 |
February 21, 2013
Thank
you for Paul
Deb Shiverdecker
Editor:
I really like the column by Victor Hanson today and I am thrilled that
you are working with Mr. Ackley. He is a high school friend of mine. He
is so exceptionally talented and has done so much promotion for this
community and for charitable causes that no one pays attention to. He
may have his detractors (don’t we all?), but sometimes people miss the
good stuff that he does. He understands and knows a lot more than
anyone gives him credit for. He is a community treasure that not
everyone truly recognizes. You are doing a great job, Bob. Thank you.
Deborah S. Shiverdecker
Greenville
***
January 23, 2013
Thank
you to Rachel
Hedrick
Dave Miller
Editor:
The VFW and American Legion would like to thank Rachel Hedrick for the
great half time show at the Versailles-Ft. Recovery basketball game.
Rachel is a Versailles student and cheerleader. She and her
friends have taken on the task of collecting donations for the Wound
Warrior Project. She has had some fundraisers and intends to continue
fundraising for our soldiers who have been wounded while in service to
their Country. She intends to have some programs this poultry
day... Read More
***
January 1, 2013
Thank
you for a great
article
Seth Thomas
Dear George Starks,
It is great to read articles like the one you wrote about the
Tri-Village girls basketball team. The article was special
because not only did you mention our top players but also the rest of
the team. I am Shaye Thomas's brother but love to see the
rest of
the team get credit because without them this season wouldn't be
possible. Thanks for this great article!
With gratitude,
Seth Thomas
***
January 1, 2013
Thank
you from the
Fish Mitten Tree Project
Marilyn Delk, Fish volunteer
Dear friends,
Thanks to the generous spirit of the people of our community, the Fish
Mitten Tree has once again provided mittens and gloves to warm the
hands and hearts of children enrolled in Darke County Head Start
programs. This hearty demonstration of the true spirit of Christmas
which lingers long beyond December 25th is very much appreciated.
Special gratitude goes to Aaron and Michele Cox and their staff at
Montage in Greenville, and Judy Fourman and her crew at Arcanum’s Ben
Franklin Store who watched over the trees in their places of
business... Read More
***
December 21, 2012
Thank
you for your
support
As we celebrate the birth of Christ this Christmas season, we would
like to thank all of those who have supported the Cancer Association of
Darke County. With your generous donations and support, we
have
been able to help the cancer patients of Darke County make a tough time
a little more bearable.
We wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas & a prosperous New
Year!
The Cancer Association of Darke County
***
December 5, 2012
Speaker of the House of Representatives
The
Honorable John
Boehner
From Dennis Forte
I know, as most of my fellow voters do, in campaigns, promises are made
(including a gift of the moon) for the peoples' vote. And all
politicians claim that they will represent those that elected them.
Funny thing though after being elected (not so much) all too soon most
of those elected forget that they work for "We The People"... Read More
***
November 28, 2012
Thanks,
George
Mike Griffin
This is Mike Griffin, Garrett Griffin’s dad. I read the very nice
article on this website about our game National Trail versus Ansonia
this past season. I remember you covering our GYFL pee wee games, and
while we left Greenville, it is still nice to see some people
recognized the good I/WE did there. I just wanted to say thanks! Good
luck with the basketball season!
Mike Griffin
CNO Reader
***
November 27, 2012
Greenville
a great
place
Hi Bob:
Hope all is well with you. I read your piece on the Hometown Holiday
Parade and saw the pictures--great stuff. Thanks for that, and for all
you've done for the community over the years. I submitted my Daily
Advocate column (to appear in tomorrow's edition) on Wednesday, but
it's almost as if we wrote from the same script. I so agree with your
sentiments, and am working relatively hard on transmitting the values
you expressed and my own to my kids. It's an uphill climb, but well
worth the effort. Like you, I love Greenville and the people and
traditions that make it a great place to live and learn and grow.
Thanks again,
Tim Swensen
Greenville
***
November 25, 2012
Editor:
There’s
always a
critic… As for me, I just stay grumpy
D. D. Forte
At the horse parade, my wife thought all entries were supposed to have
lights!? While I was more concerned about having a color guard with an
American Flag to start any parade... The GHS band was there, would it
have been too much to invite the GHS ROTC color guard to be at the
start of the event? Maybe the American Legion and/or the V.F.W. could
have... Read More
***
October 23, 2012
What
would the Darke
Knight think?
