Enjoy winter at parks
Arcanum moves forward
Helping Big Bros., Big Sisters
INSIDE • 9A
SPORTS • 8A
LOCAL • 1B
THE EARLY BIRD Weekend Edition of the Daily Advocate
Breaking news at DarkeCountyMedia.com
All content © 2021 The Early Bird. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.
Sunday, February 21, 2021 • $1
Weekend edition
City hears from public regarding water, sewer increases Nov. 1. The legislation will also have the city switch to monthly utilities billing, effective May 1. GREENVILLE — During The measure received its its Tuesday night meeting, Greenville City Council heard first reading during council’s Feb. 2 meeting. Council will from the public regarding have an opportunity to vote the city’s proposed increase on water and sewer rates for on the legislation at council’s infrastructure improvements. next meeting, Mar. 2. John Warner, president The measure calls for water and CEO of Brethren Retirerates to increase 50 percent ment Community, addressed effective May 1, 2021, and council, saying that while he an additional 18 percent understands the importance Nov. 1, 2021. Sewer rates will increase 25 percent May of needed infrastructure improvements, if it would be 1, and 10 percent more on
By Erik Martin
Darke County Media
Darke County Media image
Greenville City Council heard concerns from the public regarding legislation to increase water and sewer rates in Greenville. Council will consider the measure again Mar. 2.
possible for the city to reconsider with smaller increases over more years. “The rate increase comes for us at a difficult time. As you aware, the COVID19 pandemic has brought significant challenges to individuals and businesses, alike. BRC is no exception,” said Warner. “We estimate that the proposed water and sewer increase will raise our bill nearly $67,000 per year based on our current usage.” “From our perspective, the proposed increase in rates
seems to want to address all funding needs for improvements in a relatively short period of time,” he added. Councilman Jeff Whitaker said, “I hate to be sitting here calling for that rate increase, but I also hate to be sitting here when the water line busts and there is no water, and we don’t have 12 hours of emergency storage.” Tracy Tryon, former council member, asked council if there were other options See CITY | 2A
Lent a season of reflection Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent By Carol Marsh
DarkeCountyMedia.com
DARKE COUNTY — Every year, as sure as snow will descend across a wintry Ohio in February, people of all Christian faith traditions are preparing for the season of Lent. Originating from an old Anglo-Saxon word lencten meaning “spring or springtime,” the term “Lent” was first used as early as the 12th century to describe a period of fasting, abstinence and reflection in the weeks leading up to Easter Sunday. In 325 A.D., the idea of a 40-day seasonal fast was introduced at the First Council of Nicaea, and based upon the temptation of Christ in the desert prior to his public ministry (as noted in the Gospels, particularly in Matthew 4: 1-11 and Luke 4: 1-13). St. Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria and leader of the Council, wanted to be certain that the full 40 days were observed; during the season of Lent, Sundays were also considered “minor feasts,” and as such, could not be considered part of the “total count” of the fast. Thus, the first day of the seasonal fast, according to Athanasius, should be on a Wednesday, which has become known in the Christian world as “Ash Wednesday.” Many Christian traditions, such as Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, and some Protestant denominations mark the start of Lent with worship services on Ash Wednesday. In the Roman Catholic tradition, although not considered a holy day of obligation, Ash Wednesday is faithfully observed by attending Mass See LENT | 3A
Erik Martin | Darke County Media
The Darke County Board of Commissioners approved a transfer of $140,000 of court funds with an eye to purchase a local business in downtown Greenville. The court wishes to turn the building into a center to conduct work-release classes and other life-building skills for ex-convicts. The board, though releasing the funds, does not express approval of the plan.
Commissioners approve court fund transfer Express concerns regarding court plan By Nathaniel Kubik and Erik Martin DarkeCountyMedia.com
GREENVILLE — The Darke County Board
of Commissioners met Wednesday afternoon to approve a transfer of funds for the purchasing of a new courts building, and to finalize the leasing of farm
land at the county’s North Farm. Commissioners Matt Aultman, Mike Stegall, and Larry Holmes were all present. The board approved a transfer of $140,000 for the purchase for a building by the Darke County Courts.
The proposal by the Darke County Courts is to purchase the building currently housing Chillz Frozen Yogurt in order to transform it into a place to provide work-release See TRANSFER | 5A
AMVETS make donations to local schools local schools. Covington Local Schools, in Miami County, and Bradford Local Schools, and DARKE COUNTY Versailles Local Schools — AMVETS Post 66 in in Darke County will each Covington will soon be making donations to three receive $750 from the
By Nathaniel Kubik DarkeCountyMedia.com
organization. The donation comes courtesy of the AMVETS members, and their subsidiary organizations AMVETS Sons and AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary. James Hale, a repre-
sentative from the group, stated that the AMVETS’ Post 66 is trying to return to its community service roots. Hale said that the See AMVETS | 2A
What Does YOUR Future Hold?
NO ONE KNOWS, BUT EDISON STATE CAN HELP YOU MAKE THE MOST OF IT. MANY OF OUR PROGRAMS CAN BE COMPLETED ONLINE!
OH-70222727
Speak with a career pathway advisor today—937.548.5546 or visit: www.edisonohio.edu