Usually the column ends with congratulations, but since there are several people to give a high five, I will start with that positive news.
Tony Thomas has been named superintendent at Northmont. He has been there as assistant superintendent. He served as head administrator at Tri-Village for nine years.
Clayton Murphy, Tri-Village graduate, continues to turn heads and bring pride to the hometown fans. He won the national championship at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field event. He won in the 800-meter race.
Seth Earls won the boys unlimited weight class state championship . He is a senior at Tri-Village.
Allie Downing was named first team all Ohio, Division IV, in girls basketball. The junior was player of the year in the CCC. Her teammate, Danika Mann, also a junior, was named state honorable mention.
Tyler VanWinkle, senior, was named third team all Ohio in boys basketball.
The youth basketball also made its ‘noise’ as it swept the league championship tournament. The fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders prepare for Patriot basketball.
The American Legion and the Auxiliary marked its members’ years of service. A celebratory dinner was held at Post #245 in recognition of the inception of the American Legion and local members reaching milestone years of service. James Garringer, director of The Journey Home, a Veterans Homeless Shelter in Winchester, Indiana, was guest speaker. His service area covers five counties including Darke County. He outlined criteria for residency, authorization recognition and partial financial support of the Veteran Administration. It is one of only four participants in a pilot program throughout the United States.
Harold Hoover, first vice and membership chairman, awarded the following certificates and pins: Chester Banks and Steven Swabb, five years; Joe Eliker and Ronald Rexrode, 10 years; Roy Flatter, 15 years; Clarence Baker and Barry Tinkle, 40 years; Robert Mitchell, 45 years; Gary Eley and Rodney Hill, 50 years. Karyl Eubanks, auxiliary membership chairman, and Dorothy Shives, president, recognized Amanda Behee and Marian Eley, five years; Helen Hoover, 15 years; Betty Rhoades, 25 years; Della Cassity, 30 years; and in memory of Elsie Jenkins, 25 years. Congratulations to each one. The carry-in dinner was highlighted with a donation of ham from Brian Jones.
This list of achievement makes small town life enjoyable. Good things are happening in the neighborhood!
This is the week to prepare for Easter events and services. The United Methodist Church will observe Easter with breakfast at 9 a.m., an egg hunt at 9:30 a.m. and worship at 10:30 a.m.
The New Madison Public Library has lots of good books for children to enjoy during the Easter season. The library is hosting a celebration of National Quilt Month. Jean Folkerth is a local quilter and is displaying some of her handiwork . This was used to inspire the members of the LEGO club as they chose patterns to recreate.
The LEGO club participants have been working on new engineering challenges each month under the direction of Brenda Miller, director, and Stephanie McConachie, group leader. You can enjoy the fun and challenge every third Tuesday from 3 to 4 p.m. Children from age five and up are welcome! Contact the library for more information.
The library is looking for someone to provide janitorial services. Barb Malott is retiring after many years of service. If you want information, call Brenda Miller at 996-1741.
Take note of the spring market bake sale at the American Legion on April 1, starting at 5 p.m., and continuing through April 2 at 9 a.m. The auxiliary will offer homemade noodles, pies, candies, cakes and more.