D.D. Forte
There I was, on my way, for my monthly pro-time test at M.V. in Dayton,
and the closer I got , it became very clear a gallon of gas had went
down by one dollar at several stations. Wow, just two weeks before
Nov.6 th! Surely no connection to help B.O.'s current poor voter
polling in Ohio. Just coincidence, I'm sure, and every fall
the
demand for gas goes down Righttttt! As if that wasn't disgusting
enough, I couldn't help think, if big oil wanted to make a real
difference for poor working families, drop gas by two dollars- where it
should be anyway. Of course, our current dollar buys so much less
today, plus we now have an excess of new printed dollars thanks to
gentle Ben & our central bank... Read More
***
September 18, 2012
Response
to
“Beneficiaries of our Actions”
Christina Chalmers
Editor:
We appreciate all the years that Paul has contributed to the newspaper.
His decision to resign was not ours, but strictly his. We have no issue
with editorial opinions and together, Paul and the newspaper have
collaborated on many 'controversial' cartoons over the years. The
difficult part is that the newspaper as a whole did not agree that a
single team of students should be targeted or students at all for that
matter. There are many reasons for this beyond the obvious one of
targeting young people. I feel that our editorial (published in The
Daily Advocate) addressed our thoughts on this matter. This feeling was
expressed to Paul prior to the drawing of the cartoon. We are accepting
all responsibility for the situation that played out, because the
cartoon was not turned down for submission prior to its publication.
Christina Chalmers, Editor
The Daily Advocate
CNO Editor’s Note: The Robinson column was inaccurate on one point and
should be clarified. Paul Ackley’s resignation was turned in on Monday,
while the Advocate editorial wasn’t printed until Tuesday. The column
erroneously said the opposite. We apologize for the error and the
confusion it may have caused. One plus of online publishing is that
errors can be corrected. This has been done. Editor.
|
August 24, 2012
In
Appreciation to
the Greenville City Council
Carol Engelken
Editor:
This is the first time I have ever written a letter to the editor, but
I really want to thank some people for all the work they did in
researching things and for taking into consideration what the citizens
of the City of Greenville want and need.
Trilogy had made application to the Zoning Board for the rezoning of
land at the corner of East Russ Road and State Route 121 for using that
corner to build a new nursing home that will include many other uses at
that location. What they will be building will be a beautiful
complex that will really enhance that corner at Russ Road and State
Route 121. It will make a... Read More
***
August 24, 2012
Questions
regarding
proposed fire department reductions
Patrick Barga
Members of Greenville City Council,
First of all, let me express my thanks for City Council’s recent
approval of the re-zoning request on behalf of Trilogy Health
Services. Hopefully, this care center will be an asset to our
community for many years to come. I believe that this
re-evaluation is very significant as it demonstrates that the council
is willing to accept valid input from the community and respond to the
will of the people... Read More
***
August 17, 2012
Two
City Council
issues under consideration
Patrick Barga
Editor:
Letter to Members of Greenville City Council,
I am sending this to identify my concerns with two of the issues
currently before City Council.
Issue 1: Police/Fire Personnel Reduction
I am certainly aware of current financial issues at all levels of local
government and am especially confused about our governor’s reluctance
to share some of the large state surplus that was created to some
degree by the funds that have... Read More
***
August 17, 2012
More
on the Possible
Greenville Layoffs
Amy Fashner
Editor:
First, I agree with Mr. Barga and all of his comments.
Another interesting point to be made was the passing of Issue 10
several years ago for public safety. This was passed on the
backs
of the Fire Department. Local 1101 spearheaded the campaign
to
pass this legislation. This was... Read More
***
August 9, 2012
Obama’s
Green Policy
Accomplishments
By Al Bliss
Editor:
“You didn’t build that, someone else did that. Someone (government)
gave you help along the way.” Barack Obama, who has never built a thing
and has lived off the government and other peoples’ work all of his
life.
Below are examples of companies that really were built with government
help. This is what happens in business when you depend on help from the
government... Read More
***
August 6, 2012
I
enjoyed a great
meal at Chick-Fil-A
Dennis Forte
Editor:
On Wednesday August 1, I drove 40 minutes and sat in line another 40
minutes to have a chicken sandwich, waffle fries and a peach milkshake.
Thank you Chick-Fil-A, that was the best fast food I’ve had to date.
That being said, my Archie Bunker-ness does have its limits (I’ll
explain). There is a time and place for everything. I did not return on
August 3 (to Chick-Fil-A) for the “Kiss In.” If for some unknown
reason... Read More
***
July 24, 2012
NCAA
gutted PSU’s
football program
S. D. Olling
Editor:
I’m impressed with the president of the NCAA. When I heard on
the
news last night that the “death penalty” was probably not going to
happen to PSU’s football program, I feared that the program would get a
bye. Not so, thankfully. PSU has had the chance to
respond
to this mess (perhaps voluntarily suspending its football program for a
period of time?) but did nothing. Due to the apparent
inaction or
inability of the university’s leadership, the NCAA has gutted their
program to the point that... Read More
***
July 16, 2012
Obama
attack on Romney, Bain Capital false, misleading
Tom Subler
Editor:
False and misleading accusations are being made by the Obama campaign
about Bain Capital and Mr. Romney. I know FROM EXPERIENCE they’re
false.From June 1987 until March 2006, I was in New England every two
weeks calling on every major manufacturer. From the mid 1970s our
company, Carl Subler Trucking transported truckload shipments of paper
and paper products from all of New England to the US. Teamster Union
issues caused us to sell part of CSTI in June 1987 to a major non-union
carrier called Heartland Express who now operates over 4,000 power
units. As VP of National Accounts for Heartland I personally called on
every truckload shipper in New England and many here in the midwest.
