GOVERNMENT

NEW MADISON, Ohio (WKEF) -- A World War II Navy navigator is back home in the Miami Valley. Harley Alexander was killed on the Destroyer USS Glennon 80 years ago. Alexander was welcomed back on Friday, June 28, and laid to rest on Saturday in New Madison where he was born.

GREENVILLE — The Darke County Parks’ Bear’s Mill was honored by the Richard Montgomery Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) on Friday for their American Flag display at the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial. Chapter President Lee Emrick explained Bear’s Mill was chosen to receive...

(Wayne County, IN)--A new study by the Indiana Department of Agriculture shows how much farmland has been lost in our area since 2010. It shows that Wayne County has lost 3800 acres of farmland to various types of developments. By far, the biggest loser of farmland in our area is Union County, which is Indiana’s smallest county. According to the report, Union County has lost more than 13,000 acres of farmland in the last 12 years. That’s significant because its more than 12% of Union County’s total acreage. Despite the loss of farmland in our area, agricultural production is actually up in the same time period.

In order to address the many concerns and statements that have been expressed over the past few days regarding the Veterans banners in downtown Greenville, I want to apologize for the lack of communication on this matter. To reiterate, it was the final decision made by the entire Main Street Greenville Board to put those banners back up onto the lightpoles downtown. With the upcoming procession honoring Harley Alexander, the World War II Veteran who was killed on June 8, 1944 and whose body was returned home for burial in New Madison, it was determined to do so. To be very clear, everyone serving on this board has given a great deal of their time and energy, and is totally dedicated to the success of our downtown and to the City of Greenville. We work together as a team, and have always worked for the success of our events over the years in providing enjoyable moments and memories for the families living in Greenville and the surrounding communities. It has been a pleasure to be a part of Main Street Greenville for the past 6 1/2 years, and as such, I have served on the Design Committee along with a few others on the board. Ideas began coming forth to revise the program and place banners throughout downtown to promote the many events that occur annually. It was my suggestion to then place the Veterans banners throughout the park. I take full responsibility for that idea. While there had been discussions with multiple entities about these ideas, none have been finalized as of yet. Ideas are floating around amongst some, includinrg myself, to feature BOTH of these types of banners downtown, with more Veterans banners continuing down North Broadway, to the Garst Museum, and throughout our beautiful park, all in an effort to permanently honor our Veterans. The fact of the matter is, Main Street Greenville is a tremendous asset to the City of Greenville, our businesses, and the community. There were discussions that occurred in the past week that are totally false regarding the board members and Executive Director. Many ideas have since been discussed on how to best repair any relationship that may have been damaged. Truth is, the Main Street Greenville Board consists of a selfless group of local business owners, governmental leaders, and highly respected individuals. Our recently modified statement of “Building Community Downtown” is at the forefront of every idea, event, or project. We are going to forget any mistakes of the past, and press on to the greater achievements of the future for the betterment of our entire community. Thank you.

GREENVILLE – The Light Foundation’s Camp Vohokase welcomed Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Sammy Davis and his wife Dixie to the camp at Chenoweth Trails. Upon founding the Light Foundation, Matt dreamed about starting a camp where young men could learn lifelong skills that would help them be R.E.A.L (Responsible, Ethical, Accountable, Leaders). The Light Foundation’s premier program, Camp Vohokase has done just that.

DAYTON – AES Ohio, a subsidiary of The AES Corporation, was announced as an Edison Electric Institute (EEI) Emergency Response Award recipient. Presented to EEI member companies twice a year, the Emergency Response Awards recognize recovery and assistance efforts of electric companies following service disruptions caused by extreme weather or other natural events. The winners were chosen by a panel of judges following an international nomination process. The awards were presented during EEI’s Board of Directors and CEO meeting held in conjunction with EEI’s annual meeting and thought leadership forum.

GREENVILLE – On May 5, the Fun Bunch 4-H club met at the Brethren’s Home in Greenville. The meeting was called to order by Natalie Brewer, the pledge of allegiance was led by Bella Gulley followed by the 4-H pledge led by Josie Ross and an ice-breaking game of Cinco De Mayo Bingo.

GREENVILLE – Darke County Center for the Arts is once again bringing its annual summer special event “Barbecue and Blues” to downtown Greenville on Friday, July 12; the fun begins at 6 p.m. on the spacious lawn at the Greenville Public Library, 520 Sycamore Street. Cincinnati-based Alex...

On June 12th and 13th, 200 Darke County students attended Darke County Conservation Day Camp at Chenoweth Trails hosted by the Darke Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). The camp was designed to get kids outdoors and provide a hands-on approach to learning about their environment. “Our goal was to...