Bill Beagle receives endorsement from NFIB

The National Federation of Independent Business/Ohio, the state’s leading small business association, announced its endorsement of Bill Beagle of Miami County for election to Ohio’s Senate on Nov. 2, 2010. Beagle is a native of Tipp City, Ohio, a former City Council member and current board member for the Tipp City Public Library.

“Small businesses are the traditional job creators in our state and our nation,” stated Roger R. Geiger, Vice President/Executive Director of NFIB/Ohio “Given the high unemployment figures we’ve been experiencing, it is more important than ever for pro-small business candidates to run for elected office”

In public speeches given this month, Beagle has been sharing his growing concern about Ohio’s unemployment and a frustration with the lack of progress out of Columbus.

Beagle is a candidate for Ohio's 5th Senate District, which includes Arcanum, Pitsburg, and several townships in south and east Darke County.

[a portion of this story was appropriated from TippNews.com]

Good news?

Good news/bad news. Traffic was rough in Arcanum this afternoon, but in the background you can see fresh asphalt going down (finally) on Main Street in Arcanum. Is the end in sight?


Kasich vs. Strickland: Debate #1

If you don't know who Kasich and Strickland are, there's no need to bother with the video. For everyone else, the link is here.

Rep. Richard Adams Honored with Watchdog of the Treasury Award

State Representative Richard Adams (R-Troy) today accepted the “Watchdog of the Treasury” award from the United Conservatives of Ohio.

The award is presented to public officials who demonstrate a commitment to limited government, lower taxes, regulatory relief, and individual liberty.

“I’m honored that the United Conservatives of Ohio has recognized me as a responsible steward of the taxpayers’ dollars,” Rep. Adams said. “I will continue to work hard to protect Ohio’s citizens through a more accountable state government.”

The United Conservatives of Ohio supports responsible spending of the taxpayers’ dollars, the elimination of government waste, and free-market economics.

Country Lane Treasures Grand Opening

Join us for a hog roast celebrating our Grand Opening! Enjoy lots of entertainment including raffles and face painting for the kids while exploring our new store. We are pleased to bring to you the following products close to home, with more arriving soon: Vintage Candle Company (candles, warmers, room sprays
and botanicals), Soy Candles and Tarts, Aged barn wood birdhouses, Antiques, Collectibles, Floral Arrangements, Reclaimed decorative barn wood items, Quilts, Hand Loomed Rugs, Grapevine Trees, Handcrafted Dog Collars, Aspen Mulling Spices, Greeting Cards.

Be sure to visit our Country Lane Market every Friday from 4pm- 8pm also! We’ll be showcasing baked goods, honey, maple syrup, seasonal produce as well as handmade soap. All items are produced or grown locally.

Arcanum F.D. 2nd annual Fire Prevention and Public Safety Day - 10/2

The Arcanum Fire Department will be hosting its second annual Fire Prevention and Public Safety Day on Saturday, October 2nd, 2010. The activities will take place at the Arcanum Fire Department which is located at 206 S Main Street Arcanum , Ohio .

The Arcanum Fire Prevention and Public Safety Day will feature dozens of activities. The day will begin with a parade at 11:30 AM which will begin on North Main Street and will end in front of the Arcanum Fire Department.

Opening Ceremonies for Fire Prevention Day will immediately follow the parade in front of the Arcanum Fire Department at 12:00 PM.

The first activities to take place include fire truck rides for those kids who are interested in seeing what it is like to ride in a fire truck. A smoke trailer will also be on site to simulate what occurs during house fires. The Arcanum Rescue Squad and Arcanum Police Department will also be involved with demonstrations!

Later in the day games, including fire gear races, tug of war and bucket races, will take place. Careflight will also be landing and will give a demonstration of their helicopter!

Prizes will be given out all day to those children and kids in attendance. Prize registration will begin at 12:30 PM.

Late in the afternoon, cake walks will take place in the Arcanum Fire Department. The day will conclude with a teen dance at the Arcanum Fire Department from 7:30 PM until 11:00 PM.

A schedule of the days' events is included below the jump ...

Legislative Update - State Representative Richard Adams (79th Dist.)

