Kunks celebrate 50th
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Kubik hired as reporter
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Mehaffie surprised with Heritage Award or organizations for their distinguished contributions or actions of unusual excellence that help connect people to Darke County’s past. Dr. Johnson added, “Darryl’s experience and unique insight into the administrative needs of the DCHS has been an integral part of our success and his guidance in moving difficult projects forward has assisted in the museum’s growth over the years. On a more personal level, I have benefited from his tutelage on the political process for nonprofits and always have enjoyed our conversations. Darryl’s legendary
support for the Darke County community goes far beyond his decades of dedicated assistance to Garst Museum, and it is an honor to present the Heritage Award to him.” Of special note in his 30-plusyear impact as a trustee of Garst Museum, Darryl worked to secure legislative passage of state Capital Improvement Funds for Phase 1 of a parking lot. Construction is well under way. While most of the facility will be across from the Museum (off Wilson Drive) in the former Buchy Foods lot, the
Whistle Stop gets makeover By Linda Moody
Walmart to require masks starting July 20
ANSONIA — The Whistle Stop in Ansonia, which made local, state and probably national news in 2017 with its Queen of Hearts jackpot-setting event, now has a new look. Owner Andrew Riffle, who admitted that the news of the arrival of COVID-19 several months ago had him somewhat scared, said they had minor projects scheduled already before people were asked to remain at home and businesses shut down. “But, once things rolled around, it made too much sense not to do this,” he said. “We shut down when the when restaurants were forced to close down their doors.” But knowing Riffle, he had some ideas of his own. “I had it all in my head and so did a few others, and it all came together,” said Riffle, who has owned the establishment since November 2015. “I can’t believe it.” Even before it was announced that restaurants and bars serving food were to close down, Riffle had already begun his delivery service to help get food out to customers. “It helped sustain us and let us grow,” he said. “We deliver to a good chunk of Darke County.” The interior displays more of a railroad theme and appears to be more spacious. The motif includes railroad crossing and other signs, train depot lights on the side, and taps on liquor bottles that resemble railroad ties at the bar inside the Whistle Stop, which had its beginnings, he thinks, in the mid-1880s.
DARKE COUNTY — National retail chain Walmart announced Wednesday it will require all customers to wear masks inside all its stores, including Sams’ Club, beginning Monday, July 20. In a statement posted by its corporate office, Walmart said the move is to bring “consistency across stores and clubs.” “As the number of confirmed cases has spiked in communities across the country recently, so too have the number and types of face covering mandates being implemented. Currently about 65 percent of our more than 5,000 stores and clubs are located in areas where there is some form of government mandate on face coverings,” the statement said. “This will give us time to inform customers and members of the changes, post signage and train associates on the new protocols.” Walmart said it will have “Health Ambassadors” stationed at the front entrances of stores who will “work with customers who show up at a store without a face covering to try and find a solution.” The company acknowledged there may be exceptions. “We know it may not be possible for everyone to wear a face covering. Our associates will be trained on those exceptions to help reduce friction for the shopper and make the process as easy as possible for everyone,” it said.
Provided photo
Darryl Mehaffie (left) receives the Heritage Award from Dr. Clay Johnson at the Garst Museum.
Pumpkin show canceled BRADFORD — COVID-19 claimed another community festival Wednesday, as Bradford’s annual Pumpkin Show has been cancelled. The Bradford Community Festival Association board and committees had numerous discussions concerning the 2020 Bradford Pumpkin Show. After reaching out to the local health department on what the requirements would be, and a long discussion at its meeting July 14, the board made the heartbreaking decision to cancel the 2020 Bradford Pumpkin Show. “The social distancing guidelines and other requirements on the festival due to COVID-19 would be too great to enforce and overcome to ensure the safety of our volunteers, guests, vendors, and community, which is our top priority,” said a statement from the organization. “We understand this will stir many emotions. This was a very difficult decision the committee had to make.” Those with questions are asked to email bradfordpumpkinshow@gmail.com The committee will begin planning for the 2021 Bradford Pumpkin Show at its next meeting, November 4, 2020, at 7 p.m. at the Bradford Fire House. “Our theme, ‘After These Short Messages…’ (i.e. commercials), will carry over to next year. While we’ll be taking a commercial break for this year, we can’t wait to see you back on the midway in 2021!” organizers said.
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HOW REID HEALTH IS KEEPING YOU SAFE A clean, secure environment for care
GREENVILLE — Recognized, once again, for “for significant contributions” to the community, Darryl Mehaffie has received another prestigious award. At the July 9 meeting of the Darke County Historical Society (DCHS) operating as Garst Museum, Darryl was surprised as this year’s Heritage Award recipient. Having served since 1987, he was also recognized that evening as a now emeritus member of the DCHS. According to museum CEO Dr. Clay Johnson, the DCHS’s Heritage Award was created to recognize outstanding citizens
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Separate care areas for COVID-19 & non-COVID-19 patients
Provided photo
Shown is the interior of the Whistle Stop since its remodel that took place during the pandemic shutdown.
“We almost gutted the place, then replaced it with new floors, drop ceiling, all new lighting and electric, windows, doors, tables and bar,” he said. “There was nothing we didn’t touch.” “Our floor needed to be done a long time ago,” he added. The tables got new tops and the stools at the bar are the same ones but painted black. “I wanted it to have a nice clean look,” said Riffle, who also
Chairs in public spaces spaced for social distancing
Proper PPE for all staff
Staggered appointments to minimize people in a given area
ReidHealth.org/Safe
works at Crown. “Our project list was so long and we got a lot done. I want to thank all of the contractors.” The remodel was phase one of the project, he said, with the next phase being a menu revamp. “We want to offer nice dinner entrees,” he said. “Understand we’re not perfect, but we See WHISTLE | 5A
See AWARD | 5A
Face masks provided to everyone, regardless of symptoms
Sanitizing stations throughout the facility Frequent disinfecting and cleaning
Screening for COVID-19 symptoms at the door
Right beside you.