July has been a very busy month in the commissioner’s office. We have had parades, and festivals to attend, along with the regular business of the county.
The month started on the 1st with the Ansonia 4th of July parade. Finally, the parade had excellent weather, and a good crowd was on hand. The parades that we attend are always a fun time for us, as we see many people we know and it is fun to interact with them. Thanks to Ansonia for inviting us!
This year also saw some very good fireworks again. The City of Greenville, Ansonia and New Madison all had really good displays this year and the crowds were substantial! Nobody celebrates the 4th of July like small towns do! Thanks to all those involved for a good show for all of us!
On the 15th of the month, the Erwin Brothers fuel center held its official grand opening. Although the business had been open for a few weeks, this day was established as the official start of their business. The Tiger 95.7 radio station with Scott Ward did a broadcast from their location, and numerous people were invited to attend, including the commissioners. While we were there, a good crowd came by to wish them well, and to make various purchases. If you have not been there yet, go in and look around. You can even get their own brand of submarine sandwiches call “Long Haul Subs” and pizza’s. This will be a definite positive addition to the south end of Greenville, and a much needed addition for the County. Congratulations to the Erwin Brothers, Marc and Mike, for keeping their expanding business in Darke County.
The next day saw the Commissioners and other elected officials at another parade in North Star. Again, the weather was perfect and a good crowd was on hand. Thanks to the people of North Star for inviting us to attend.
The commissioners also attended the 30th Anniversary of GTI on the 22nd of the month. GTI has been one of the county’s largest employers, and their continued support of Darke County is much appreciated. Congratulations to GTI on 30 successful years, and many more to come!
At the end of the month in Greenville was the traditional Annie Oakley Days parade and the Gathering at Garst the weekend of the 29th. This year the county elected officials were selected to be the grand marshals of the parade. This was quite an honor for us, and we wish to thank the parade committee for the selection.
The county commissioners have been busy in the office also. There are numerous things going on, and we have had numerous meetings with various people. The biggest news coming out of our office was the decision to ask for a .45 mill levy to build and maintain a complete new communication system for our emergency responders including fire, rescue, police and sheriff.
This levy if passed will fund the new MARCS radios, license fees, maintenance fees, programming, repeaters, and mobile units for all entities in the county. This levy will also allow us to have extra money put in its own fund to assure the continued funding of this system in the future. We have been assured that this system will be maintained until at least 2032. There will be more information released on how the system will work, and why it is desperately needed in future articles and press releases. We intend to keep everyone well informed. Please ask your local emergency personnel about the importance of this levy.
As you can see, a lot goes on in our office, and people are always welcome to attend one of our public sessions. We meet every Monday and Wednesday at 1:30 in the Commissioner’s office located at 520 South Broadway in Greenville, just south of the Courthouse. Hope to see you there!
