October is now in the history books, and all in all, it was a pretty good month here in Darke County. We finally got some much needed rain, the weather has been very mild with temperatures above normal, and school football games and town festivals are winding down. Let’s hope that the temperatures especially continue for a long time, but I don’t think they will.
October started out quickly here in the Commissioner’s office, and through the month the activity continued at a good pace. On October 2nd, Manufacturing Day was held in Darke County, with every school and several of our manufacturers hosting High School sophomores. Whirlpool, Fram, Midmark, JAFE Glass, Ramco Motors, Greenville Technologies Inc.,(GTI), and Fort Recovery Industries, all gave their time and facilities to make this successful. This event gives those students who may not be interested in a college career upon graduation, a chance to see modern manufacturing. The event was a great success, with students and manufacturers alike, praising the efforts of the Economic Development office for the event. A special thanks to our Career Pathway Coordinator Lisa Wendel for organizing the event, and making it such a success. Thanks Lisa, and we all look forward to next year making this even better!
We have started to prepare for budgeting which will take place in November, and we have talked to several people and companies on working here and doing some business. We have hired a new maintenance man, Robert Weaver, who we think he will be a great addition for Marty Munchel and the Crew. Welcome aboard Robert! We now have the two available spaces at the Wagner Avenue complex listed with Leis Realty, hoping to fill those spaces with some retailers. So far, there have been some inquiries, but nothing more than that yet. At
least it is getting some much needed exposure. The South Industrial Park Project is getting closer to being completed, although we still have some sewer work to be done. The new drive is in, and hopefully may be asphalted yet this year, depending on whether or not the asphalt company can get to it before the plants close for the winter. If not, the job will be completed in the spring. The sewer work will be completed this winter, and should not take too long. This will tie the Sheriff’s Office and the County Home into the City of Greenville, and eliminate the two sewer package plants that now take care of both facilities, a much needed upgrade. Thanks to the City of Greenville for helping us in making this project possible, and for the ease in which it was accomplished.
The Darke County Health fair took place at Romers Catering on October 15th involving the employees of Darke County and the City of Greenville. The session was well attended with over 200 members from the County and City attending at some time during the day. This program is an important part of keeping the City’s and the County’s insurance premium at a minimum. By involving ourselves with eating and living a healthier lifestyle, our insurance premiums stay at a much lower level. Thanks to Denise Dillman, John Cook, and the rest of the Health and Wellness Team for a great well-run event!
In other happenings around the county, the Greenville Halloween parade saw several thousand people uptown, and many, many, trick or treaters. Thanks to the Darke County Solid Waste Dept. for supplying us with bracelets and pencils to hand out; along with candy that was donated by various Elected Officials. A big thank you to Deputy Kelly Erisman and Dispatcher Katie McCabe, along with Jeanette Royer of Municipal Court, and Judge Monnin’s daughter Clara for helping Commissioner Delaplane and I hand out the goodies on the Courthouse steps. A good time was had by all. Parents and children alike made this an enjoyable evening.
The High School football season came to a close the last weekend of October, and unfortunately, no Darke County teams made the playoffs. Still, this was a good year, and with the start up of the Tri-Village football program, another team will have a shot in a couple of years. Congratulations to all the Coaches, Athletes, Cheerleaders, and Band Members for a job well done, and for representing yourselves, your schools and the county with pride! The ‘Friends of Harmon Field’ project kicked off at the last Greenville home game with former New England Patriot Star and Greenville High School alumnus Matt Light presenting the school with a golden football provided by the N.F.L. A football was given to each High School that had a player who played on a Super Bowl Team. Thanks to Matt for sharing this with the Community, and the County. The Friends of Harmon Field are trying to raise money to renovate the Harmon Field complex completely, with new bleachers, locker room complex, concession area, a new entrance to the area, a new track, football and soccer facilities, a very much needed improvement. For more information, and on how you can get involved, go to the website www.friendsofharmonfield.com, or their ‘Friends of Harmon Field’ Facebook page.
October was a good month in the county, so why don’t you come to one of our meetings and find out what is happening here? We meet every Monday and Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. in the Commissioner’s Office located at 520 South Broadway in Greenville, just south of the Courthouse. Hope to see you there!
