Arnold (OSU Extension), that in his research trials, swine and dairy manure top dressed onto wheat in the spring produced the same yields as an application of urea. Manure application method did not impact yield, so knifing manure in with a tank or dragline and, in one study, surface application produced the same yields in wheat. The benefit of draglining manure is time. It only takes one hour to cover 6 acres, where hauling a tank may only cover 2 to 3 acres an hour. Of course, with increased efficiency, there is a cost and draglining can cost more than using a tank.
Looking back, the week seems to be a blur. Therefore I’m going to blur all of the events together into something that makes a little more sense. Let’s start out with nutrient management. Tuesday I learned from Glen Arnold (OSU Extension), that in his research trials, swine and dairy manure top dressed onto wheat in the spring produced the same yields as an application of urea. Manure application method did not impact yield, so knifing manure in with a tank or dragline and, in one study, surface application produced the same yields in wheat. The benefit of draglining manure is time. It only takes one hour to cover 6 acres, where hauling a tank may only cover 2 to 3 acres an hour. Of course, with increased efficiency, there is a cost and draglining can cost more than using a tank.
Bunco 4 Boobies – Women Rolling 4 A Cure
On Sunday, March 21st, we had (what we are hoping to be) our 1st Annual Bunco 4 Boobies fundraiser at Longfellow’s Restaurant for Kelly Fourman, The Cancer Association of Darke County, and the Fight Against Breast Cancer. It was a huge success as women all across the area and even neighboring counties came to support, honor, and remember those women in our lives who are fighting against Breast Cancer.
The idea of the fundraiser came about when Kelly Fourman, a member of an Arcanum area Bunco Group was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Bunco is a mindless dice game that has brought so many women together in our area, so we thought it would be a great chance to raise money for the awareness and the fight against Breast Cancer and our way of letting Kelly know we love her, support her and we will fight with her.
The day started with great fellowship as all the women joined in wearing Pink and got ready to Roll 4 a Cure! As the games started, there were sponsored tables in memory and in honor of our loved ones; there were tons of door prizes sponsored from local area businesses and home franchises and there were raffles for larger prizes such as a Dell Mini Netbook and a Fitness Package donated by Good Samaritan North.
We are proud to announce that for our 1st annual Bunco 4 Boobies – we were able to hand over a check for $3,200 to The Cancer Association of Darke County. We hope we can continue this every March. Be sure to look for information!! [In picture: Missy Pohl, Jessica Artz, a guy named Warren of CADC, Karin Baker, Kelly Fourman]
The idea of the fundraiser came about when Kelly Fourman, a member of an Arcanum area Bunco Group was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Bunco is a mindless dice game that has brought so many women together in our area, so we thought it would be a great chance to raise money for the awareness and the fight against Breast Cancer and our way of letting Kelly know we love her, support her and we will fight with her.
The day started with great fellowship as all the women joined in wearing Pink and got ready to Roll 4 a Cure! As the games started, there were sponsored tables in memory and in honor of our loved ones; there were tons of door prizes sponsored from local area businesses and home franchises and there were raffles for larger prizes such as a Dell Mini Netbook and a Fitness Package donated by Good Samaritan North.
We are proud to announce that for our 1st annual Bunco 4 Boobies – we were able to hand over a check for $3,200 to The Cancer Association of Darke County. We hope we can continue this every March. Be sure to look for information!! [In picture: Missy Pohl, Jessica Artz, a guy named Warren of CADC, Karin Baker, Kelly Fourman]
GHS cheerleaders to hold Car Wash at Kentucky Fried Chicken - Saturday 7/31
The GHS cheerleaders will be having a car wash at Kentucky Fried Chicken on July 31, from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. They will be accepting donations and with your donation you will receive a coupon for a free drink and 1 side item with Purchase of a DOUBLICIOUS Sandwich at KFC that day. Please come out and have your car washed and support the Greenville Cheerleaders.
Former State Rep Bob Netzley passes away
 |
| photo credit: rightohio.com |
Ohio lost one of its greatest legislators in the history of the state when Bob Netzley of Miami County passed away last evening. Having served longer than any other member of the General Assembly (40 years), Bob Netzley served with unparallel courage, total dedication to the philosophy of conservatism and an unbending adherence to the principals upon which this republic was founded. He was, in all of his service, one who could have joined the founders of this nation in courage integrity and adherence to principle. We shall not see his like again.
Dayton Daily News also has several funny anecdotes from Netzley's career in this article.
Greenville Farmers Market - Saturday
Saturday, July 31, 9am to 1pm at the Darke County CourthouseMarket Vendors: Nancy Armstrong *new vendor* - jewelry and fused glass; Francis Byers- produce; Woodsview Alpaca Farm - Michelle Dircksen - alpaca yarn and products; Brent Miller Farms- Brent Miller *new vendor* - sweet corn and maple syrup; Retro Attitudes- Hellen Mayo *new vendor* - handmade jewelry; Cindy's Desserts - Cindy Bright - baked goods; Baby Bling- Sarah Royer - handmade baby accessories and laundry soap; Art Junction- Ann Willis *new vendor* - clay pottery and painted furniture; Yappy Treats-Brenda McDonald - doggie treats; Janet's Broadway Bakery - Janet Wideman - baked goods and breads; Wolfe's Produce-Kurt, Ann, Nathan and Benjamen Wolfe - produce and baked goods; Rhoadeside Noodles and More- Keith and Marlene Rhoades - noodles and angel food cakes; EAT Food for Life - Scott Smith - organic products; Communal Table - fresh herbs by Bev Hughes organic produce by Mary Brumbaugh. And: A table for your extra produce or items that you would like to bring to the market but don't have the time to set up. We sell your product for you. Just bring it to the market by 9am.
A Few Good Teens are Looking for YOU!
Have you ever had a desire to help youth but didn’t know how? Can you spare 90 minutes a week on Friday evenings at 7:00 pm? Hope in Recovery is in need of a Co-Facilitator to help with its “Hope for Teens” program. All you need is compassion for our youth and a desire to listen. You can make a huge difference in the life of a teen through this volunteer position.
“Hope for Teens” is a faith based recovery support group for teenagers 13 – 18 years of age who struggle with addiction or compulsive behavior. Possibly, their lives are being affected by family or friends dealing with
their own addictions.
Maybe you grew up in this type of environment and you are looking for an opportunity to give back. If you are interested in helping our kids, please contact Art at 548-9006 for details.
“Hope for Teens” is a faith based recovery support group for teenagers 13 – 18 years of age who struggle with addiction or compulsive behavior. Possibly, their lives are being affected by family or friends dealing with
their own addictions.
Maybe you grew up in this type of environment and you are looking for an opportunity to give back. If you are interested in helping our kids, please contact Art at 548-9006 for details.
Sunrise photo by A. Rehmert
This picture was taken on Fri. July 30 @ 6:30am on 121 south in greenville picture taken by A. Rehmert.
Tea partiers have bad experience in New Madison
Dear Family, Friends, and Fellow Americans,
I am writing about a story that simply amazes me.
I am writing about a story that simply amazes me.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Clergy urge yes vote on Greenville levy
To the citizens of Greenville City Schools,
As clergy residing in the Greenville City School District, and / or pastors of churches within this district, we are in favor of safe and efficient educational facilities for our children. In addition, we are aware of the effect that quality schools have on the social and economic fabric of a community. We see the value in moving forward now while state dollars are available to us and current construction costs are low. Therefore, we are united in our support of the passage of the bond issue and levy for the construction and maintenance of a new 5th – 8th grade middle school, and urge our fellow residents to vote YES on August 3.