The Speaker of the House has declared the House on recess until September 14. As such, legislation will not be heard in committee until that time. Below please see an overview of bills that have been enacted during the first six months of 2010 that may affect your business. Also provided is a list of legislation that has passed the House.

Enacted Legislation:

House Bill 48: Provides two weeks of leave for any employee who is the spouse, parent, or a person who has or had legal custody of a member of the uniformed services who is called to active duty or is injured, wounded, or hospitalized while serving on active duty. Effective July 2, 2010

House Bill 300: Makes changes to insurance agent and surety bail bond agent licensure requirements, including examination requirements, filing a change of address, application requirements, criminal records checks, and continuing education. Requires biennial renewal for insurance agents and makes changes to the license renewal requirements for surety bail bond agents. Effective February 25, 2010

House Bill 414: Pursuant to the Ohio Constitution, creates the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board consisting of specified members, and establishes the terms of office for the members of the Board. Requires the Board to adopt rules governing the care and well-being of livestock in this state, including best management practices for the care and well-being of livestock and the prevention of disease, and establishing the amount of civil penalties to be assessed against person who violate the rules. Effective March 31, 2010
Senate Bill 131: Requires the Director of Administrative Services, not later than 180 days after the Act's effective date, to establish a biobased product preference program that incorporates specified requirements. Generally requires the DAS, other state agencies, and state institutions of higher education, when purchasing equipment, material, or supplies, to purchase biobased products in accordance with the program. Authorizes the Director to determine that it is not possible for a biobased product to be purchased in accordance with the program if the Director finds that the product: (1) is not available within a reasonable period of time, (2) fails to meet certain performance standards, or (3) is available only at an unreasonable price, and defines unreasonable price for such a purpose. Effective March 24, 2010

Senate Bill 162: Specifically applies the provisions of the New Motor Vehicle Franchisee Law, as
amended by the bill, to the cancellation of a franchise. Requires a franchisor proposing to terminate a franchise or specified reasons to provide notice 12 months prior to the effective date of the termination. Specifies that a ranchise continues in full force and operation notwithstanding a change of an established plan or system of listribution of the motor vehicles offered for sale under the franchise. Requires the franchisor to pay fair and reasonable compensation to the new motor vehicle dealer upon the franchisor's termination of the franchise, including the franchise's fair market value, new motor vehicle inventory, and certain other items. Effective September 10, 2010

Alcohol suspected in crash

On August 1st, 2010, at approximately 1:46 AM, Darke County Deputies, along with Gettysburg Fire and Gettysburg Rescue were dispatched to US Route 36 and Arcanum Bears Mill Road in reference to a two vehicle injury accident.

Preliminary investigation revealed a Pontiac Grand Prix, driven by Joshua Weymer, 19, Arcanum, was approaching Arcanum Bears Mill Road from the East when he attempted to turn South onto Arcanum Bears Mill Road. A Red Pontiac G5 driven by Tyler Treon, 27, of Greenville , attempted to pass within the intersection, colliding with Weymer's vehicle.

Careflight was called to the scene and Weymer was airlifted to Miami Valley Hospital . A passenger in Weymer's vehicle was transported to Wayne Hospital by Gettysburg Rescue. Treon refused treatment at the scene.

Alcohol is suspected and possibly a contributing factor in the accident. US Route 36 was closed at the intersection for nearly two hours while the investigation took place. This accident remains under investigation.

Tour de Donut to make sweet return - September 18th

The 4th Tour de Donut bicycle “race” to take place Saturday September 18 at 8:30 am at Brumbaugh Fruit Farm in Arcanum Ohio.

The event has grown from 100 riders in 2007 into one of the largest bicycle events in Ohio with 1000 riders expected to take to the 30 mile course this year.

While the event is technically a “race”, there is no other race like it. The tour of rural Darke county countryside offers two donut stops where riders can reduce their time by 5 minutes for each donut eaten.

Finish times are calculated, donuts eaten are counted and awards are given in several categories including most eaten, fastest bike time, and the coveted golden donut championship belts for the best adjusted times in eight age group categories. The event is open to anyone with a bicycle and a willingness to have fun.

Online registration and additional information at www.thetourdedonut.com. For additional information: Roger Bowersock RocketshipSports Inc. 937-417-5772, or Deanna York Darke County Visitors Bureau deannayork@embarqmail.com.

