Martin baby home for Christmas
Conley breaks 2 Jets records SPORTS • 6A
LOCAL • 1B
THE EARLY BIRD Weekend Edition of the Daily Advocate
Online at earlybirdpaper.com
Weekend edition
Sunday, December 29, 2019 • $1
Turner a superstar to area children twine, the Cornerstone classroom teacher, as she explained how the children GREENVILLE — It is eagerly anticipate Turner’s not every day someone is arrival. So much so, the called a superstar, but that mini fan club recently sent is how children at an area homemade cards to thank daycare see Randy Turner. the driver for making the Those children — ages 3, weekly visit so exciting. 4, and 5 years old — are in They were especially the Cornerstone classroom appreciative of Turner takat the Kids Learning Place ing the time to wave to on Sweitzer. For some time, them, and for honking the they have enjoyed watchtruck horn. ing for the arrival of the “It would be rude not Rumpke truck near their to [pull the horn],” said playground. The visit made Turner, who has been with extra special thanks to the the company for almost 16 driver behind the wheel – years and serves as a comTurner. mercial driver in several “He is like a superstar to counties, including Darke. them,” said Nancy TrouThe happy and excited By Bethany J. Royer-DeLong DarkeCountyMedia.com
Courtesy photo
Randy Turner, a driver for the Greenville Rumpke Transfer Station, is pictured with a few of the colorful, homemade cards sent to him by his mini fan club, children of the Cornerstone classroom at the Kids Learning Place on Sweitzer.
reception he has received from the daycare is the best part, says Turner. The children on the playground,
right around lunchtime, will give the bullhorn salute while others play hide and seek from behind the fence.
Turner shared how, over the years, he has developed relationships with customers, individuals that he misses from former routes, so seeing the kids makes his days brighter. His easygoing nature and humble smile is an understandable draw. One child went so far as to thank him for always being happy. “To know that I’m making that little kid [happy] when he sees me,” said Turner. “I’m glad I’m making that little kid happy.” The local daycare is not the first to be Turner fans. An Eaton daycare has shared similar sentiments. In fact, Rumpke overall has
quite the following among the young and old alike, enough so that they have a fan club. Those interested can learn more at www. rumpke.com under about us/education. The Greenville Rumpke Transfer Station has 100 employees onsite from welders to mechanics, drivers to sales, and administration at their location on Jaysville-St. Johns Road. They are currently celebrating 30 years in the community. Reach reporter Bethany J. RoyerDeLong at 937/548-3330 or email broyer-delong@aimmediamidwest. com. Read more news, features, and sports at DarkeCountyMedia.com.
Board certifies petitions for March 17 Primary Two file for county commission seat By Ryan Berry
DarkeCountyMedia.com
See PRIMARY | 3
$
29
A new year brings it with new hopes and dreams.
Bucket lists contemplated for 2020 asks me ‘when are you going to retire,’ I quickly respond, ‘my retirement DARKE COUNTY party will be 2-5, 7-9. I — As 2019 comes to an know where? Just don’t end,Facebook readers were know when. Watch the asked what is on their buck- newspaper for the time and et list for 2020. Here are date, I know my wife would the responses received: like to see you there.’ I Steve Baker: Feb 14, don’t really have a bucket 2020, will be my 50th list. I have had a great ride anniversary chasing fire over those soon-to-be 50 trucks. I don’t look foryears. I’ve seen a lot. Peace, ward to a full retirement. Love and Happiness!” My dad worked at WHIO Kay Jones: “To add from 1946 to 1959. I truly another State to my list.” believe covering news is in Sherry Waymire: “To find my DNA. When someone peace.” By Linda Moody
DarkeCountyMedia.com
Vascular Screening could save your life!
ONLY A FEW DAYS LEFT! Special December pricing! Vascular screening is recommended every five years for those 50 and older with a history of smoking and/or diabetes. Are you at risk for a stroke, aneurysm or peripheral artery disease? A vascular screening is a simple three-part procedure done in our office that has saved hundreds of lives in our area.
Jodi Edger: “I want to spend more time with my kids and grandsons… Sunday dinners, swimming on hot summer days and grilling out…playing card games with family and friends….and a new puppy. A simple, happy content life.” Becky Garrett-Ress: “I want to take a ride in a hotair balloon.” Debb Summers: “The top thing on my list this year… 52 (or more) random acts of kindness. Not just hold the door type of thing, but
something that has impact even if small. I haven’t figured them all out yet, but I’m working on it.” Linda Wood Yount: “I don’t really have a bucket list, but I’m planning to retire in October when I’m 66. Also would like to take a nice vacation; no plans for that yet.” Crystal Mead Rediger: “I don’t have a bucket list either. I just want to go see a beach and put my feet in the sand and we are going See BUCKET | 3
Bethel Cardiology of Greenville
316-6350 1101 Jackson St. ReidHealth.org
Dr. Henry Chong Cardiologist Screening must be paid for by 12/31/19 and scheduled to be performed by 1/31/20.
OH-70166086
GREENVILLE – The Darke County Board of Elections met on Dec. 23 to certify petitions for the March 17, 2020 Primary Election. Many of the county offices are up for election in 2020, including two seats on the Darke County Commission. With Commissioner Michael Rhoades announcing he would not run for re-election after his present terms ends Jan. 2, 2021, there will be a new face on the commission when a new term begins on Jan. 3, 2021. Thus far, two persons have filed petitions on the Republican ticket with hopes of filling that seat. Larry Holmes, of Greenville, and Matt Harrison, of Hollansburg, will be seeking votes in the Primary Election. The winner of that race is currently unopposed in the general election as no Democrats filed for the seat. However, there is still time for an independent to announce his or her candidacy or for a person to run as a write-in candidate. Matthew Aultman, Republican, is currently running unopposed in the primary and no Democrat filed for that seat. Additional county offices with no challengers include Republicans R. Kelly Ormsby, Prosecuting Attorney; Cindy Pike, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas; Toby L. Spencer, Sherriff; Linda Stachler, County Recorder; Timothy Kathman, County Coroner; and Jason Aslinger, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas – Juvenile/Probate Division. No Democrats filed for these seats. On the Democrat ticket, persons filing included Jim Surber, County Engineer; and Scott J. Zumbrink, County Treasurer. No Republicans filed for those seats. There were no contested races for the Democrat Central Committee. Candidates include Matthew J. Guyette, Greenville 1-C; Leon Rogers, Greenville 3-A; David J. Capowski, Greenville 3-C; Jim Surber,