Sincerely,
Bob Bitner, Hershel Fee, Samuel Hoeflich, John L. Huffaker, Jon P. Keller, Bill Kidwell, Alan Knoke, Peter J. Kontra, Bill Lyle, Sylvia McKibben, John McRoberts, Peter Menke, Joe Payne, John Person, Todd Reish
As clergy residing in the Greenville City School District, and / or pastors of churches within this district, we are in favor of safe and efficient educational facilities for our children. In addition, we are aware of the effect that quality schools have on the social and economic fabric of a community. We see the value in moving forward now while state dollars are available to us and current construction costs are low. Therefore, we are united in our support of the passage of the bond issue and levy for the construction and maintenance of a new 5th – 8th grade middle school, and urge our fellow residents to vote YES on August 3.
Sincerely,
Bob Bitner, Hershel Fee, Samuel Hoeflich, John L. Huffaker, Jon P. Keller, Bill Kidwell, Alan Knoke, Peter J. Kontra, Bill Lyle, Sylvia McKibben, John McRoberts, Peter Menke, Joe Payne, John Person, Todd Reish
World War II veteran Dick Eley passed away Thursday
Richard ‘Dick’ Alonzo Eley, 89, of New Madison, passed away at his residence to be with the Lord on July 29, 2010. Dick was born on October 16, 1920 at his homestead in New Madison to the late Alonzo and Nancy (Royer) Eley. Dick was a graduate of New Madison High School in 1938. He was employed by the US Postal Service as a rural mail carrier for Route 1 in New Madison for 28 years. Dick served his country honorably during 1942-1946 in the United States Navy as a Sea-Bee during WWII. He is a member of the Leroy Farst American Legion Post 245 for 63 years, Fort Black Masonic Lodge 415 for 54 years, Darke County Harness Horseman Association, and a lifetime member of United Methodist Church in New Madison. Dick also served as an Assistant Scout Master during 1960-1965 and a little league baseball coach between 1958-1964. He was an avid sports fan and loved watching the Cincinnati Reds and the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Robert is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joan Irene (Cashman) Eley, whom he married on July 13, 1948; two sons, Robert (Marian) Eley of New Madison, and Dr. Douglas (Jane) Eley of El Paso, Texas; four grandchildren, Brad (Triva) Eley, Scott Eley and special friend Jessica Moss, Jessica Eley and Erin Eley; and a sister, Norma (Jack) Whittaker.
In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by three brothers, Russell, Robert and Donald Eley, and five sisters, Marie Falkner, Edna Wiley, Erma Batty, Evelyn Bowers and Juanita Baker.
The family will receive guests at 1:00 PM on Sunday, August 1, 2010 at the New Madison United Methodist Church with a Masonic service beginning at 1:45. A Celebration of Life service is scheduled for 2:00 PM also at the church with the Rev. Steve Hayes being asked to officiate. Burial will be in Greenmound Cemetery with full military honors by the Darke County Honor Guard. The family asks that memorial contributions be made to New Madison Methodist Church.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.storchbraundfuneralhome.com. Services are entrusted to Braund Funeral Home in New Madison.
High speed chase hits 110 MPH - ends with robbery arrest in Wayne Lakes
The accused, Kalob Gray, was the passenger in a vehicle leaving the Stardust Motel on Sweitzer Wednesday night. After a Greenville officer began pursuit, the female driver stopped the car and got out - with Gray moving to the driver's seat and proceeding at high speeds to Wayne Lakes before finally stopping. Gray is a suspect in last month's robbery of a Greenville gas station.WHIOtv.com has the dashcam video (click the image below).
The mug shot is from the DCSO website.
The mug shot is from the DCSO website.
Darke County Special Olympics Softball Home Schedule 2010
Looking for a free evening activity for your family? Come join us for a Special Olympics softball game. We have bleachers for seating, but you are welcome to bring a chair or sit under the shade of the shelter. Restrooms are available but no concession stand. Come "Be A Fan" of our Special Olympics Athletes. All are welcome. The Sluggers are the school-age/youth team and the Warriors are the adult team.All games are played at THE FIELD behind Wayne Industries, 5844 Jaysville-St. Johns Rd, Greenville.
- Tuesday, August 3rd Sluggers vs. Preble County @ 6pm
- Thursday, August 5th Warriors vs. Montgomery County @ 6:15pm
- Tuesday, August 17th Warriors vs. Clark County @ 6:30pm
- Thursday, August 19th Warriors vs. Van Wert County @ 6pm
- Wednesday, September 1st Sluggers vs. Montgomery County @ 6:15pm
- Sunday, September 12th Sluggers vs. Northwest @ 10am Warriors vs. Northwest @ 12:30pm
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
DCSO Press Release: Annual Marijuana Eradication
On July 26th and 27th, 2010 the Darke County Drug Task Force, consisting of officers from the Darke County Sheriff’s Office and Greenville Police Department, along with The State Of Ohio’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation Eradication Team conducted air and ground searches at various locations in Darke County. As a result, $111,000 worth of marijuana plants were located and seized
During an aerial search the Eradication Team observed several marijuana plants growing in the garden of a residence at 1671 Harrison Road, New Madison, OH. An adult male was observed from the air attempting to destroy those plants. Agents on the ground responded to the residence as the male subject fled back into the house. A search warrant was executed at that location. Further investigation provided evidence of an active indoor grow operation that was inside the residence and an inactive grow operation that was inside the barn.
Darke County Officials believe they have dismantled a major marijuana growing operation. Seized from the residence was $1,000 cash, approximately sixteen pounds of cultivated and processed marijuana, numerous firearms and other items used in the cultivation and trafficking of marijuana. Value of the marijuana is estimated to be $23,000.
No arrests have been made at this time as the investigation continues. Charges will be pending as a review of the case by the Darke County Prosecutor is made.
Greenville Auto Lube loses court decision (w/ update)
Original post from 03/29/10:Read about it here.
Emailed from DarkeJournal reader EH
This huge female spiny softshell turtle appeared in my back yard on Memorial Drive, where she ate two granola bars. Because Spinys usually inhabit ponds, it is possible she was traveling away from disturbance from nearby lagoons (story on the lagoons coming soon). Neighbor and I transferred her safely to Greenville Creek.
Vacation Bible School at Oakland Church
VBS AT OAKLAND CHURCH - High Seas Expedition!!
August 1st– 5th 6:00-8:45 p.m., Kids 3yrs old and pt – completed 6th grade
Come explore with us and bring a friend!!! Preteens- We have a special area just for you!
Register early to avoid the lines!448-2287 or www.oaklandchurch.org
*Since everything is hands-on, kids might get a little messy.
Be sure to send them in play clothes and safe shoes.
8058 Horatio Harris Creek Rd, (2 ½ miles north of Gettysburg)
More info or to register, 448-2287 or www.oaklandchurch.org
*Register early to avoid the lines. Come Worship with us Sunday 9:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:15 a.m.
Annie Oakley Birthday Week Events
Cathy Wagner, an Annie Oakley re-enactor, will be performing as Annie Oakley daily at Garst Museum on August 10-13 at 1 p.m. Her husband, Don Wagner, will be assisting her as he portrays Annie’s husband, Frank Butler. Cathy and Don have been Annie and Frank re-enactors since 1999, with their first wild west show performance as Annie and Frank in 2001. They have even been able to recreate Buffalo Bill’s Wild West with Buffalo Bill, Annie Oakley, fancy ropers, a Cossack, and the attack on the Deadwood Stage. They have continued to enhance their performances to include more and more of Annie’s trick shots. More information about the Wagners can be found on their website annieoakleyofthegreatlakes.com. As the program lasts approximately 45 minutes please bring your lawn chair in order to enjoy the performance. In case of inclement weather the program will be held in the LT meeting room of the museum.Their performances on August 10-13 are a part of the Garst Museum ’s celebration of Annie’s 150th birthday on August 13. Other daily activities that week will include guided tours of the Annie Oakley Center and birthday cake and punch for every paid admittance. On Friday, August 13, a re-dedication of an Ohio Historical marker at Annie’s gravesite in Brock Cemetery will take place. The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. and is open to the public. Also, on Friday only the Museum Store will be offering a 20% discount on any Annie Oakley related items.