ARCANUM DIRECT SALES NETWORK TO HOLD AUGUST QUARTER AUCTION

The Arcanum Direct Sales Network (ADSN) will hold a Quarter Craze on Saturday August 7th at Beechwood Golf Course, 1476 State Route 503, Arcanum. Proceeds and donations will benefit local Darke County schools. Admission will be $1 or donation of school supplies. Doors will open at 1:00pm for preview and shopping and Bidding will start promptly at 2:00pm.

All donations will be greatly appreciated.

This auction will feature more ways to win the items you want. Consultants will be offering specials only available to Quarter Craze Guests. VIP members will also have specials. In addition to the auction, there will be a 50/50 raffle and most guest incentive given to the person who brings the most uninvited guests.

Please no non-bidding children. Food and drinks will be available for purchase provided by Beechwood Golf Course Kitchen. Seating is limited. For more information about ADSN or to RSVP for the event, please contact Kayleigh Parks by calling (937) 336-1348 or email kayleigh45320@yahoo.com.

Government Reform Sorely Needed During Economic Recession (Dick Adams)

Here in the Statehouse as well as on Capitol Hill, the government is intended to function “by the people, for the people.” However, instead of meeting your needs, Ohio’s state government has become bloated and sluggish which squanders your tax dollars. Because the state government has grown to be so large, Ohioans are among the highest taxed people in the nation and are being flooded with new taxes, fees, and penalties. This has impeded prospects for economic growth during the recession, and with hundreds of thousands of jobs lost in the past few years, we cannot afford to burden small businesses with reckless government spending that impedes the addition of more jobs.

Currently, Ohio faces unemployment rates of 10.7 percent—drastically higher than the national rate—because of small businesses and large companies closing their doors or relocating to states with better tax climates. To allow businesses to thrive and add jobs in our state, we must reform government spending to balance the next budget and reduce our tax rates. Additionally, our government needs to return to being a government that is transparent and responsive to the public. I have made government reform a major initiative in my work to improve Ohio’s economy.

In November 2009, ten legislative measures to get government spending under control and make government more transparent and accountable were introduced. Titled the “Future of Ohio” Government Reform package, these bills, when enacted, will take steps to decrease the tax burden on all Ohioans.

One measure that will make great strides in reducing government spending is House Bill 25. Aimed at reducing duplicate services, inefficiencies, and excess staff and spending, H.B. 25 consolidates the cabinet-level departments in the executive branch to 11 core missions from the current 24 cabinet level departments. When enacted, this legislation will make the executive branch operate more efficiently at a smaller cost to the public.

Another proposal included in the government reform package is H.B. 65, which works to reduce excessive spending by requiring performance audits of state agencies. The audits will not only cut waste, but also identify long-term solutions to systematic spending inefficiencies. Additionally, this measure will make government agencies more accountable and more mindful of how they are spending your tax dollars.

I cosponsored House Bills 25 and 65, in addition to other government reform legislation, because the legislature needs to make a significant transformation to the way Ohio does business. In an increasingly competitive national economy, no longer can we afford to maintain a high-tax, anti-business status quo. We are losing jobs, businesses, families and young people faster than we can think of incentives to retain them.

Unfortunately, our government reform bills have yet to even receive votes in committee or on the House floor. I will continue to urge the consideration of the “Future of Ohio” Government Reform legislation when the House reconvenes in the fall, so we can finally start creating jobs and making Ohio a better place to live, work and raise a family.

Rep. Adams may be reached by calling (614) 466-8114, by mail at Representative Richard N. Adams, 77 S. High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215, or by emailing District79@ohr.state.oh.us.

Randy Baker named D4 coach of the year

The Miami Valley Baseball Coaches Association (MVBCA) recently announced its all-area award winners. Local award winners include:

Division II: Marc Shields, Greenville - first team (1B); Matt Orth, Greenville - second team (IF)

Division III: Patrick Mescher, Versailles - first team (1B); Derek Langenkamp, Versailles - second team (IF)

Division IV: Zach Brandon, Arcanum - second team (1B); Cody Gunckel, Tri-Village - second team (IF); Grady Garno, Arcanum - second team (OF); Derek Baker, Arcanum - second team (UT/DH)

In addition, Patrick Mescher of Versailles was co-player of the year for Division II. And Arcanum's Randy Baker was named coach of the year for Division IV.

