|
|
 |
|
The views expressed on this page are soley
those of the author and do not
necessarily represent the views of County
News Online
|
 |
Commissioners Corner
May brought
student day, new hirings, new businesses & more
May has certainly been a mixed bag of weather and happenings! One
day it is 40, followed by 70 the next day, then dumped on by rain,
followed by a day of sunshine, then more rain. I think May is
schizophrenic! We are hoping May will finally get its act
together so we can have some resemblance of a Spring!
May has been very busy here in the Commissioner’s office. The
Commissioners have had several proclamations, Student Day, a new
hiring, new businesses, CDBG hearings and even ditch
reviews! One of the days we enjoy the most is Student
Day. On May 3rd, 24 students from all the schools in the County
got the chance to tour the Counties facilities, ask questions of the
elected officials, and after a pizza and soda lunch, got to sit in on
one of our public sessions. This gives those who participated a
chance to see how local government works and to see the facilities we
maintain. The highlight of the tours is always the Sheriff’s
Department and the Animal Shelter. This year, the group with
Commissioner Stegall was fortunate enough to sit in on a video
conference with a prisoner in Lebanon. That was
interesting! Thanks to all of the elected officials for making
the students welcome, and for sharing information on your difficult
jobs.
May the 12th saw the Commissioners handing out ribbons to the Special
Olympics competitors at the football field in Greenville. This is
a fun event for everyone, including us, and we are always happy to
participate. For once, the weather was co-operative! On May
15th, Seth Timmerman became the new airport manager. Seth is from
Union City, and just graduated from Indiana State University on May
13th! Seth has a degree in Airport Management and Unmanned
Aircraft, and has already brought some new ideas and thinking to the
Airport. If you get the chance, stop by and Say Hello to Seth,
and welcome him to Darke County!
The new ODOT garage is opening on June 8th, and the County will then
take over the old State garage on Rte. 36. This deal was agreed
upon over a year ago, and the county will receive the buildings and
land through a Directors deed, with no cost to the County as long as
the facility is used for any Government use. The new garage
for the County will house some equipment from the E.M.A., the Sheriff’s
Department, the County Engineer, and the County vehicle maintenance
facility. Thanks to ODOT for their generosity!
Harbor Freight is moving along nicely, and they opened on May
30th. This will be a welcome addition to Darke County and to the
Plaza on Wagner Avenue. Be sure to stop in and welcome this new
business to Darke County. On the new openings front, Erwin
Brothers is planning to open by the first week or so of June.
This facility will bring new life to the southern end of Greenville and
hopefully bring other businesses to the south of Greenville.
Welcome and much success to both businesses. The
Commissioners do have the possibility of another announcement of a new
business for the plaza on Wagner Ave., hopefully in early June
too. We have been busy!
Arcanum Old Fashioned Days was a great time on May 20th. The
Commissioners and some elected officials participated in the parade on
Saturday. This marks the beginning of parade season for us, and
this gives us a chance to meet people.
On May 21st, the Friends of Harmon Field held their groundbreaking for
the new Track facility in Greenville. The upgrades to the
athletic facilities are long overdue, and this group has started on the
right path. Congratulations to those involved! This is just the
first step in renovations to the football field and a new locker room,
coaches offices, and concession stand facility. Friends of Harmon
Field has a facebook page, so look it up, and contribute to this
worthwhile cause.
Midmark Corporation in Versailles has announced they will invest a
substantial amount of money in building a new Technology Center in
Versailles that will hire approximately 97 people over the next few
years. Midmark continues to grow and prosper, and at the same
time remain a good neighbor and corporate partner.
Congratulations to the fine people who work there and we wish them
continued success!
Another successful Electronics Recycling Day was held on the 25th, and
thanks to the 2 woman Solid Waste Department, Manager Krista Fourman,
and Administrative Assistant Melissa Werling, for all their hard work
in making all the programs a success.
The end of the month saw Memorial Day, and all the ceremonies and
parades that took place in the County. Thanks to all who took the
time to honor the fallen who have given their all to protect and keep
us safe.
Good things are happening here, so why not stay in touch by making one
of our public meetings. We meet every Monday and Wednesday at
1:30 in the Commissioner’s Office, 520 S. Broadway in Greenville, next
to the Court House. Hope to see you there!
The Darke County Commissioners
|
|
|
|