Chamber Legislative Committee Hosts Congressman Boehner
Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester) will deliver the annual State of the Nation report to members of the Darke County Chamber of Commerce during a luncheon on Friday, August 6, 2010, at the Greenville Golf Club. The luncheon is hosted by the Darke County Chamber Legislative Committee and sponsored by Comprehensive Health Network.Forsythe and Staver win gold medals at Nationals
They competed with Team Ohio Softball that won a gold medal/national championship and went undefeated for the week, 8-0.
Congratulations to Matt and Robert!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
LS sent in this photo
A picture of our peacock (PC) who resides in our woods and greets visitors at the front door.
.jpg)
Beautification of Annie Oakley Birthplace Marker
Last fall, Ed Gehret, of the Willowdell area decided to landscape the birthplace marker of Annie Oakley at his own expense. The marker which is about 1,000 feet west of the cabin where Annie was born is located in the side ditch on Spencer Road north of Versailles. What used to be a historical marker that could easily be missed is now a beautifully landscaped area that is pleasing to the eye. Many thanks go out to Ed for actively demonstrating his civic pride of Darke County’s famous daughter, Phoebe Ann Moses.
Non-participation hurts state, community and children
The Obama administration has allocated 3.5 billion dollars for the improvement of education in a program called Race to the Top. The program directed at K-12 is the largest in the nation’s history.
Delaware and Tennessee, with many difficult school districts, were the first round winners with 100% participation. Montgomery County, with 11 districts participating, will receive a little less than 4 million dollars.
Participating school districts will form groups represented by administration, teachers and the school board to draft a plan for improvement. The goals of the Race to the Top in Ohio include increasing graduation rates, reducing the performance gap and increasing college enrollment. Currently 537 schools districts will share approximately 200 of the 400 million tax dollars coming back to the state with a sufficient level of participating districts. For the sake of the state, community and the children every district should participate.
In education, as in all of life’s endeavors, if you are not racing for the top, you are probably sinking to the bottom. We live in a competitive global world and failure to compete at a high level will assure our children a third-world existence in a fairly short period of time.
Does anyone know the status of Darke County school districts on this stimulus program designed to return our tax dollars to the community in behalf of the children?
Charles E. Reier MD, Rebecca A. Reier
Delaware and Tennessee, with many difficult school districts, were the first round winners with 100% participation. Montgomery County, with 11 districts participating, will receive a little less than 4 million dollars.
Participating school districts will form groups represented by administration, teachers and the school board to draft a plan for improvement. The goals of the Race to the Top in Ohio include increasing graduation rates, reducing the performance gap and increasing college enrollment. Currently 537 schools districts will share approximately 200 of the 400 million tax dollars coming back to the state with a sufficient level of participating districts. For the sake of the state, community and the children every district should participate.
In education, as in all of life’s endeavors, if you are not racing for the top, you are probably sinking to the bottom. We live in a competitive global world and failure to compete at a high level will assure our children a third-world existence in a fairly short period of time.
Does anyone know the status of Darke County school districts on this stimulus program designed to return our tax dollars to the community in behalf of the children?
Charles E. Reier MD, Rebecca A. Reier
NEWSBOYS Live in Concert - Greenville, OH
Get ready for the 4th Annual Illumination - Light in the Darke! This year's Illumination will take place on Sunday, September 19, 2010, at the Darke County Fairgrounds in Greenville, OH. Featuring Newsboys, Fireflight, 1000 Generations and Mark Echols (The Painting Guy)! There will be exciting activities all day! Including a Coffeehouse with special music, Cornhole, Virtual Band, Air Soft, Volleyball and More! Free admission to get on the grounds! Activities begin at Noon, with the concert starting at 6 PM.Ticket Prices are as follows: General Admission: $20, Reserved: $25. Tickets go up the day of the concert! Group of 10 general admission, get 1 ticket free. Ticket Locations: General and Reserved at: Itickets.com; Bread of Life Christian Bookstore in Greenville; Trinity Gifts and Books in Richmond; Dawg Town USA in Celina.
General Admission Tickets only at: Christian Bookstore in Union City; Darke County Fairgrounds Box Office
For more information about Illumination you can go to www.illuminationfestival.org.
Wayne HealthCare has excellent record on hospital-acquired MRSA infections
Dayton Daily News is reporting that three Dayton hospitals have higher-than-average records for hospital-acquired MRSA infections: Good Samaritan - 2.3 infections per 10,000 patient days; Miami Valley - 1.4 infections per 10,000 patient days; and Grandiew - 1.9 infections per 10,000 patient days (including a one-year period during 2008 and 2009).
From January 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010, Wayne HealthCare has had a total of 12,827 patient days with just one case of hospital acquired MRSA - a rate of 0.77/10,000 patient days, far better than the minimum Ohio and Federal standards.
From January 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010, Wayne HealthCare has had a total of 12,827 patient days with just one case of hospital acquired MRSA - a rate of 0.77/10,000 patient days, far better than the minimum Ohio and Federal standards.
Amber follows up on "Two Cans of Pop"
[from the comments]
I just finished a School Finance class from the University of Dayton. There, I learned that what Mike is saying is true. Take the market value or your house (say you could sell it for $150,000). You multiply that by 35% in order to determine the assessed value. $150,000*0.35= $52,500. This is your assessed value and the value that that determines how you are taxed for all schools in the state of Ohio. In order to convert 3.39 mils to a decimal form, you must divide by 1000. 3.39/1,000= 0.0039. To know how much more you will have to pay in taxes, you multiply your assessed value by the rate. $52,500*0.00339= $177.98. (Note that Mike used different starting numbers). If you live in your house, you will receive a 10% rollback credit. $177.98*0.10= $17.80. That is what you will save, which means you will pay $177.98-$17.80= $160.18. However, if you live in the house that you own, which most people do, you get an additional 2.5% credit. That means $177.98*0.125= $22.25 in credit. So you would pay $177.98-$22.25= $155.73. You can divide that number to make it fit into your budget however you deem necessary.
I was a teacher at Greenville and I was cut from my position. When that happened, my husband and I lost 37% of our income. We made changes in our lifestyle and now we are living on a lot less than what we were before. Every house has places where they could cut, it is just finding your individual priorities. For us, it was the DVR that had to go. For Mike, it is two pops. Maybe it involves cutting coupons to use at the grocery store or buying generic instead of name brand. The point he is trying to make is that most people can reduce $2.00 in their budget a week. Based on my numbers, it would be $3.00 a week since I used a slightly higher market value of home.
I just finished a School Finance class from the University of Dayton. There, I learned that what Mike is saying is true. Take the market value or your house (say you could sell it for $150,000). You multiply that by 35% in order to determine the assessed value. $150,000*0.35= $52,500. This is your assessed value and the value that that determines how you are taxed for all schools in the state of Ohio. In order to convert 3.39 mils to a decimal form, you must divide by 1000. 3.39/1,000= 0.0039. To know how much more you will have to pay in taxes, you multiply your assessed value by the rate. $52,500*0.00339= $177.98. (Note that Mike used different starting numbers). If you live in your house, you will receive a 10% rollback credit. $177.98*0.10= $17.80. That is what you will save, which means you will pay $177.98-$17.80= $160.18. However, if you live in the house that you own, which most people do, you get an additional 2.5% credit. That means $177.98*0.125= $22.25 in credit. So you would pay $177.98-$22.25= $155.73. You can divide that number to make it fit into your budget however you deem necessary.
I was a teacher at Greenville and I was cut from my position. When that happened, my husband and I lost 37% of our income. We made changes in our lifestyle and now we are living on a lot less than what we were before. Every house has places where they could cut, it is just finding your individual priorities. For us, it was the DVR that had to go. For Mike, it is two pops. Maybe it involves cutting coupons to use at the grocery store or buying generic instead of name brand. The point he is trying to make is that most people can reduce $2.00 in their budget a week. Based on my numbers, it would be $3.00 a week since I used a slightly higher market value of home.