Arcanum Class of 1999 reunion - August 21st

The Arcanum High School graduating class of 1999 is having an eleven year reunion this summer. Come celebrate with old classmates on August 21st at the AHS gym at 12:00 pm. Then we will be heading back to Ivester Park in Arcanum for a family style picnic with good food, games and visiting. If you have not received your invitation or you have questions please contact Julie Moore Brothers at 417-1124. The deadline to r.s.v.p. is July 30th.

Arcanum 8U Mini Boys take 3rd place

Arcanum 8U Mini Boys took 3rd place in the Arcanum All-Stars tournament June 20th. Great job boys!

Wrap-up of Old Fashioned Days

The Arcanum "Old Fashioned Days" Festival was a great success this year and the Arcanum Area Business Association members are all looking forward to an even bigger and better celebration for 2011.

The food, rides, games, petting zoo, craft vendors and entertainment kept George Street busy all week end.

Students Helping Students

"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." ~Benjamin Franklin

In a partnership with Arcanum Elementary School, Opportunity 13 is demonstrating their desire to give back to others through hands-on educational activities with elementary students with multiple disabilities. This Ohio Learn and Serve partnership addresses the elementary students’ needs including academic, social and daily living awareness. Opportunity 13 students design and implement learning activities including puppet shows, social interaction training, and sensory integration. The use of visuals and hands-on experiences has had a positive impact on retention of concepts and the student’s ability to apply what they have learned in various settings.

The high school students work closely with the elementary students on improving their confidence and independence. Opportunity 13 students are also gaining experience and skills using video technology. Their video creations will be used with the Arcanum class for teaching appropriate social skills.

If you are interested in learning more about Opportunity 13, please contact Karyn at 937/564-5943. If you are interested in learning more about Ohio Learn and Serve, please contact Lisa at 937/548-4915.

Students coloring Easter eggs / Students planting a flower for Mother's Day

Doak D. Masters (May 30, 2010)

Doak D. Masters, 80, of rural Arcanum, died Sunday, May 30, 2010 at Good Samaritan Hospital, Dayton. He was born in Hilham, TN on May 18, 1930 the son of the late Grover L. and Myrtle McCoy (Flatt) Masters. He was an employee of Inland Manufacturing, retiring 1985. He was a U.S. Army veteran. Doak organized and held the Painter Creek Blue Grass Festival at Roundeye Park, near Painter Creek, for 40 years. He was a member of the Masonic Blue Lodge, Greenville, the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio, Greenville and the Am Vets of Hillsboro. Preceded in death by Daughter Priscilla A Masters, Son Michael L. Newport, and 2 Brothers Raymond and Carl Masters. Survived by wife Pearl (Newport) Masters, whom he married December 21, 1957; Son Grover D. Masters and wife Elena, of Troy; Daughters Karrie L. Fultz-Masters of Bradford and Dovey F. Ullery and friend Wesley Coffin of Pleasant Hill; Brother Fred Masters and wife Hazel of Cincinnati; Grandchildren Dana Schumaker, Tammy Farmer, Neil Fultz, Kenneth Ullery, Casey Shaner, Michael Lanese, Jacob Fultz, Kristy Ullery, Lindsey Coffin and Jovelene Masters; 15 Great Grandchildren; Nephews Gary and Scott Masters, both of Cincinnati. Graveside Services 11:00 AM, Friday, June 4, 2010 at Newcomer Cemetery. Family will receive relatives and friends Thursday 5 - 8 PM, with Masonic Services starting at 8:00 PM at the Kreitzer Funeral Home, Arcanum.

Legislative Update - State Rep. Dick Adams (79th Dist.)

