The year is officially half over already. This first half of 2017 weather has been a mix of either too wet, or too dry, and one day of 85 degrees, one day of 65 degrees. June though, overall has been good to Darke County. We hope that the second half of 2017 is just as good.
This month has been a little slower in the commissioner’s office compared to May. This scenario seems to be the way it goes; not enough time for things some days, slow the next. We have been catching up on a few things though, and that means that later in the year, when it is time for final appropriations and winding up of grants, look out! The budgeting for the county is fairly well finished with no major changes to any department, except the sheriff.
The sheriff will need to have an increase next year all because of the drug problem, along with the Coroner’s office. The sad part is almost all of the coroner’s and sheriff’s increases in needed appropriations and arrests are in direct relationship to the drug problem. The problem is not unique to Darke County as all counties are seeing an increase in drug usage and their related costs. Our officers and detectives need protection from some of the new drugs out there, and their protection and security is our number one priority. It is sad that it has come to this, but we will deal with it as effectively as we can.
The new Ohio Department Of Transportation (ODOT) garage opening took place on June 8, and it is truly a state-of-the-art facility. The tour was very good, and the people at ODOT were very gracious to us. Thanks to the District 7 crew for making this place special in the State.
On June 10, the commissioners took part in the Poultry Days parade in Versailles again. This year, it seemed to us that the crowd might have been bigger than usual. It was a great day, perfect weather and great turnout for one of the better parades and festivals in the area.
Darke County is rich with many small town festivals, so if you get the chance, check them out, they all have something for everyone.
On June 24, Commissioner Stegall attended the Corona Top Celebration for the people at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. The celebration took place in the Presidential Gallery and the Dayton Development Coalition (DDC) hosted the event, of which Darke County is a member. Attending were DDC members, senators, representatives, commissioners, Air force personnel, and the Lieutenant Governor Mary Taylor. This event honors the contribution of the Air Force to the region, and is always well attended and received. We appreciate the DDC for inviting the commissioners to take part in celebrating Wright-Patterson’s contributions that they provide to us, and the country.
We meet every Monday and Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. in the Commissioner’s office south of the courthouse in Greenville. Have a great and safe 4th of July, and hope to see you at one of our meetings soon.