My retirement (by Jeffrey Ross)
Retirement may appear an inappropriately eco [as in economics] sensitive topic, particularly during these times of extended unemployment opportunities. Nonetheless, I feel compelled to discuss my experiences since retiring in 2008 as a full-time community college English instructor.
This is not an obituary, celebration, or warning— let’s pretend it is a field study “grounded” in the context of a community college composition instructor’s post paper grading reality. Sort of.
So what have I been doing with my time? Watching SpongeBob, Cash in the Attic, CSI, or CNN? Scrutinizing my diminished investment accounts? Writing the great American novel?
No, I have not become addicted to television, vampire novels, gambling, or alcohol. Nor have I second guessed my decision very much.
Funny, I do not feel retired. Just different.
This is not an obituary, celebration, or warning— let’s pretend it is a field study “grounded” in the context of a community college composition instructor’s post paper grading reality. Sort of.
So what have I been doing with my time? Watching SpongeBob, Cash in the Attic, CSI, or CNN? Scrutinizing my diminished investment accounts? Writing the great American novel?
No, I have not become addicted to television, vampire novels, gambling, or alcohol. Nor have I second guessed my decision very much.
Funny, I do not feel retired. Just different.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Greenville High School class of '55 reunion
60 Members of the Greenville High School Class of 1955 had their 55th year Reunion at the American Legion Hall in Greenville, this past Saturday, July 24. Allen Hauberg coordinated the planning and continued as the Class Emcee, of which he has become known as one of the best in the business. A total of 91 attended this main event of the three-day weekend for the alumni. One of the highlights was the attendance of the Head Football Coach for that Fall, 1954, Green Wave team, Mr. Jim Eby, and his wife of 62 years. The 1954-55 football and basketball teams both won the Miami Valley League championships, and the undefeated football team is considered by many older Green Wave sports observers as the best football team in the 100 years of Green Wave football. (Photo credit: Dick Brown. Click on photos to see larger images.)
The 60 class members are named here: Front Row 1: Janet Morton Nealeigh, Mary Ann Carnahan Owens, Sandra Garrett Grilliot, Marilyn Swallow Sommer, Judi Riegle Wellman, Linda Williams Burba, Marianne Neff Clark, Barbara Cox Tester, Sue Sayers Foureman, Carole Lindamood Covault. Row 2: Patricia Puchinger Ludtke, Shirley Cohee Hughes, Dan Nealeigh, Jane Patton Henby, Georgeanna Hanson Bailey, Barbara Clatterbuck Grim, Marie Grote Neff, Carolyn Calderwood Goldenbogen, Sonya McKee Burch, Janet Pence Headley, Gary Foureman, Esther Shields Twitchell, Bill Schmidt, Marvin Shuttleworth, Jane Leas Minnich. Row 3: Dave Suter, Anne Longfellow Lloyd, Barbara Halley Hittle, Dick Marchal, Joe Shockney, John Haug, Donnie Moyer, Dan Passon, Don Kludy, Jim Henby, Charles Shell, Don Lucas, John Lantz, Dan Taylor, B.J. Thompson, Betty Johnston Kiser, Tom Fender. Back Row 4: Fred Brumbaugh, Don Cole Galen Dickey, Harold Stockslager, Allen Hauberg, Norman Long, Loren Fitzwater, Gary Lloyd, Dick Cothran, Furman Kiser, Ron Hagaman, Jim Cole, Howard Rehmert, Dick Hole
Update: Third Street warehouse fire being investigated as arson
The following information was just received from Shane Cartmill, Public Information Officer, State Fire Marshal:
Date of incident: July 16, 2010 at 11:45 p.m.; Address: 100 block of W. Third Street in Greenville (Darke County); Structure: Vacant warehouse
- Investigators with the Division of State Fire Marshal, Greenville Fire Department and Greenville Police Department are continuing to investigate the fire at the vacant warehouse fire in Greenville on July 16, 2010.
- Investigators believe the fire is the result of arson and are reaching out to the public for more information. Because this is an ongoing, possibly criminal, investigation, specific details about the fire will not be released at this time other than to say the fire originated at the north end of the structure.
- A Blue Ribbon Arson Reward of up to $5,000 is being offered to anyone with information. Investigators want to hear from anyone who may have seen something out of the ordinary at the time of the fire, or heard someone talking with specific or unusual knowledge about the fire. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Division of State Fire Marshal at 1-800-589-2728 or the Greenville Police at 937-548-1103.
- The fire completely destroyed the vacant warehouse which was once owned by a large corporation. The 2-story warehouse was mostly empty except for a vehicle, camper and archived newspapers from the local newspaper company.
- One firefighter sustained a minor injury. Greenville Fire Department and multiple mutual aid departments battled the blaze for nearly 7 hours.
Date of incident: July 16, 2010 at 11:45 p.m.; Address: 100 block of W. Third Street in Greenville (Darke County); Structure: Vacant warehouse
- Investigators with the Division of State Fire Marshal, Greenville Fire Department and Greenville Police Department are continuing to investigate the fire at the vacant warehouse fire in Greenville on July 16, 2010.
- Investigators believe the fire is the result of arson and are reaching out to the public for more information. Because this is an ongoing, possibly criminal, investigation, specific details about the fire will not be released at this time other than to say the fire originated at the north end of the structure.
- A Blue Ribbon Arson Reward of up to $5,000 is being offered to anyone with information. Investigators want to hear from anyone who may have seen something out of the ordinary at the time of the fire, or heard someone talking with specific or unusual knowledge about the fire. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Division of State Fire Marshal at 1-800-589-2728 or the Greenville Police at 937-548-1103.
- The fire completely destroyed the vacant warehouse which was once owned by a large corporation. The 2-story warehouse was mostly empty except for a vehicle, camper and archived newspapers from the local newspaper company.
- One firefighter sustained a minor injury. Greenville Fire Department and multiple mutual aid departments battled the blaze for nearly 7 hours.
 |
| Previously submitted photos |
Volunteers needed
Have you ever been described as “not knowing a stranger”? Do you enjoy making new friends? One area nursing facility needs your help as it brightens the days of its older adult residents.
Friendly and compassionate volunteers are needed to visit with older adults at Oakley House in Greenville. Chat with an older adult and bring a smile to his or her face by just being yourself! This opportunity, available to volunteers who are at least 16 years old, is available every day of the week.
“Oakley House Assisted Living is a great place to share your time and talents with truly wonderful people,” says Bridget Sharp, Oakley House Residence Director. “If you are looking for a place that cares not only about the residents but also about everyone who walks through our doors, then please think about spending some time with us at Oakley House.”
To learn more about this volunteer opportunity or other opportunities within our community, please contact HandsOn West Central Ohio at (937) 548-8002, ext. 211, or visit www.handsonwestcentralohio.org. HandsOn West Central Ohio, including Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, is a program of Council on Rural Services. This program receives funding from Darke County United Way, Corporation for National Service, Area Agency on Aging, PSA2, Darke County Commissioners, Lydia E. Shaurer Trust, Harry Stephens Trust, Greenville Rotary Club and the Darke County HOPE Foundation.
Friendly and compassionate volunteers are needed to visit with older adults at Oakley House in Greenville. Chat with an older adult and bring a smile to his or her face by just being yourself! This opportunity, available to volunteers who are at least 16 years old, is available every day of the week.
“Oakley House Assisted Living is a great place to share your time and talents with truly wonderful people,” says Bridget Sharp, Oakley House Residence Director. “If you are looking for a place that cares not only about the residents but also about everyone who walks through our doors, then please think about spending some time with us at Oakley House.”
To learn more about this volunteer opportunity or other opportunities within our community, please contact HandsOn West Central Ohio at (937) 548-8002, ext. 211, or visit www.handsonwestcentralohio.org. HandsOn West Central Ohio, including Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, is a program of Council on Rural Services. This program receives funding from Darke County United Way, Corporation for National Service, Area Agency on Aging, PSA2, Darke County Commissioners, Lydia E. Shaurer Trust, Harry Stephens Trust, Greenville Rotary Club and the Darke County HOPE Foundation.