Ampad (aka American Pad and Paper) and Staples were two of those accts
and both are (were) headquartered in Mass.. Read More
***
July 7, 2012
Thank
you, Dr.
Parmigian. I wish you the best.
Elizabeth Horner
Dr. Parmigian
I want to take this opportunity to thank and wish Dr. Guy Parmigian my
very best as Superintendent of Benton-Caroll-Salem. I have
developed great respect for him because I truly believe that he’s one
of those “who is not afraid to carefully and respectfully listen to the
concerns of students”. One of his parting pieces of advice to
the
future Director of Career –Tech is, “If you make a mistake – apologize
--- and be a role model for students and teachers because they are
always looking to you to set the expectations.” I say, those are part
of great qualities of a Superintendent.
I remember Dr. Parmigian taking the time to write to me in response to
an article I wrote about “My School, the Greenville City School”. He is
one of those administrators that I feel, regardless of who you are,
treats students with dignity and respect. My best wishes to you, Dr.
Parmigian!
Elizabeth Horner
Class of 2012,
Greenville High School Salutatorian
***
July 1, 2012
To the Greenville City Council... Vote
Yes on the Zoning change for Trilogy
Betty Birt
Editor:
I can’t wrap my head around the thought process that the Zoning
Commission used in creating obstacles for a company that wants to bring
70 full time and 30-40 part time jobs to a Community that has a 7.3%
unemployment rate(Darke County/April). Do any of the members
of
the Commission drive down Wagner or Russ Road and just casually observe
the empty, abandoned buildings? (Bob Evans, shame on you for
allowing your former establishment to sit boarded-up, unsightly and
unkempt, while continuing to profit from our Community.) The
former China Buffet and video store offer space for your coveted dining
and retail. Can’t the Zoning Board envision that by allowing
the
zoning change this will allow this land to be
developed.
Jobs be... Read More
***
March 26, 2012
Sportshow:
Thank you
Darke County
Bob:
Thank You for the mention of the Sportshow. We had a GREAT weekend for
it weather wise. We had a very nice crowd, a lot of Praise goes to
Galen Blosser and Jerry Bunch, these two gentlemen stepped forward and
helped us jump start this show again. A different set of eyes, ideas,
thoughts sure made a big difference. The Darke County Sheriffs Patrol
Thanks not only the citizens of this GREAT County for coming out and
supporting us, but a GIANT THANK YOU to Galen and Jerry who put a lot
of time and effort in what was a TERRIFIC show. Thank You for all your
kind words and support also.
Scott Riffle
***
March 15, 2012
Greenville School District
Thank
you!
We would like to express sincere gratitude to the voters in our school
district who voted positively to pass the Renewal Levy. The Classified
staff, Certified staff and Administration along with the Board of
Education appreciate your vote that will allow us to continue and
improve our methods of educating our students. We appreciate everyone
who took an extra step forward for our district.
Greenville Board of Education
Sue Bowman, Pres.
Cindy Scott, V.P.
Jim Sommer
Ben Studabaker
Fred Matix
***
March 5, 2012
Thank
you basketball
sponsors
Nicole Harrison, Greenville Schools Foundation
The Greenville Schools Foundation thanks all the businesses who
supported our sponsorship program at the Greenville High School home
Basketball games this season. The donation amount was based
on
the number of three-point field goals scored by Greenville, with a
minimum amount of at least $100 being donated by each sponsor.
We thank the following businesses who sponsored the Boys’ Basketball
games: Greenville National Bank, Wayne Hospital, Rod Drew with Drew Ag
Transport, Jim Gable with State Farm Insurance, Second National Bank,
Leis Realty, Hansbarger’s Home Solutions and Hittle
Pontiac-Buick-GMC... Read More
***
March 1, 2012
No
on Issue 1
Dennis D. Forte
Editor:
While at my mother-in-laws house today, Wednesday 2-29-12, I looked
through her Advocate newspaper. There on page 4, in the letters to the
editor, was support for Greenville schools, from the Greenville school
board.