Sub. House Bill 329: This legislation provides for a six-year trial period during which an employer may include the income tax withholdings of a limited number of its employees who work from home and whose rate of pay is at least four times the federal minimum wage for purposes of calculating its job creation or job retention tax credit base, if the employer has made a minimum amount of capital investment in the project. The number of at-home employees may not exceed 10% of the total number of project employees. This bill requires the Director of Development to submit a report at the end of the six-year trial period on the effects of including at-home employees in tax credit agreements. Sub H.B. 329 passed the House unanimously on May 12, 2010 and now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Common Sense Regulation Act: Sub Senate Bill 3 would enact the Common Sense Regulation Act to improve state agency regulatory processes, especially as they relate to small businesses. The bill would require state departments to develop customer service training programs, and require the Director of Environmental Protection to provide environmental regulatory compliance assistance to small businesses. Further, it would require the Director of Administrative Services to establish a centralized electronic system for regulatory notification that enables interested persons to register to receive notices from state agencies concerning the development and drafting of rules. This system would allow interested persons to register to receive notices of meetings regarding agency regulatory processes that impede the operation of small businesses. Sub S.B. 3 passed the House on May 12, 2010 and now awaits action by the Governor.

Am. House Bill 348: Ohio established The Ohio Capital Fund to help increase private investment in Ohio companies in the early stage of business development. These venture capital funds invest in Ohio-based businesses and individuals. This bill would increase the Venture Capital Authority's annual tax credit authorization from $20 million to $26.5 million and lifetime authorization from $380 to $550 million. Amended House Bill 348 passed the House unanimously on May 12, 2010 and now awaits action by the Governor.

Congratulations AHS Graduates

Here's AHS '10 grad Dylan White. If you have any other grad pictures email them to: darkejournal@gmail.com.

Arcanum Garden Club will participate in Garst Flower Show - June 26 & 27

Irma Heiser, Ladybug; Lila Pinney, Sun and Fun;
Barbara Rhoades, Wildflower, and Pam Clark, Garden Girls.

The Darke County Association of Garden Clubs will hold a flower show at Garst Museum on June 26 and 27 in celebration of Annie Oakley’s 150th birthday and the ”Year of Annie Oakley”. The theme of the show is “Annie, the Pride of Darke County”.

The Darke County Association of Garden Clubs is comprised of the Butterflies Junior Garden Club, Garden Girls, Ladybug, Sun and Fun, and Wildflower Garden Clubs. Ladies from the Arcanum Garden Club will be staging the Annie Oakley invitational to welcome guests when they enter the museum. Hours will be Saturday, June 26, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Sunday, June 27, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Charlene Thornhill, President of the Darke County Association of Garden Clubs, said, “The Darke County Association of Garden Clubs is looking forward to the "Annie, the Pride of Darke County" flower show as it has been sometime since we have staged a show at the museum . (we have had Christmas shows in the past). With the 150th Celebration of Annie Oakley's birthday, it is exciting for our organization to be able to create designs that depicted a part of Annie's life. Besides the creativity of the designs, the clubs will share their horticulture abilities in classes such as Roses, Hosta, Lilies, Hemerocalis and other named plant varieties”.

For further information, please call the museum at 548-5250.

A few more submitted photos from Old Fashioned Days

A few photos of Old Fashioned Days

Beagle to Speak at Neave Twp. Memorial Day Ceremony

State Sentate candidate Bill Beagle will speak at the annual Neave Township Memorial Day Ceremony on Sunday, May 30th at noon. The ceremony will take place at the Neave Township cemetery on State Route 121 just south of Ft. Jefferson. If raining, the ceremony will be moved to the church in Ft. Jefferson.

Beagle graduated from Miami University with a degree in Finance, and earned an M.B.A from Cleveland State University. As a financial analyst, Bill has extensive budgeting and operating experience in the public sector, the private sector, as well as with non-profit organizations. Beagle previously served as president of the Tipp City Council.

Beagle currently resides in Tipp City, Ohio with his wife, Karen and three children, Morgan, Ryan and Lauren.

Memorial Day

The Village of Arcanum offices will be closed on Monday, May 31 for the Memorial Day Holiday. A night deposit is available at the front door. If you have a utility emergency during the hours of 6am to 10pm, call 692-8101. Between the hours of 10pm to 6am, call 937-459-6025. Police emergencis call 911. If you need a police officer dispatched and it is not an emergency, call 548-2020.