Photo Club Welcomes New Members
 |
| Darke County Photography Club junior member, Erika Jeffers, named 4-H State Fair Delegate in Photography. |
The DCPC’s last meeting featured a photo critique session conducted by guest photographer Scott Thayer, who teaches photography at Franklin Monroe Schools. The theme for the photos submitted by members for critique was “Fill the Frame”. The critique session was very informative with many suggestions from Scott that the members present found to be helpful.
Announced at the meeting was the news that junior member, Erika Jeffers, has been selected as the 4-H State Fair Delegate to represent Darke County at the Ohio State Fair this summer. This is the second year in a row that she has earned this honor. The club wishes her good luck at the State Fair!
The DCPC sends out an open invitation to new members to join us on the third Tuesday of every month at our 7:30 meeting at the Shawnee Prairie Nature Preserve on Rt 502 just outside of Greenville. Check out our updated website for more details and to see our members’ favorite photos submitted into our members’ gallery at: http://www.darkecountyphotoclub.com.
Last Chance to Jump on Board - Ohio State Fair bus trip August 4th
We'll drop off and pick up at the front gate! Join us for "QFM 96 FAIR ATTITUDE WEDNESDAY." $5.00 admission ALL DAY! Bus leaves Greenville's Kmart at 7:30 am with breakfast muffins, bottled waters, fun games and raffles!
"No traffic hassles, no gas money wasted and no parking fees folks!" Spend the whole day at your own leisure. "Der Dutchman Restaurant" for supper! Barn raising buffet of chicken, roast beef, ham, bread stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, salad bar and homemade desserts. Back to Greenville by 8pm. Cost per person: $38.00
Call now to reserve your seat! (P) 800-530-6019; Carefree Connection Tours - www.carefreeconnectiontours.com
"No traffic hassles, no gas money wasted and no parking fees folks!" Spend the whole day at your own leisure. "Der Dutchman Restaurant" for supper! Barn raising buffet of chicken, roast beef, ham, bread stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, salad bar and homemade desserts. Back to Greenville by 8pm. Cost per person: $38.00
Call now to reserve your seat! (P) 800-530-6019; Carefree Connection Tours - www.carefreeconnectiontours.com
GHS Key Club kicks off summer with Annie Oakley
Support GHS Key Club with its fundraiser car wash Friday from 11 to 3 at Dave Knapp Ford. A great car wash is free, donations gladly accepted.An aggressive summer activity program started with the Greenville High School Key Club’s first appearance in the annual Annie Oakley parade.
Three hundred brochures, plus several bags of candy, were handed out along the parade route and members were excited over the response.
“We’ll need more brochures next year… we ran out. And nearly everyone started reading through them when we gave them to them.”
Next on their list is a fundraiser car wash at Dave Knapp Ford on Friday. Also on their agenda are two cemetery cleanup days in August, followed by service with Greenville Kiwanis at Gate 5 during the Great Darke County Fair.
In addition to the parade, four Key Club members helped clean Eagles Park at Shade Road following the joint DCCA-Eagles Ribs and Blues event earlier this month. This is the first year the Key Club has had such an aggressive summer event schedule.
“This says a lot for our young people,” said Bob Robinson, Kiwanis Board Member and Key Club Advisor. “They are always busy, especially in the summer with sports, vacations, jobs and family obligations. They still have time to serve their community.”
With the addition of several members in recent weeks, Key Club enrollment has passed the 50 mark. The recruiting campaign won’t go into full swing until the fall school semester starts. Key Club officers include Kent Holmes, President, Angela Borgerding, Vice President, Prital Mehta, Secretary, Claire Sherman, Treasurer, and Lacy Hoening, Reporter. GHS Junior Mariah Reitz, Division III Ohio District Lt. Governor, Key Club International, also participates in her local club’s activities and helps provide leadership to the group. Students participating in the Annie Oakley parade were Jenilee Braun, Tracy Bunger, Marlaina Harshbarger, Savannah Harshbarger, Holmes, Mehta, Nicole Noble, Courtney Overton, Reitz, Joshua Schoeff, Sherman and Natasha Swank.
The Key Club expresses its appreciation to Al Greiner for providing his vintage ’56 Ford Pickup, and Tractor Supply Company for the bales of hay used in the parade.
Any Greenville High School student interested in participating in Key Club can contact Holmes at kentholmesproductions@gmail.com or Robinson at robinsonbob615@gmail.com.
250+ for the second Flick on 5th
UPDATE: voting for the final Flick on 5th ends Friday, July 30th at noon. Get in your vote now in the poll to the left (it is a close race this time).
The threat of a thunderstorm slightly dampened the turnout Thursday night for the second installment of the 2010 Flicks on 5th. Still, a great crowd of 250 showed up to watch The Lion King. Thanks to all who showed up, along with the sponsors: Harry D. Stephens Foundation, GTI, Greenville National Bank, Leis Realty, Kiwanis Club of Greenville, Law Office of Jason Aslinger, Buchy Foods, Rep. Jim Zehringer, Steve and Eileen Litchfield, and John and Ginger Warner. And the entire program is made possible by the hard work and dedication of Main Street Greenville.
The threat of a thunderstorm slightly dampened the turnout Thursday night for the second installment of the 2010 Flicks on 5th. Still, a great crowd of 250 showed up to watch The Lion King. Thanks to all who showed up, along with the sponsors: Harry D. Stephens Foundation, GTI, Greenville National Bank, Leis Realty, Kiwanis Club of Greenville, Law Office of Jason Aslinger, Buchy Foods, Rep. Jim Zehringer, Steve and Eileen Litchfield, and John and Ginger Warner. And the entire program is made possible by the hard work and dedication of Main Street Greenville.The final 2010 Flick on 5th will be August 19th, and as with the previous two, DarkeJournal readers will pick the flick. Here are your choices (vote in the poll at the top of this page).
Facing the Giants Rated PG 2006
Hoosiers Rated PG 1987
Free Willy Rated PG 1993
The Karate Kid Rated PG 1984
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Greenville High School Class of 1965 Reunion
Greenville High School Class of 1965, 45th Year Reunion held July 24, 2010, at Romer's in Greenville. 82 attended with 54 being from the honored class. Gloria Mong Brubaker and Duane Edwards coordinated the reunion for this, the first class to attend the "new" Greenville High School for all three of their high school years. Only class members are pictured.
 |
| Front Row 1: Rudy Teaford, Jim Shahan, Steve Van Dine, Jim Steinle Jr, Scott Everhart, Tom Biegel, Jim Ward, Gale Brown, and Ed Cornell. Row 2: John Labig, Kathleen Hart, Shelba Buckingham Fitzgerald, Virginia King Lyons, Lois Enochs, Patty Cable McGlinch, Cindy Marker Ellis, Patty Delaplane Beatty, Patty Corle Hyatt, Sue Hangen Barnette, Betty Cooper Monnin, and Linda Goubeaux Grunow. Row 3: Diane Boyer Rhoades, Nita Overcash Allread, Ann Meyer Teaford, Jane Ann Everhart Wiser, Jana Mason O'Brien, Joyce Goodpaster Ullery, Pam Thompson Anspach, Debbie Eve Price, Judy Hartle Hart, Shirley Besecker Coen, Candy Jones Hill, Maxine Bredeson DeBard, Gloria Mong Brubaker, Sharon O'Brien Bishop, Tammy Haworth Neiswonger, Dee Sparklin Gastineau, Gloria Hosbrook Coulter, Betty Stuck Kingrey, Jo Ellen Johnson (Quickley), and Barbara Bunch Adkins. Back Row 4: Franklin Miller, Ron Neiswonger, Doug Weider, Duane Edwards, Phil Crawford, Duane Hobbs, Ron Enicks, Bruce Ullery, Joe Beatty, Mike Scipio Lehman, Ted Ethel, Joe Katzenberger, Brian Moore, Steve Sink, and Mike Lee Lehman. |
New Madison Chicken Barbecue - August 7, 2010
The second of the two annual chicken barbecues that are sponsored for the benefit of the New Madison Volunteer Fire Department by the New Madison Fire Belles will be held at the firehouse on Saturday, August 7 starting at 11 A.M. and lasting until sold out.