Do not misunderstand me, schools need support, now more than ever! But
the thing I take exception to is the listing about the levy was for a
renewal. Renewal: 1 the act of renewing. 2 the state of being... Read More
***
February 18, 2012
The
fools who made
him president
Editor,
I offer the following political commentary, specific author unknown:
Some people have the vocabulary to sum up things in a way that you can
quickly understand them. This quote came from the Czech Republic.
Someone over there has it figured out. It was translated into
English from an article in the Prague newspaper Prager Zeitungon on
4/28/10.
“The danger to America is not Barack Obama, but a citizenry capable of
entrusting a man like him with the Presidency. It will be far
easier to limit and undo... Read More
***
February 15, 2012
Response
to John Q.
Taxpayer
Dear Mr. Taxpayer,
Thank you for the letter that you sent to County News online.
It
is what we commissioners hoped would happen, people asking questions
and finding out what we intend to do. This subject is of
vital
importance to the county we believe, but it seems to be on the back
burners in Columbus. We are told there will be a solution,
but
what will that be? At this time, nobody knows, and we don’t want to
wait until the last minute to be told it is our problem.
Therefore, we have decided to take a proactive stance and try to
alleviate the problem without the help of Columbus, but with the help
of the Darke County citizens... Read More
***
February 14, 2012
Proposed
Sales Tax Hike
Mr. Robinson,
After reading your blog piece on the County’s proposed sales tax hike,
I would offer a few comments:
There
has been much revisionist history about the jail, like the statement
“It was built to last 25 years, and it has cast iron pipes.” I’m sure
the local officials who approved the design would disagree, and I guess
some people today think... Read More
***
February 1, 2012
Thank
you from Coach
Davidson
On behalf of the entire Versailles Bowling Program, I would like to
thank the Versailles Eagles Ladies Auxiliary #2347 for hosting the
Breakfast at the Eagles on Sunday, January 29th. This past Sunday was
absolutely incredible and blew away our 2010 Breakfast. The support
from our community to help support our self-funded Bowling Program was
unreal.
For those of you that came out Sunday morning to make this a huge
success, THANK YOU! Even with the... Read More
***
January 9, 2012
DeWine
should stay;
Kasich must go
Editor:
Kevin DeWine needs to stay and John Kasich must go.
John Kasich has proven himself to be an easily manipulated coward as he
refuses to stand up against those who deliberately put thousands of
children (including his very own daughters) in danger with several
known repeat child molesters at Worthington Christian Schools (WCS).
See the web page ‘Cowardice Is Contagious’ at www.ABCsOfBetrayal.com/Cowardice.htm.
See also reports from the Columbus Dispatch as follows:
Some Schools Keep Records Private, click here
Ex-Coach Guilty in Wisconsin, click here
Thank you,
Submitted by Tim Ball
Powell, Ohio
For Informed & Concerned Citizens for Children and Consumers
ICC4CC@aol.com
Editor:
County News
Online has not verified the information provided at the referenced
website, nor does it endorse the comments that have been published. CNO
has, however, verified the Columbus Dispatch links. The opinions
expressed remain solely the views of the individual submitting them.
***
January 4, 2012
Bow
to the god of
college football, if you must...
I wasn’t going to write during all of this bowl nonsense, but a couple
things came to my attention. I really tried to pull my tongue
out
of my cheek, but it didn’t work very well.
OSU’s former football coach made the Tank McNamara comic strip today.
http://www.gocomics.com/tankmcnamara/2012/01/02
Christine Brennan, who writes for USA Today, is a voice of reason in
the world of out-of-control college athletics, particularly college
football.
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/columnist/brennan/story/2011-12-28/a-year-of-scandal-mars-2011-in-college-sports/52259180/1
On my way home from work, I heard that the Nittany Kittens lost rather
badly (shoulda stayed home), and Buckeye Nut U also didn’t score as
many points as their opponent in the NCAA Sanctioned Bowl. A
team
that finishes at or close to .500 should not be invited to a bowl,
unless they somehow manage to win their conference title.
This
would eliminate a number of goofy bowls that have sprung up over the
years.
Remember when the bowl season ended on 01 Jan? New Year’s Day
started with the Cotton Bowl and then the Sugar Bowl. The
Rose
Bowl kicked off at 1600 hours, and the Orange Bowl started at 2000
hours. Unfortunately, money talks. Too loudly, it
seems,
with the result that the bowl season will continue to grind on until
almost mid-month; and mediocrity is rewarded.