6th Annual Progressive Agriculture Safety Day

Tuesday, June 15, 2010 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, at the Darke County Fairgrounds 4-H Youth Building

Sponsored by: Volunteers and Supporters of Darke County Chapter Farm Safety 4 Just Kids

The Progressive Ag Safety Day is for students ages 7 - 12. It will be held on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. This fun-filled day will include demonstrations/discussions of safety topics.

Instructions: Please fill in all blanks on the application form and medical release form and return it to Rhonda Kress. A parent or guardian must sign the medical release form in order for their child to participate in the Progressive Agriculture Safety Day. If a grandparent or other adult is attending the Safety Day with the child, please fill out the attached Adult Release Form (only needed if adult accompanies). No registration fee for Grandparents/Other Adults. Call Rhonda Kress, number below, for an application form.

Fee: A non-refundable fee of $3 per child includes lunch, snacks, guest speakers, a Safety Day t-shirt, safety material, and goodie bag. The fee must accompany the application. Deadline: There will be a limit of 100 children registered. Applications will be accepted until June 1, 2010. Complete and sign the registration and consent form(s), and include $3 for each child registered - (checks made out to Rhonda Kress). Mail to: Rhonda Kress/7972 Graw Rd./Arcanum, OH 45304 (Questions, call 937-417-7412). Lunch Menu – Hot Dog Sandwich, Chips, Fruit, Cookie and Drink -- you may send a sack lunch if needed.

The children will be divided into groups and rotate through the safety sessions: Lawn Mower Safety Sun Safety/Healthy Lifestyles Water Safety; BB Gun/Pellet Gun Safety ATV/Dirt Bike Safety; Tractor Rollover/Farm Safety; Grandparent (or other adult) may attend Safety Day with registered child.

Arcanum Quarter Craze - May 22nd

Mark your calendars! Arcanum Old Fashion Days QUARTER CRAZE

Bidding will start promptly at 6:30pm  - Doors open at 5:30pm for preview and shopping

Saturday, May 22nd, 2010 - Arcanum Fire Department - 208 W. Main Street Arcanum, Ohio

Admission: $1.00 or donation of old cell phone - Proceeds to benefit: Cell Phones for Soldiers

Featured Items: AVON, Celebrating Home, Creative Memories, Gold Canyon Candles, Lia Sophia, Longaberger, Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, Scentsy, Tastefully Simple, Tupperware, Uppercase Living,

and Usborne Books

Over 70 items: most are quarter bids! Bid on everything and spend about $35.00!!!!

Bring your friends and family! Please bring your own Quarters! Please No Non-Bidding Children!

Joy FM Festival coverage (Old Fashioned Days)

Joy FM will be hitting the road this summer doing live broadcasts from local fairs and festivals in western Ohio and eastern Indiana. They will, once again, have the Joy FM Plink Board out for you to play! There will be a lot of great prizes on the Plinko Board this year, including a chance for you to win a prize package that includes a three night stay at a CedarCreek Chateau, 4 tickets to Dollywood and 4 tickets to Country Tonite Threatre in Pegion Forge, TN.

Stop by and see the Joy FM crew at these locations:

• Arcanum Old Fashioned Days, May 22nd 1-3 PM
• Versailles Poultry Days, June 12th 1-3 PM
• Wayne Co. 4-H Fair, June 19th 1-3 PM
• Randolph Co. Fair, July 17th 1-3 PM
• Annie Oakley Days, July 24th 1-3 PM
• Jay Co. Fair, July 31st 1-3 PM
• Stateline Heritage Days, August 7th 11AM -1PM

Darke County Fair, August 20-28 various days and times Joy FM is also in need of volunteers to help out at these great events! If you are interested in voluteering at one or more of these festivals, give Merrhya a call at 877-335-4569 or email Merrhya at merrhya@889joyfm.com.

Arcanum's Old Fashioned Days - May 21-23

Click on the thumbnail for the schedule of events.

[you may have to magnify image after opening]

Significant wind damage in southern Darke County

A powerful thunderstorm moved through Darke County and brought with it very strong winds, causing widespread damage across the Southern third of the county. New Madison, Arcanum and Pitsburg were the worst areas. The National Weather Service will determine whether the damage was caused by straight-line winds or a tornado. [info from DCSO facebook page - and B.R.]