The adult meal consists of a half of chicken, choice of two sides: baked beans, coleslaw, or applesauce, roll and butter, pie, and orange drink or coffee. The child's meal consists of one- fourth of chicken, choice of two sides, roll and butter, pie, and orange drink. Hot dogs and barbecue sandwiches can be purchased also.
Soft drinks will be also be available to purchase.
Cost for an adult meal is $6.50 and the cost for a child's meal is $4.50. A half of chicken can also be purchased for $3.50.
Eat in or carry out is available. There will be no phone-in orders taken or deliveries available.
All proceeds go to help defray the cost of equipment and items for the New Madison Volunteer Fire Department. Thank you for your support!
The adult meal consists of a half of chicken, choice of two sides: baked beans, coleslaw, or applesauce, roll and butter, pie, and orange drink or coffee. The child's meal consists of one- fourth of chicken, choice of two sides, roll and butter, pie, and orange drink. Hot dogs and barbecue sandwiches can be purchased also.
Soft drinks will be also be available to purchase.
Cost for an adult meal is $6.50 and the cost for a child's meal is $4.50. A half of chicken can also be purchased for $3.50.
Eat in or carry out is available. There will be no phone-in orders taken or deliveries available.
All proceeds go to help defray the cost of equipment and items for the New Madison Volunteer Fire Department. Thank you for your support!
Fort GreeneVille Chapter, DAR float wins "Annie's Choice" award
Fort GreeneVille Chapter, DAR won with their float entry in the 2010 Annie Oakley Parade. The DAR float received the "Annie's Choice" category. DAR members pictured are Debbie Nisonger-Vice Regent, Chris Nehring-Regent, Linda Riley, Helen Wright, Doris Aultman-Secretary, and Edith Bertram. There was also a special appearance by 2010 Little Miss Annie Oakley, Lauren Wright.
A Vision for Darke County (by Elizabeth Horner)
When I think of Thomas Edison, I also see Miss Sure Shot and that image of Edison filming Darke County's Annie as she repeatedly took an aim at her targets --- and Annie's motto that practice, practice, and practice will eventually make you hit the bull's eye of success. Thomas Edison himself said that a genius is 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration. Recently, I read an article about Shay LaFollette with big medals around her neck from national and state competitions in high jump, long jump, etc. She described her backyard where she spends much of her time training and practicing for track and field. Recently, there have been articles about the Matt Light Foundation and the campground he is building in Darke County to help kids build their skills and strength and develop their leadership potentials through rigorous activities and practice.
Follow-up on the 5k race for breast cancer awareness (by C.F.)
The annual 5k race for breast cancer was held on July 25. Although it was hot and humid, many courageous families and individuals participated in this worthy cause. According to the American Cancer Society the chance of a woman having invasive breast cancer is 1 in 8. The chance of dying from breast cancer is 1 in 35. Men also can develop breast cancer. About 1,900 men were diagnosed with the disease in 2009. The good news is that more people are surviving breast cancer thanks to early detection and better treatment options. There is more than two and half million breast cancer survivors in the United States.
If ya can't stand the heat....
We do have good news on the way though, cooler weather starting Sunday. Click the badge for ABM's latest blog post.
Greetings from Cameroon (Part 7)
 |
| Where your chocolate comes from: a cocoa tree |
We had a kink in our plans this past week, as Wyatt, my work partner, became sick with malaria. He had been battling a cough for 2 weeks before checking in to the local clinic over a week ago on Saturday. He is fine, he has been using his medicines this week, and is now nearly fully recovered.
This sickness limited what we did this past week, unfortunately. With our other partner, Mark, visiting other ETHOS students placed in Togo, it was just myself who was able to travel. We will have to reschedule our second visit to Ediki Mekoli Mbonge, as we cancelled that trip. But I was able to make a trip to the village of Big Ngbandi this Thursday through Saturday. Settled on the top of the Cameroon Range, you can see for miles from the top of the village. If the term “village” is appropriate, as it is a population of somewhere around 15,000 inhabitants.
The trip brought home to me the importance of farming and the transportation of goods for Cameroonians. Nearly every family farms in this region, and the main cash crop is cocoa. Selling at 1,500 franks per kilogram (roughly $3 per kilo), this product drives the economy from what I can tell. There is much work that can be done on a cocoa farm, from spraying the farm with pesticides, harvesting, and the constant process of drying the cocoa before selling.
However, it is nearly impossible for farmers to sell directly to producers, as the cocoa is passed through several hands. The cocoa is passed from the farmer to the helix truck driver, to Kumba, to the port city of Douala, and then to producers in Europe and/or the United States. With so many hands buying and selling the cocoa, the farmers see very little of the cocoa profits, and the price for cocoa is marked up repeatedly.
The transportation of goods is incredibly difficult in some regions. The road to Big Ngbandi is a dirt road, and it is incredibly rough. The trip is estimated to be about 50 kilometers (about 30 miles), but the trip takes a long time in the rainy season. It took us about eight to nine hours for our trip. You wouldn’t have been able to tell that work had been done on the road just three years ago. Hills are hard to climb without men pushing the vehicle, and the drainage of the roads is nonexistent in many areas, with the trucks diving deep into mud puddles. There are many areas where there trucks will get stuck in ruts deep enough to pin the entire side of the truck in, perhaps 4 feet deep or so.
The road is almost entirely one lane, and if two trucks were to pass by one another, it becomes sort of a dance. Trucks will have to back up or carefully pull off to the side to let the other pass.
I’m constantly amazed at what a helix truck can do with a small army of men determined to push their way through.
Wyatt and I are excited for the next week of our journey, as we will be traveling to Yaoundé and bamenda with the University of Dayton Immersion group. This is a group that spends four weeks touring the country, spending two of those weeks living with a host family in Kumba and working in the city. The trip is promising to be lots of fun, although I’m sure I will get through lots of reading, as we will be in a bus for a long, LONG time.
Until then, short time! (That’s some light pigeon English talk)
by Geoff Holmes, Civil Engineer, FE, Greenville High School and University of Dayton (2010) graduate
Cross-dressers invade Greenville
Oh my! Thirteen men raised awareness for breast cancer Saturday morning by walking down Broadway dressed as WWF wrestlers. Or maybe it was some sort of misguided tribute to Yellow Springs.
In all seriousness, several of these men have loved ones who have battled breast cancer, and it is a nice tribute to see them honoring the ladies in their lives while also supporting good cause.
WHIO has the video via Steve Baker and Brittny McGraw. Note to Brittny: just because the guys are wearing pink feather boas, that doesn't mean you have to as well. Click the image to watch the video [if you dare] .......
In all seriousness, several of these men have loved ones who have battled breast cancer, and it is a nice tribute to see them honoring the ladies in their lives while also supporting good cause.
WHIO has the video via Steve Baker and Brittny McGraw. Note to Brittny: just because the guys are wearing pink feather boas, that doesn't mean you have to as well. Click the image to watch the video [if you dare] .......
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Attention all Non Profit Organizations
Space available for World's Longest Yard Sale - August 5-8th
Prime location on U.S. Rt. 127 - Plenty of parking, restroom and food
RESERVE YOUR SPACE NOW - only $10 per 20'x20' area
Contact: 548-4095, 692-6142, or email: KnowHimNow@gmail.com
Employment Opportunity: Ramco Electric Motors
Please send resumes to: Employment@ramcoelectricmotors.com (www.ramcoelectricmotors.com)
Two Cans of Pop (by Mike Stegall)
Whenever there is a complex problem or a real controversy, the most enjoyable part of the solution to me is trying to put the solution into words that people can relate to. By doing this, I think it makes what I am trying to get across simpler to understand. The biggest controversy in the Greenville area right now is the school bond issue. There is so much emotion on both sides of the argument that sometimes the actual facts get lost. This is a very important subject to a lot of people and needs to be looked at rationally.
