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Sunday, August 2, 2020 • $1
Governor shuts down county fairs Only Jr. fairs will be held after July 31 GREENVILLE — Despite many months of planning, and attempts to sidestep numerous obstacles along the way, all events except the Jr. Fair at this year’s Great Darke County Fair have been canceled. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine spoke Tuesday, saying that regular, safe fairs cannot happen amid the COVID-
19 situation. “Our goal this summer was, despite of the COVID-19, was to try to hold these fairs,” he said. “It’s become increasingly clear that we cannot have a regular, safe fair in [2020].” DeWine’s order, which goes into effect for fairs starting July 31 or later, eliminates rides, games
Time capsule to be opened at city building By Linda Moody
DarkeCountyMedia.com
GREENVILLE — The 225th anniversary Treaty of Greenville Time Capsule will be opened at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3, at the Greenville City Building, 100 Public Square. Those who plan to attend are asked to adhere to the social distancing and wear masks due to COVID-19. At the program, master of ceremonies and introducing special guests will be Greenville Mayor Steve Willman, with Colors being presented by the Greenville American Legion/Veterans of Foreign Wars. Boy Scout Troop 134 will present the Pledge of Allegiance and John Burkett, current Greenville City Council president, will present the Treaty of Greenville history. This will be followed by the opening of the Treaty of Greenville Time Capsule, 1995. A commemorative presentation will be given by Brenda Arnett, regent, Fort GreeneVille Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Giving the closing prayer will be Fort GreeneVille Chapter DAR Chaplain Karen Burkett, chaplain, who is also DAR American history co-chair with Debbie Niswonger. The Greenville Bicentennial Commission, which formed in 1990, made a decision at the treaty’s 200th anniversary to have the capsule opened in 25 years; thus, the reason for this upcoming occasion. Trustees serving on the Treaty of Bicentennial Commission at the time were Susan Gray, president; Dan Amspaugh, vice president; Don Asman, secretary; and Mara Cox, Bob Marchal, Nancy Baker, R. Eugene Sharp, Ken Haines, Toni Seiler, Ralph Plessinger and Steve Shaltry. The commission put together a copper box, made by Ken Haines of Arcanum, 25 years ago and filled it with 106 items before sealing it. They then gave it to the city. On Monday, after the time capsule is unsealed, it will be for display only. The contents will then be taken to the Visitors Bureau to be put on display again. Contributors to the 2020 time capsule included: (Greenville) - Mary and Charles Sanders, Darke County See CAPSULE | 2A
and grandstand events. In response to the governor’s statements, the Darke County Fair Facebook page posted: “Today the governor at his 2 o’clock press conference has mandated that all fairs in Ohio starting July 31 and after open and operate a Jr. Fair only. We thank everyone that has supported us in our efforts to have a modified fair. We will do our best to give the Jr. Fair exhibi-
tors the best fair we can give them under these circumstances. Thank you all again.” Many commenting on the fair’s Facebook announcement expressed frustration and disappointment at the governor’s order. “What a complete utter disappointment,” said one comment. “Our Governor has absolutely no clue what is actually happening in Darke County!”
Another person wrote, “Please, let’s remember the 4-H and FFA kids and anyone else that participates in the Jr. Fair. We can be there for them.” “You did a phenomenal job getting ready,” said another. “I’m so sorry that other fairs did not and caused us all to miss out. We can’t wait to see you again next year!” The Darke County Fair is the county’s premier event, typically hosting
100,000 or more people during its 10-day run. The cancellation will have negative economic repercussions, not only for the Darke County Fair, but for the many vendors and businesses in the area which count on increased traffic during the fair. The fair joins a list of many summertime county events which have been canceled, including Annie Oakley Days and the Gathering at Garst.
Wife, husband battling her cancer By Linda Moody
DarkeCountyMedia.com
ARCANUM — Theresa Howerton, a lifelong native of the Arcanum area, is fighting for her life, after recently being diagnosed with Glioblastoma Grade 4 brain cancer. Assisting her in her battle is husband Ed, who made the difficult decision to take off work to stay home to care for her. “She is on a very long course of radiation and chemo treatments,” said the former over-the-road truck driver. Her health woes began on April 17 this year, after she collapsed in front of the house picking up trash that was left there. “She doesn’t remember our daughter taking her to the ER,” he said. Earlier, she reportedly had problems writing out a check, trying seven times but couldn’t get it. “This was a prelude to what happened that day,” Ed said. “We saw subtle signs prior to that.” Doctors found a mass on the brain with a CT scan. “There was no mark on her head and no bruises,” he said. “It was almost like she blacked out.” On April 24, after she was transferred to Miami Valley, she underwent an MRI, which confirmed there was a tumor. Ed said he was not allowed in the hospital with her because of COVID-19, but could be there when she had her
Linda Moody | The Daily Advocate
Ed Howerton is doing everything in his power to make wife Theresa’s battle with brain cancer comfortable. He quit his trucking job to ensure that.
biopsies. “April 17 is the day I came off the road to care for her,” he said. “Our lives haven’t been the same since that day. I’ve been trying to get the message out there to everyone that will listen about the emotional and financial burden this type of illness
will do to a family.” During the time, his wife was in the hospital, Ed kept his mind busy by helping his mother-in-law, Nancy Wright, remodel her hair studio in town. “We did a lot of video chats with Theresa and when she told me about the diagnosis I told her
I already knew,” he said. “Theresa started radiation and chemotherapy treatments and was in and out of the hospital since then.” He went on, “Her legs started swelling and they found blood clots, not but severe. They started her See CANCER | 7A
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