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THE EARLY
BIRD NEWSPAPER
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Courthouse to receive 55 new cameras DARKE COUNTY – As part of the courthouse security update project, 48 cameras will be installed inside the facility, with seven planned for the exterior. The total cost of the project is $124,286.56. On Wednesday, county commissioners approved a quote of $122,412.51 for the purchase and installation of the Axis multi-megapixel cameras, which will be purchased from Northwest Ohio Security Systems of Lima. Commission approved another $1,874.05 to Secure Tech Systems Inc. of Irving, Texas for a Wave Plus Output Relay Expansion Board, including onsite set-up and training. Chief Deputy Mark Whitaker was on hand Wednesday to present information concerning the purchase and installation of the cameras. “We’re seeking to eliminate blind spots,” Whittaker said concerning the number of new cameras being installed. “We’ll be upgrading all areas,” of public access inside the courthouse. Several areas in the courthouse currently are protected via cameras, while others are not, Whittaker said. The cameras will have different functions, depending on their location. The new cameras are tied in with the construction of the new rear entrance to the courthouse, which is being completed by Arcon Builders with Mote & Associates as the project’s architects. Commissioner Mike Rhoades questioned Whittaker on when the cameras would be installed. “Fairly soon,” Whittaker said, adding that the next step will be a meeting between Arcon Builders, Mote & Associates and Northwest Ohio Security Systems. The security system, Whittaker said, also will include the installation of panic buttons, which will alert the county dispatch there is a problem at the courthouse. Future plans, he said, call for a similar update at the county jail, which still uses an analog system. Also this week, commissioners signed a notification stating State Route 118 will be the “anticipated travel route” for access to and from the proposed Golden Heritage Egg Farm in Allen Township. Tom Menke of Menke Consulting told commissioners designating State Route 118 as the main access to the property is “a good win for everybody. There will be no impact on neighbors.” According to the Ohio Revised Code, persons proposing a new or expanded major concentrated animal feeding facility to notify county commission and township officials of potential impacts to road infrastructure. Reach Managing Editor Susan Hartley at shartley@ aimmediamidwest.com. Read more news, features and sports at DarkeCountyMedia.com
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Ansonia needing firefighters land Township and part of York Township. How did they come up with the sign that is making a plea for firefighters to the departANSONIA — The marquis ment? sign at the corner of Weller “We were having a meeting and Main streets in Ansonia is about ways to recruit new vola clever marketing strategy. unteers and I came across this Yet it is a serious plea for on social media and Assistant Ansonia Volunteer Fire DepartChief Rick Lee found it in ment’s calling of applicants for more firefighters. Linda Moody | DarkeCountyMedia.com some material he was reading Ansonia Fire Department has a clever way of seeking prospective firefighters. on recruiting and felt it would Fire Chief Paul McCleskey said there is definitely a short- This sign has been up at the corner of Weller and Main streets near the fire be a great attention getter,” McCleskey said. age of firefighters in his depart- department for quite a few weeks now. When asked what are the Ansonia Fire Department, firefighters work out of the ment. requirements to become a fireDoes he think this is a prob- village,” the chief said. “Volun- according to McCleskey, averfighter, the chief responded, teering is a great way to serve ages 110 to 120 fire runs a lem all over the country? “Minimum is 36-hour volunyear. ” I can’t speak for other local your community!” teer level firefighter class.” Equipment includes two In addition to McCleskey, departments but I have seen Training that has to be done, engines, a tanker and one grass officers are Capt. Kyle Armothers advertise looking for he noted, are 18 hours yearly strong, Capt. Kevin McKenna, truck. members on social media so continuing education hours. Annual fundraisers include Lt. Cory Meadows, firefighters don’t be afraid to reach out “Although many more trainthe department’s spring barTroy Kammer, Kenny Cromes to your local department,” he becue and its fall-chili supper/ ing hours are offered,” he said. said. “There is a national short- II, Robbie Widener, Kenny Miller, Seth Gessler, John Sny- raffle at the Halloween parade age.” Contact Staff Writer Linda Moody at it sponsors. der, Jacob Rismiller , Bryan Currently, there are 15 firelmoody@aimmediamidwest.com or at The fire department’s jurisfighters on the Ansonia squad. Oliver and Isaiah Hackler and (937)569-4315 ext. 1749. Read more news, diction is 50 square miles in “We tend to be short-handed probationary firefighters Ron features and sports at DarkeCountyMedia. Brown Township, part of Rich- com. Price and Mike Gessler. during the daytime as most
City moves forward with splash pad GREENVILLE – The City of Greenville is moving closer to building a splash pad at South Park. Earlier this summer, city council learned the city received a grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Land & Conservation Fund for approximately $273,000 with a match provided by the Wayne Hospital Foundation for $225,000. Safety Service Director Curt Garrison shared the city could save at least two percent on the price of the splash pad if it is ordered by Nov. 1. According to Garrison, the city received several estimates with Vortex, who recently completed a splash pad in Springboro, offering an interactive splash pad for $253,584. That estimate came in $20,000 under the proposal from Game Time and $45,000 under Ventura’s proposal. Garrison said he is “happy” with his contact and the work Vortex put into their estimate. The splash pad is expected to encompass a 90-foot diameter area and have three different sections appropriate for different age levels. “And they’re not intermingled,” said Garrison.
Greenville residents can expect to see some changes to South Park beginning next spring.
Garrison pointed out the splash pad will use a potable water system. “If we had a recirculating system we would have to staff it with lifeguards; we would have to monitor the chemicals. With the potable system there are no chemicals to monitor.” He also explained the splash pad would operate off of two actuators. Each actuator controls a portion of the splash pad. The system will run for 15 minutes before the actuator will need to be pushed to restart the system. The city can become a member of the National Purchasing Partner Co-Op and can make the purchase without going through the competitive bidding process. If purchased through the co-op, the city would receive a five percent
discount in addition to the two percent discount if purchased prior to Nov. 1. In addition to the splash pad, the city will also make improvements to the restroom facilities and revamp the parking lot. Council encouraged Garrison to move forward with preparing the necessary legislation. Garrison also shared the Planning & Zoning Commission is currently working to regulate donation bins in the retail area. There are several bins operated by a company that collects clothing that ultimately gives a donation to a charity. Most times, the donation does not go to a local charity. The issue with the bins is that they become a dumping ground for furniture and trash and the company doesn’t ser-
vice the bin on a weekly basis. “The police department is trying to handle the issues as they arise, but as the person who made the complaint said, ‘this isn’t what we need our police department doing.’” Although Garrison is not sure how the regulations will take shape, some of his suggestions included requiring a permit, instituting a fee for placement or completely eliminating the issue. He thinks it can be managed better by the property owner or the company placing the bins. Planning & Zoning hopes to have a recommendation to council in the near future. Contact Editor Ryan Berry at rberry@ aimmediamidwest.com or (937) 5690066. Read more news, features and sports at DarkeCountyMedia.com.