The arguments for a new 5th to 8th grade school are obvious to anyone who has been to our schools. They are old, not equipped for the modern era in teaching, contain asbestos, are terribly costly to maintain, and in some cases, dangerous. Even opponents to the bond issue must admit that the buildings are outdated. The opponents to the bond issue normally have two issues with the levy: 1) It will raise taxes in a terrible economy right now for a long time, and 2) A lot of people are on a fixed income and can’t afford any more. Both are extremely good arguments, and true to a degree, but lets take a deep breath and look at both arguments logically and with a cool head.
The first argument is true. Your taxes will go up. How much? Well, if your home is worth $100,000, the amount per year will be $106.78! How did I get that number? I talked to the Auditor’s Office, not the school board. This is how it works out: on a $100,000 home you are only taxed on 35% of the value, or $35,000. The bond is a 2.89 mil plus .5% classroom facility bond, which is required for a total of 3.39 mils. (This is less than the emergency operating levy voted and approved in May of 2009 that took effect in February of this year which was 3.91 mils)! Anyway, $35,000 times 3.39 mils ($35,000x.00339= $118.65.) Now the total is $118.65, but everybody in the district, excluding industry and commercial businesses, gets a 10% rollback on their taxes. So, $118.65 minus the 10% rollback = $106.78.( I know, I know, it’s a lot of numbers, but bear with me!) Now, let’s divide that by 52 weeks in a year and it comes to $2.06 per week! This amount is less than a Big Mac, a pack of cigarettes, one gallon of gas, or two cans of pop per week! Pretty cheap when you break it down like that, isn’t it?
As for the other argument, well if you think about it logically, most people are on a fixed income. What do I mean? Look at it this way: if you get a paycheck every week, like most of us do, then you know how much you are getting every week. You get the same amount all the time. Your income is fixed. It is the same every week, unless of course you are on commission or get overtime. What do you do when something unexpected happens and your paycheck is the same all the time? You do like the rest of us. You make do the best you can! It makes it tougher to get by, but we all manage somehow, don’t we?
I am just like all of you, a property owner who hates paying taxes. Taxes, unfortunately, are a necessary evil. In this case they will provide a new school for our 5th thru 8th graders. I guess you can look at anything and pick it apart. I choose to look at everything in a simple light. So, to me the question for the opponents of the school levy is this: Are the children in the Greenville School District worth two cans of pop a week? I can live without them, and I am sure you can, too.
The arguments for a new 5th to 8th grade school are obvious to anyone who has been to our schools. They are old, not equipped for the modern era in teaching, contain asbestos, are terribly costly to maintain, and in some cases, dangerous. Even opponents to the bond issue must admit that the buildings are outdated. The opponents to the bond issue normally have two issues with the levy: 1) It will raise taxes in a terrible economy right now for a long time, and 2) A lot of people are on a fixed income and can’t afford any more. Both are extremely good arguments, and true to a degree, but lets take a deep breath and look at both arguments logically and with a cool head.
The first argument is true. Your taxes will go up. How much? Well, if your home is worth $100,000, the amount per year will be $106.78! How did I get that number? I talked to the Auditor’s Office, not the school board. This is how it works out: on a $100,000 home you are only taxed on 35% of the value, or $35,000. The bond is a 2.89 mil plus .5% classroom facility bond, which is required for a total of 3.39 mils. (This is less than the emergency operating levy voted and approved in May of 2009 that took effect in February of this year which was 3.91 mils)! Anyway, $35,000 times 3.39 mils ($35,000x.00339= $118.65.) Now the total is $118.65, but everybody in the district, excluding industry and commercial businesses, gets a 10% rollback on their taxes. So, $118.65 minus the 10% rollback = $106.78.( I know, I know, it’s a lot of numbers, but bear with me!) Now, let’s divide that by 52 weeks in a year and it comes to $2.06 per week! This amount is less than a Big Mac, a pack of cigarettes, one gallon of gas, or two cans of pop per week! Pretty cheap when you break it down like that, isn’t it?
As for the other argument, well if you think about it logically, most people are on a fixed income. What do I mean? Look at it this way: if you get a paycheck every week, like most of us do, then you know how much you are getting every week. You get the same amount all the time. Your income is fixed. It is the same every week, unless of course you are on commission or get overtime. What do you do when something unexpected happens and your paycheck is the same all the time? You do like the rest of us. You make do the best you can! It makes it tougher to get by, but we all manage somehow, don’t we?
I am just like all of you, a property owner who hates paying taxes. Taxes, unfortunately, are a necessary evil. In this case they will provide a new school for our 5th thru 8th graders. I guess you can look at anything and pick it apart. I choose to look at everything in a simple light. So, to me the question for the opponents of the school levy is this: Are the children in the Greenville School District worth two cans of pop a week? I can live without them, and I am sure you can, too.
Special offer on pool membership
Greenville Golf Course is offering a SPECIAL pool membership !!
From now until the end of our pool season - August 22nd. A family pool membership for $250. Come enjoy a round of golf and relax at our pool. See you there. Contact Theresa Dunaway. 937.626.9031
From now until the end of our pool season - August 22nd. A family pool membership for $250. Come enjoy a round of golf and relax at our pool. See you there. Contact Theresa Dunaway. 937.626.9031
Friday, July 23, 2010
SCHOOL BOND ISSUE & PROMOTING READING TO YOUNG KIDS AT YMCA
Eleventh grade student of Greenville City Schools, Elizabeth Horner who is an advocate for youth skill development, particularly programs that promote reading and writing to young people, speaks out on why it is important to build a new school building for Grades 5-8. She did a video of her thoughts on the issue which can be viewed here. In the video, this student talks about what happened when she attended fifth grade after her parents received a letter that Woodland Heights ended its open-enrollment policy. Horner had to attend South School instead. While Horner was originally worried about being friendless and out of place among peers in her new school, she quickly dismissed those fears as pointless, but found other things that bothered her. Horner, who is considered an advanced student who can tackle college-level curriculum said, "I had to work harder to feel enthused to study".
Horner stated that she learned and studied spelling in the hallway "because I read a lot and I learned words and their spelling beyond a fifth grade level. So, I had to select the words I wanted to learn from week to week ... and I used them in sentences and tested my self in spelling...in a little square space in the hallway outside my homeroom door."
She also wanted to show Greenville residents where the advanced students worked. She stated that all the other school buildings that she visited have better accommodations.
"But the biggest challenge for me was if I needed to use the bathroom! I had to make the long trek down to the basement from the third floor of the building. There were several times I almost tripped on the staircase because I knew I only had a few minutes to go down and back up and be on time for my next class."
Annual Pilgrimage to gravesite of Annie Oakley
On Thursday evening, July 22, in her first official duty as the 2010 Miss Annie Oakley, Ruby Jo Walls, aided by the 2009 Miss Annie Oakley, Leah Metzcar, and 2010 Little Miss Annie Oakley, Lauren Wright, honored the legacy of Annie Oakley by placing a memorial wreath at her gravesite in Brock Cemetery. This annual ceremony during the Annie Oakley Festival honors our most famous Darke County daughter, Phoebe Ann Moses. Other attendees at the wreath laying ceremony included Annie historian and interpreter, Loretta Jones, 2010 1st runner-up, Terah Colby, 2nd runner-up, Molly Magoto, great-grandnieces of Annie, Joan Dowler and Bonnie Perry, and Garst Museum director, Penny Perry.
 |
| Left to Right: Leah Metzcar, Lauren Wright, Ruby Jo Walls |
Midnight screening of "Salt" at Wayne
Thank you to the 22 DarkeJournal readers who showed up last night for the midnight screening of "Salt" at Wayne Cinema. Hopefully, everybody had a great time and enjoyed their free ticket.
