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State Representative Jim Buchy
Darke County -
My Historic Hometown
West central Ohio is the best place in the world to live work and rear
a family. I am fortunate that our local papers print Statehouse
Updates, but often we forget to talk about how great our local
communities are. For the next few months I will periodically
focus a column on the unique characteristics that make each county in
western Ohio the best place to live work and rear a family. This
month I will discuss Darke County.
With over 600 square miles of land and 900 acres of parks and
preserves, Darke County is a great place to live work and rear a
family. I would know. I call Greenville home.
Darke County contributes so much to the state of Ohio. It is usually
considered one of the largest agriculture producing counties in the
state with over 1700 farms specializing in the production of soybeans,
corn, and eggs. Over 90 percent of these farms are family or individual
owned and the entire county is an epicenter of small businesses.
One of the county’s larger employers is KitchenAid, now
Whirlpool. Tours are given to show the craftsmanship and quality
of the well-known appliance as well as cooking demonstrations and new
item showcases at the KitchenAid Experience Retail Center. Even
Governor John Kasich visited this factory following a Maid-Rite.
The county also hosts other major employers such as Midmark, Fram,
Greenville Technology, Brethren Retirement Community and Wayne
Healthcare. The continued success of these businesses and other
large and small employers is why our unemployment rate remains below
state and national averages.
Even if I wasn’t born and raised in Darke County I would know that it
is one of the best places in the world to live work and rear a family
because of its rich history. Fort Greenville was host to General Mad
Anthony Wayne who oversaw the genesis of the American Army as he
prepared soldiers to battle Native Americans trying to maintain claim
to western Ohio.
Fort Greenville later served as the site of the signing of two major
treaties that opened up the west for American expansion. These
treaties are known as first and second “Treaty of GreenVille.” In
addition, Fort Greenville continued expanding America westward, by
hosting the introduction of Lewis and Clark where they became great
friends prior to their exploration of the Northwest Passage.
Annie Oakley, the treasured sharpshooter was born in Darke county. From
here she traveled the world with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West. It is hard
to come to Darke County and not understand our remaining respect for
Annie whose remains call the county home to this day.
Adding to Darke county’s rich history is Earle Baltes who opened Eldora
Speedway in 1954. This half mile race track has hosted legends
and legendary races. In recent years, the current owner NASCAR
Champion Tony Stewart is elevating the track to new levels. Billed by
the industry as one of the best dirt tracks in the country, Eldora is
expected to continue to gain national attention by NASCAR and
motorsports enthusiasts around the country.
The past makes Darke County an Ohio landmark and the future promises
continued economic growth and notoriety worldwide. Darke County
is one of the best places to live work and rear a family thanks to an
exceptional history and hardworking people.
Please give me your opinion on this topic and others in the news this
month by completing an online survey at tinyurl.com/buchyAugust2014.
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