Commissioners approve DWART planning team
By Bob Robinson 

GREENVILLE - In its June 17 meeting the Darke County Commissioners approved a planning team to develop a response plan for the county’s Dangerous Wild Animal Response Team (DWART). 

“This is a state law signed by the governor (Gov. John Kasich) last year. The purpose of the team is to develop a response plan,” said Mindy Saylor, Darke County Emergency Management Agency (EMA). 

She added that the law was a response to the incident where Terry Thompson, Zanesville, released dozens of wild animals and then killed himself. 

“We don’t have any wild animals registered in Darke County at this time,” she said, “but that doesn’t mean none are out there.” 

Saylor added that there was a wildcat in Darke County at one point, but the owner voluntarily removed it to a facility equipped to handle wild animals. She recalled years ago there was an alligator in the pond. No other incidents that she was aware of. 

The planning team named was Mark Whittaker (law enforcement), Mark Loy (fire), Eric Burns (first aid), Mindy Saylor (EMA), Terry Holman (health), Christina Chalmers (media), Mike Rhoades (elected official) and Jamie Beneke (dangerous wild animal owner). 

“We’re just supposed to come up with a plan; actual response would be from law enforcement,” Saylor said. 

In its June 19 meeting the Commissioners approved an annual contract the Central Ohio Youth Center (COYC), a correctional treatment unit. 

“We had no referrals last year,” Jody Cantrell, Darke County Juvenile Court, said, “however there is a possibility we may have one this year.” 

She said it was a girl with substance abuse and mental health issues. 

“She needs to be clean before we can work with the other issues,” she added. COYC is a 90-day facility. The cost for the program is $175 a day. 

Published courtesy of The Early Bird