To the handful of people who came and paid for their own ticket: you should read DarkeJournal more often.
To the handful of people who came and paid for their own ticket: you should read DarkeJournal more often.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Photography Art on Display at Annie Oakley Days
Winners of the Annie Oakley Festival Photography and Arts Contest will be recognized during the awards ceremony, Thursday evening at 6pm in the Fine Arts Building. There are 11 categories in art and photography as well as a coloring contest for ages four to nine.
All works will be on display during the festival and the winners work will be on display in window displays on Broadway in downtown Greenville following the festival.
Be sure to visit the AO web site at: http://www.annieoakleyfestival.org.
All works will be on display during the festival and the winners work will be on display in window displays on Broadway in downtown Greenville following the festival.
Be sure to visit the AO web site at: http://www.annieoakleyfestival.org.
Greenville 5k run & pink mile men walk - Saturday
Steve Baker previews the race and walk. Click on the image [oh, that's not right] ...
CITY WAIVES GARAGE SALE PERMIT FOR WORLD’S LONGEST YARD SALE
To expose yard-sale enthusiasts and flea market aficionados to Greenville, the county seat of Darke County, the 127 Business Route will be featured during the World’s Longest Yard Sale, August 5 – 8, 2010.
Traveling from north to south, the 127 Business Route begins on Greenville Celina Road travels into town on Wagner Avenue to East Main Street around the traffic circle onto South Broadway and then right onto Washington Avenue. The route continues on Pine Street, left onto Sweitzer Street and back to US 127 via St. Rt. 49 south.
With the majority of this route being within the city limits, Greenville City Council agreed to waive the garage sale permit ordinance for this event.
If you are interested in holding a yard sale on US 127 or on the 127 Business Route, and would like your sale highlighted on Facebook and the internet at www.127saleohio.com, please contact the Darke County Visitors Bureau at (937) 548-5158 or deannayork@embarqmail.com.
Traveling from north to south, the 127 Business Route begins on Greenville Celina Road travels into town on Wagner Avenue to East Main Street around the traffic circle onto South Broadway and then right onto Washington Avenue. The route continues on Pine Street, left onto Sweitzer Street and back to US 127 via St. Rt. 49 south.
With the majority of this route being within the city limits, Greenville City Council agreed to waive the garage sale permit ordinance for this event.
If you are interested in holding a yard sale on US 127 or on the 127 Business Route, and would like your sale highlighted on Facebook and the internet at www.127saleohio.com, please contact the Darke County Visitors Bureau at (937) 548-5158 or deannayork@embarqmail.com.
"Till Death Do We Part"
“Not wanting to become another failure at being a wife, I became lost in all the abuse just to be a part of the marriage. Over the next year I discovered many new things. Things that I wish I would have never learned about… things that bring shame to me even now when I think about it.” she sighs.
Come hear this powerful lead on Friday, July 30, at 7:00 pm at the regular Friday night support group meeting. If you are a family member, teenager, or the person suffering an addiction we invite you to come.
Hope in Recovery meets every Tuesday afternoon from 2:00 – 3:00 pm, and every Friday night from 7:00 – 8:15 pm. Hope-a-non and Hope for Teens also meet every Friday night from 7:00 – 8:15 pm. Meetings are held at the First Presbyterian Church, 114 E. 4th Street, Greenville.
Hope in Recovery is not limited to only the addictions of drugs or alcohol. If you or someone you know is struggling, please call 548-9006, or just show up.
Come hear this powerful lead on Friday, July 30, at 7:00 pm at the regular Friday night support group meeting. If you are a family member, teenager, or the person suffering an addiction we invite you to come.
Hope in Recovery meets every Tuesday afternoon from 2:00 – 3:00 pm, and every Friday night from 7:00 – 8:15 pm. Hope-a-non and Hope for Teens also meet every Friday night from 7:00 – 8:15 pm. Meetings are held at the First Presbyterian Church, 114 E. 4th Street, Greenville.
Hope in Recovery is not limited to only the addictions of drugs or alcohol. If you or someone you know is struggling, please call 548-9006, or just show up.
Tomato talk (Darke County Extension Office)
After attending a church picnic this weekend and hearing all the latest garden gossip, this week’s column is about tomatoes. “Mr. Extension Educator, my tomatoes are dying. What is wrong?” That seems to be a common question these days. My response to that question every single time is, “how are they dying?” There are many diseases and nutrient deficiencies that affect tomatoes, and many of these can also affect other fruits and vegetables in the garden. It is important to know what disease you have and where it came from, so you can stop it!
DAVE'S DIGGITY DOG FESTIVAL & A TRIP TO THE OHIO STATE FAIR
Everyone enjoyed Tipp City and Mercer County K-9 unit demos, Special Guest Russell Rex and his Flyball Dogs, wiener dog races, doggie contests and more... The Darke County Humane Society adopted lovable pets to good homes as the Animal Shelter took in donations throughout the day.
We would like to thank the Greenville City Dept., Police Dept., EMT's and the Doseck, Voigt, Cross and Flory family for volunteering their time. To check out festival photos or order a festival t-shirt, please visit our website at www.diggitydogfest.com. We're in the works for planning the 2nd Annual Doggie Festival in September/October of 2011.
Carefree Connection Bus Tours is planning one more fun summer event for our community! Take a day trip to the OHIO STATE FAIR on August 4th! We'll drop off and pick up at the front gate. $5.00 admission all day! VIP motor coach leaves Greenville's Kmart @ 7:30 am with breakfast muffins, bottled water, fun games and raffles! "No traffic hassles, no gas money wasted and NO parking fees for our Buckeyes!" Spend the whole day @ your own leisure. "Der Dutchman" for supper. Back to Greenville by 8pm. Only $38/person! Call 800-530-6019 to reserve your seat or visit us at www.carefreeconnectiontours.com.
The Legendary Annie Oakley Sidewalks Sales - July 22-24
This 48 year old tradition highlights KitchenAid Experience with their insane deals on KitchenAid gadgets and countertop appliances. You can wait in line for them to open at 8 am to be one of the first 200 shoppers to receive a free gift.
Come back to this post Wednesday, July 14 when downtown specials will be listed.
Info from the Main Street Greenville blog.
*Special* news alert for DJ and facebook readers
Today the Cowboys will invade Downtown Broadway in Greenville.
A group of cowboys will walk from the south,
Another group from the north,
And when they meet in front of the courthouse,
All **** will break loose and we will see a shootout.
11am to 2pm. Shootout will occur in front of the courthouse.
A group of cowboys will walk from the south,
Another group from the north,
And when they meet in front of the courthouse,
All **** will break loose and we will see a shootout.
11am to 2pm. Shootout will occur in front of the courthouse.
Midnight screening for the opening of "Salt" ... first 20 DJ readers get in free!
The new Angelina Jolie blockbuster "Salt" opens nationally this Friday. Wayne Cinemas will have a special midnight screening Thursday night (or 12:01 a.m. Friday to be precise).
As a thank you to the readers of this website, the first 20 people who show up at Wayne Cinemas and mention DarkeJournal.com will get in free. Here are the rules: the free tickets will be given to those who are in line at 11:30 p.m. Thursday night or who show up afterward. 20 tickets total - first come, first served. You have to mention DarkeJournal.com to get your ticket. And you must be 18 to get a free ticket. This is a public screening by Wayne, so if you do not get a free ticket, you can still buy a ticket and see the national debut of "Salt" before anyone else.
As a thank you to the readers of this website, the first 20 people who show up at Wayne Cinemas and mention DarkeJournal.com will get in free. Here are the rules: the free tickets will be given to those who are in line at 11:30 p.m. Thursday night or who show up afterward. 20 tickets total - first come, first served. You have to mention DarkeJournal.com to get your ticket. And you must be 18 to get a free ticket. This is a public screening by Wayne, so if you do not get a free ticket, you can still buy a ticket and see the national debut of "Salt" before anyone else.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)