Susan Olling
***
January 4, 2012
Christmas
Feast a
Success
To the Editor,
On behalf of First United Methodist Church I want to thank all of the
kind and generous folks who gave of their time and/or money to help
make FUMC’s 2nd Annual Community Christmas Feast a huge
success. On Christmas Day FUMC hosted approximately
100 -
120 diners who ate a grand Feast of turkey, ham, stuffing,
gravy,
cheesy potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole,
coleslaw, rolls, punch, coffee, milk, cookies, cakes, and
pies.
Over 40 workers from FUMC, EUM, Trinity Wesleyan, Greenville Church of
the Brethren, and elsewhere helped to contribute and put together the
meal, and then cleaned up afterward. Much appreciation goes
to
Eikenberry’s IGA for providing the ham. Finally, a special
Thank
You also to proprietor Mark Davis who left his home and family on
Christmas morning to open the store at 11 AM so
that we
could have our potato rolls. Someone -- OK, yours truly --
forgot
to pick them up on Christmas Eve, so he saved me (that didn’t keep me
from getting razzed about it, however! J).
Greenville has some very giving people. Thank You.
Rev. Joe Payne
First United Methodist Church
Greenville
***
December 8, 1011
Check
your facts
Hi again,
Mr. Starks should check his facts before publishing. He
writes in
his piece today “I think Meyer will be a good fit at The Ohio State
University, especially since he played there.” Urban Meyer
didn’t
wear scarlet and grey; he played football at the University of
Cincinnati. He was a graduate assistant coach at OSU (a far
cry
from playing for OSU).
Please let him know that readers pay attention.
Thanks.
Susan Olling
***
November 13, 2011
From Susan Olling...
What
in the world is
Mr. Starks thinking?
Mr. Starks,
I read your piece this morning, and I’m still trying to figure out
where you’ve been all week. Distilling everything, Mr.
Paterno
put the the football program ahead of the safety of children; and he
had to go.
His action in “taking responsibility” should have been to resign
immediately rather than retiring at season’s end. May I
suggest
that you read (or re-read) Mr. Paterno’s retirement announcement which
was the height of arrogance. He apparently forgot who was in
charge and essentially told his bosses to move on to other things since
he had made the decision as to when he would retire. However,
he
lost the “right” to retire his way when the poo hit the whirling blade
last weekend... Read More
***
November 12, 2011
From Dick Detrick...
Re...
Joe Paterno
George,
You’re on the wrong side of the Patreno firing. Everyone who
enabled that pedophile to continue his preying on children should be
removed from their authority. Joe did a lot of good things
but
you will see the error of your opinion as this scandal
unfolds.
You do good work but you did miss this one.
I like the County News.
Dick Detrick
***
October 23, 2011
From Al Greiner, Greenville...
Democrat
vs Democratic
Editor,
I would like to correct an error repeated hundreds of times a day, and
perhaps uncountable times over the last few decades. This has
been done by many educated persons who should know better, but have
forgotten their civics and U.S. history lessons. The issue is
the
use of the word democratic when the speaker/writer is referring to the
Democrat Party or someone who belongs to it. Politicians and
TV
news anchors are especially guilty of this misuse.
The Webster’s Dictionary that I have defines democratic as “of,
belonging to, or upholding democracy or a democracy, that is, a
government in which the people hold the ruling power... Read More
***
October 5, 2011
State Representative Jim Buchy…
Jesse
Green’s Work
Ethic Garners my Support to be Darke County Municipal Court Judge
Jesse Green should be the next municipal court judge in Darke
County. As a business owner I hire the best
employees.
Jesse has real world experience that has led him around the world
practicing law and defending his country. His bar
qualifications
show that Darke County would be getting a bargain to have him on the
bench.
I have witnessed first hand Jesse’s work ethic. At the Darke
County Fair I watched his work with the local voters. He is
diligent and in my years in this business I have never seen a candidate
work as hard for election as Jesse does. It is clear Jesse
Green
is a public servant at the core and he wants to serve us... Read More
***
August 1, 2011
World's
Largest Farce
By Susan Olling
Editor:
We’re watching the world’s largest farce playing out 20 miles
away. It has 536 stars and a supporting cast of millions who
voted these 536 into office. As an independent who didn’t
vote
for any of them, I’m holding my nose as I watch all this. Why the
apparent refusal to compromise? No one’s going to get
everything
they want out of this. These people clearly have forgotten
their
country’s history. The US Constitution wasn’t a perfect
document,
but it was signed and ratified, and the experiment was
started.
Benjamin Franklin, among others, would be appalled at what’s happened
to this country... Read More
***
July 27, 2011
Letter the Editor, Dayton Daily News...
Uniquely
Poor
Journalism
By Al Bliss
July 25, 2011
The Dayton Daily News July 24, 2011 article on page E-1 with a header
of ECONOMY was extremely successful in stimulating a rant to promptly
and loudly address the presentation that so strongly wrote the biased
position of the Federal and State Departments of Energy regarding the
alternate energy values and wonderful successes. Before continuing, the
author should have verified the alleged job creation and the forecast
reduction of fossil fuels. These same rosy future results were heralded
as viable expectations in Denmark, Spain and the Netherlands. Please
spend a minute or two checking what are the actual results in just
those three countries and then write your article about the probable
results. The last item in the article is of significance to many
taxpayers but based on its’ location, the author (Steve Bennish) of the
article, apparently considers the end of the article an appropriate
place that will probably be skipped by most readers... Read More
***
July 24, 2011
Re:
Increasing taxes
on the ultra wealthy...
Kurt Fritsch
Dear Dr. Reier,
Referring to your “Letter to Mr. Obama,” published on CNO, I must admit
that basically you would be right in your reasoning and in encouraging
Mr. Obama to increase taxes on the ultra wealthy....
... if there wouldn’t be several problems:
1) the folks you mentioned belong to the group (of ultra wealthy
people) of Obama’s greatest supporters (funds as well as in the usage
of Internet and Social Media in the 2008 campaign)... Read More
***
July 23, 2011
Increasing
taxes on
the ultra wealthy
Charles E. Reier MD
TO: President Barack Obama
July 20, 2011
Subject: Necessity of increasing taxes on ultra wealthy
individuals: If low taxes are good, why has the 21st century been so
disastrous for the country as a whole while simultaneously spawning a
new class of multi-billionaires?
Dear Mr. President,
As a lifetime Republican millionaire at age 76, I urge that you not
depart from your commitment to increase taxes on the ultra wealthy to
levels approaching historic norms.
Who are Larry Page, Sergey Brin, Geoff Yang, and Mark Zuckerberg? They
are a group of young men hardly out of their tennis shoes that have
made excessive fortunes on the Internet that was built by the United
States Defense Department with hard earned American tax dollars at a
time when they were in grade school... Read More
***
July 9, 2011
White
House Rural
Council
Al Bliss
All Darke County Residents:
I believe that we in Darke County truly qualify as a part of rural
America. This is July 8, 2011 and until yesterday July 7, 2011, I did
not know that the President had issued an Executive Order (EO)
pertaining to Rural America. I have included a copy of the EO
below with the addition of the individuals in the offices identified in
the EO for your information.
You are probably wondering why I am bothering with this and what
difference this EO makes or could make. Because of the importance of
this document and the fact that it was issued a month ago with
absolutely no fanfare... Read More
***
June 23, 2011
To All Darke County Voters/Taxpayers/Homeowners and County
Commissioners
Transfer
Tax/Conveyance Fee
Reference: Monday June 20, 2011 Darke County Commissioner’s Meeting
An improved name for the subject Tax/Fee has been suggested and will be
used subsequently. The appropriate name [my opinion] is the STEALTH
TAX. The reason that this is meaningful is that to date, no one asked
has any idea that this tax even exists. So STEALTH TAX it is.
The comprehensive report by Bob Robinson in the County News Online was
detailed and professionally done. Kudos to Bob for a job well done... Read More
***
June 19, 2011
Letter
to the
Commissioners
Folks,
As we are out of county, cannot attend the public meeting(s) on the
proposed conveyance fee increase, here is my input .....
The current ‘fee’ rate of $2 per $1000 is composed of two parts -
A- the OHIO mandatory charge (R.C. 319.54(G)(3)), called “real property
transfer fee” of $1
B- the county permissive charge (R.C. 322.02), called “real property
transfer tax” of $1, (and for which state law allows for a max rate of
$3)
The proposal is to increase the permissive portion (the tax) to $2
A tax is a tax, any increase in tax rate is and will be unpopular... Read More
***
June 15, 2011
Attention
Darke
County Commissioners:
A footnote to the Darke County Commissioner’s meeting today, Wednesday
June 15, 2011 at 1:30 P.M. in the Commissioner’s Conference Room.
My personal assessment of the hour and a half discussion regarding the
“Real Property Transfer Tax” --aka Conveyance Fees -- was that
virtually all present considered an aggressive Economic Development
effort was vital to the growth and financial well being of Darke
County. It also seemed that all present with the exception of the
Economic Development Director and the members of the Community
Improvement Council (CIC) opposed the option of increased funding for
the Economic Development effort via an increase in the current
permissive conveyance fee from one dollar ($1) to two dollars ($2)... Read More
***
June 5, 2011
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Next
Coffee with the Commissioner
Commissioner Mike Stegall will be having his next “Coffee with the
Commissioner” on June 18th, 2011 at Sweet One 0 One in downtown
Greenville. Commissioner Stegall will be answering your
questions
and discussing any county issues that are brought up. This is
an
opportunity for people to meet with your county officials and to learn
what is going on in Darke County. The session will last from
8:00
a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Everyone is invited, and it
is sure
to be a fun time for both the commissioner and the people.
Please
join him for an informative and fun morning, June 18th at Sweet
one-o-one in downtown Greenville. See you there!
***
June 5, 2011
The
issue was
swimming in Greenville Creek
Editor:
I really didn't think my article would have been classified as a rant.
But that's OK. Although it is a little odd that the pool wasn't open on
Memorial Day I can deal with that and accept Ms. Beam's reasons for its
tardy opening this year. I'm not sure, however that the pool
should have been the real focus point of the article. Since the
Greenville Creek runs right through the middle of the park but in the
city of Greenville, it seems that one of those entities should concern
themselves with kids in the rain swollen creek. This didn't just start
yesterday. It's been going on for a while. The very
day in
question, WHIO reported on a kid who jumped into a creek and the
undertow took him away. It could have easily happened in
Greenville Creek and still can. Budgets being what they are,
disabling the stairway to the creek could relieve the Park Board and
the City of some liability, maybe even a sign posted "No Swimming",
even though it wouldn't be read, might help. Next time I'll be very
explicit on what the problem is and I won't be accused of ranting or
have to write an explanation.
Bob Rhoades
Greenville
***
June 3, 2011
Right
back atcha
Editor:
If there is a brain running loose in the Darke County Commissioners
Office it will die of loneliness. Nowhere in my letter do I even
mention the commissioners in relationship to what I said about CAUV and
the new taxes. A third grader should have been able to see that my
letter was on multiple subjects.
As for the real estate taxes and unemployment in Ohio, the key word
here was “real.” These investigative reporters dug out the “real”
numbers on Ohio. I believe them. Politicians lie to look good and keep
their jobs... Read More
***
June 3, 2011
Response
to Bob
Rhoades’ Memorial Day in Treaty City
Bob, I really think that Bob Rhoades should have checked all the facts
before writing his rant on the park and park board. First, our pool and
general budget was cut by several thousands dollars, so this board had
to make decisions on the pool and other areas. I have been on the park
board for almost 2 years and I can count on my fingers how many people
have attended meetings, or even called me as a board member. In these
board meetings a lot of information is given and decisions are made. I
would invite those that want to “Rant” about the park and the park
board to come to our next meeting and voice your concerns. Thanks.
Kathy Beam
Greenville
***
June 2, 2011
We
have to wake up
Editor:
According to Ted Finnam a proponent of CAUV and Scott Zumbrink
representing the State Treasurer Association, CAUV is losing it’s clout
in Ohio. Taxes on our farm acres will increase 100 percent to 300
percent in January 2012.
We have to wake up immediately and begin to protect ourselves from any
additional taxes.
A national TV program just revealed that Ohio has the highest real
estate taxes in the nation. Can you believe we pay more than New York?
We have the second highest real unemployment rate behind Michigan in
the nation... Read More
***
May 17, 2011
Regarding
the letter
from Mr. Al Bliss dated May 15th:
Any writing gives food for thought. However, there is always
some
knowledge that can add to the understanding of any article.
Mr.
Bliss noted that one member of the Board abstained from the
vote.
The reason was attributed to Ohio Law which prohibits a board member
from voting on employment which could impact them personally.
In
this case, the Board Member is married to a special education aide... Read More
***
May 15, 2011
Letter to the Editor:
To
all voters and
taxpayers and folks who care,
The following information is presented to start a process of keeping
Greenville voters and taxpayers informed about the Darke County and
Greenville School Systems with emphasis on financial elements and
consistant review and comment regarding the performance of the team
that constitutes the Board of Education, Why, well the seven Boards of
Education and eight superintendents in Darke County control more money
than the County Commissioners and are directly responsible for the
future of our county and country through the education of our youth. It
has been suggested that a comment made by a Board of Education Member
in Darke County that indicated his real job kept him from spending much
time preparing for the Board Meeting, is easily justification to
replace the Board Member promptly... Read More
***
May 11, 2011
Letter to the Editor
Thank
You to Arcanum
I would like to thank all of the people who came to the first “Coffee
with the Commissioner” at Smiths’ Coffee House in Arcanum on Saturday,
May 7th. There were a lot of good questions asked, and the
interaction between myself and the people was informative and
enjoyable. I would personally like to thank Chuck Zell who
came
well prepared and asked a lot of great questions.
In the
next couple of weeks I hope to announce where the next “Coffee with the
Commissioner” will be held... Read More
***
May 5, 2011
GCS
District
Voters... Thank you for your support
GCS District Residents,
On behalf of the students, staff, and administration, please accept our
thanks on the recent passage of the Operating Levy Renewal.
We
truly appreciate your support!
Thank you!
Ben Studabaker, Cindy Scott, Sue Bowman, Joe Payne and Jim Sommer -
Board of Education Members
Susie Riegle-Superintendent
***
May 4, 2011
To
all Darke County
Folks who care about their schools
The following three tables consist of facts derived directly from
reports generated by school districts in Darke County as required by
the Ohio Board of Education, the Ohio Board of Education Annual School
evaluation report or the School Facilities Eligibility Ranking List.
The purpose of presenting these three tables is to give each eligible
voter an opportunity to look at relevant information about the schools
in Darke County. As you can see, Bradford School District is included
because it is physically in Darke County. The Ohio Board of Education
considers it to still be in Miami County and is still tracked as
such... Read More
***
April 28, 2011
To
the Republican
Voters of Greenville –
On May 3 those of us who vote Republican will be choosing the candidate
who will not only likely be the Mayor of Greenville, but will also be
the Republican Party’s candidate for Mayor.
One candidate has contributed to the party and actively participated in
party activities on a routine basis. When asked to help, he has been
there and was always willing to take on whatever job was asked of him.
He has contributed funds to party activities and attended party events
on a regular basis... Read More
***
April 27, 2011
Petition
to Repeal
Senate Bill 5
ATTENTION!!! The first opportunity for Darke County residents to sign
the petition to repeal Senate Bill 5 will be in the former Marsh's
Parking Lot in Greenville (around 125 Martin Street) this Friday, April
29, from 3:15 to 5:30 PM... Read More
***
April 24, 2011
Space
Shuttle
Commentary
Hi there,
Thanks for your informative web site.
I've quite enjoyed the articles on your site as they pertain to the
soon-to-be-relocated space shuttles and have refrained from saying
anything. However, today's piece, "Commentary: Brown had no
help
from Obama aides on shuttle effort" on your web page was amazing beyond
belief. How sad it is that a senator or anyone would think
the
POTUS's aides would help in any way with NASA's decision.
Given
what's going on with the debt/economy, the POTUS... Read More
***
April 24, 2011
Versailles
School
District Citizens
This is the third in a series of articles to inform you of the serious
financial condition of our school district. A new contract Master
Agreement is being negotiated between the Versailles
Education
Association and the Versailles Board of Education for the period of
July 1 2011 - June 30, 2014. The state has finalized how they will
increase/decrease funding for all school districts in Ohio.
The
funding will be based on a formula that divides the total
property values in a district by the total number of students in that
district. The good news is state funding for our district will increase
by $295,675 (5.2%) in fiscal... Read More
***
April 21, 2011
Help
us stop
Obamacare in Ohio!
It was March 23, 2010 when President Obama signed his health care bill
into law, and it was one of the worst pieces of legislation our country
has ever seen. Please join us in supporting the Ohio Liberty
Council in their efforts to promote the Ohio Health Care Freedom
Amendment... Read More
***
April 20, 2011
Letter
to the Bloggers:
In fulfilling a campaign promise that I made to make your County
Commissioners more accessible, I will be at Smith’s Coffeehouse in
Arcanum on Saturday, May 7th 2011, from 8 until 10 a.m. I
will be
answering your questions about the County or any other topics that
affect your lives. I firmly believe that better communication
between elected officials and the people makes for much better
government. Government belongs to the people, not those who
govern. This is your chance to ask questions and to find out
what
we are doing in the Commissioners office that affects you.
Smith’s Coffeehouse is located at 109 West George Street in downtown
Arcanum. I look forward to seeing you there!
Mike Stegall- County Commissioner
***
April 13, 2011
Proposed
28th
Amendment
No one has been able to explain why young men and women serve in the
U.S.
Military for 20 years, risking their lives protecting freedom, and only
get
50% of their pay while politicians hold their political positions in the
safe confines of the capital, protected by these same men and women, and
receive full pay retirement after serving one term. It just does not
make
any sense.
On Monday, FOX news learned that the staffers of Congress family
members are
exempt from having to pay back student loans. This will get national
attention if other news networks will broadcast it. When you add this
to the
below, just where will all of it stop? ... Read More
***
April 1, 2011
Educate
Versailles
Members express their Concerns
Editor:
RE: Versailles Board of Education (BOE) Meeting of 3-15-11
Several Educate Versailles members presented questions, made comments
and noted responses. These are noted below.
*Has the BOE run any financial projections relative to the impact of SB
5 (Senate Bill 5) and state funding reductions? The Boards
response was NO.
*Does the Board intend to attempt to complete a new "Master Agreement"
prior to SB 5 being signed into law? This question was related to a
3-12-11 article published in the Dayton Daily News entitled, "Teachers
rush for contracts before SB 5 becomes law"... Read More
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