Pageant kicks off Kings Royal event

ROSSBURG – Entry applications for Eldora Speedway’s annual ceremony to select representatives to assist with trophy presentations and other functions around the historic speed plant can now be downloaded from www.EldoraSpeedway.com.

The eighth annual Ms. Eldora Speedway pageant (July 11) will be the kickoff event to a busy July 11, 12 and 13 weekend that will conclude with the running of the 30th annual Kings Royal for Sprint Cars. Sandwiched between the two events will be an American Red Cross go-kart race on Eldora’s front stretch Thursday night (July 11), the STP World of Outlaws (WoO) Sprint Cars sanctioned Knight Before the Kings Royal Friday night (July 12) and the annual National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum auction on Saturday afternoon (July 13).

As in previous years, three girls will be chosen to represent Eldora for one year. The process to that selection will include three stage appearances inside the historic Eldora Ballroom that include different styles of dress and speaking opportunities.

For Zan Smith, Brittany Holland and Desiree Hixenbaugh, their reign will end that night, while for three girls, their journey will begin the following evening as they presenting the winning hardware to the Knight Before the Kings Royal victor.

Monetary awards in the amount of $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second place and $250 for third place will join the other benefits which include a tiara and wardrobe.

Applicants must be 18 years or older at the time of the pageant, which begins at 5 p.m. inside the climate-controlled Eldora Ballroom. The event is open to the public.

Race fans seeking further information on the exciting Kings Royal weekend, including ticket and campsite purchasing, can find that on www.EldoraSpeedway.com as well, or can contact the speedway office 338-3815 during normal business hours.

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CCC gives baseball and softball honors

DARKE COUNTY – The Cross County Conference recently released its honorees for Baseball and Softball.

In baseball, Miami East won the league with an 11-1 conference record and 19-5 overall record. Also posting winning records are Covington 9-3 14-11; National Trail 9-3 16-11; Tri-County North, 9-3 20-9; Arcanum 8-3-1 17-7-1; Bethel 7-4-1 18-8-1; Tri-Village 7-5 14-11; and Bradford 4-8 14-11.

First Team All Conference – Jacob Albaugh, Arcanum; Josh Lee, National Trail; Jordan Elam, Bethel; Brandon Delcamp, Newton; Brandon Wysong, Bradford; Austin Hutchins, Tri-County North; Bryton Lear, Covington; Ryan Patrick, Tri-County North; Michael Fellers, Miami East; Kyle Pipenger, Tri-Village; Brandon Kirk, Miami East; and Garrett Mitchell, Miami East

Second Team All Conference – Kaleb Earick, Ansonia; John Boston, Franklin Monroe; Grady Garno, Arcanum; Carson Stump, Mississinawa Valley; Austin Ripple, Arcanum; Devin Mize, National Trail; Luke Veldman, Bethel; Hunter Gleadell, Tri-County North; Mikey Barga, Bradford; Jordan Burns, Twin Valley South; Austin Angle, Covington; and Kyler Deeter, Covington

Special Mention Team – Max Muir, Ansonia; Austin Rust, Mississinawa Valley; Donnie Kress, Arcanum; Corey Harmon, National Trail; Brandon Nesbitt, Bethel; Cody Alexander, Newton; Bryce Arnett, Bradford; Kyle Edgin, Tri-County North; Justin Williams, Covington; Haedon Schlechty, Tri-Village; Devin McCoy, Franklin Monroe; Wes Cole, Twin Valley South; and Evan Bowling, Miami East

Player of the Year is Ryan Patrick, Tri-County North

Coach of the Year is Corey Mangen, National Trail

In softball, Covington won the league with a 12-0 conference record and 26-0 overall record. Also posting winning records are Miami East 11-1 20-6; Arcanum 9-3 19-5; Newton 8-4 16-10; Ansonia 7-5 13-14; Tri-Village 7-5 15-7; Bradford 6-6 15-12

First Team All Conference – Catey Fischer, Ansonia; Paige Kiesewetter, Miami East; Loganne Stone, Arcanum; Madison Linn, Miami East; Josie Weaver, Arcanum; Kirsten Burden, Newton; Brooke Dunlevy, Bradford; Jackie Marshall, Tri-County North; Jessie Shilt, Covington; Ecko Brown, Tri-Village; Casey Yingst, Covington; and Katie Straszheim Twin Valley South

Second Team All Conference – Allison Phillippi, Ansonia; Susan Boston, Franklin Monroe; Abbie Bruns, Arcanum; Lindsay Brookhart, Miami East; Brianna Anthony, Bethel; Nicole Scholl, Mississinawa Valley; Haley Patty, Bradford; Alexus Acton, National Trail; Haley Adams, Covington; Megan Rutledge, Newton; Heidi Snipes, Covington; and Krystal Falknor, Tri-Village

Special Mention Team – Kelli Sewell, Ansonia; Heather Dirksen, Mississinawa Valley; Allison Dill, Arcanum; Nicole Witt, National Trail; Amanda Shoopman, Bethel; Kasey Thompson, Newton; Kylie Miller, Bradford; Hannah Loughman, Tri-County North; Connor Schaffer, Covington; Rachel Fickert, Tri-Village; Morgan Bingham, Franklin Monroe; Kaelee Rivers, Twin Valley South; Olivia Edgell, Miami East

Player of the Year – Casey Yingst, Covington

Coach of the Year – Dean Denlinger, Covington

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Annie Oakley Golf Tourney is July 22

GREENVILLE – The 32nd annual Annie Oakley Golf Tournament is fast approaching. Get signed up with your team today for a chance to win a new car or truck from one of four Darke County area car dealers!

This year’s tournament is scheduled for July 22, at the Turtle Creek Golf Course and will feature a shot gun start with scramble format, chances to win great prizes and lunch/dinner for the golfer and their spouse. Most importantly, the proceeds from this fun and exciting event will benefit the local and independent Cancer Association of Darke County.

Each golfer has the opportunity to win a new car or truck valued at $27,500 for a hole-in-one on the sixth and seventeenth hole. Dave Knapp Ford, Lincoln, Mercury; HittleBuick-GMC; Ron Garrett Chevrolet and Troutwine Auto Sales are together sponsoring this year’s Hole-in-One competition. Golfers scoring an Ace on #8 will win choice of Premium Golf Equipment. An Ace on Hole #11 will win a Yamaha Golf Car. Also, there are various other cash awards for Team Winners.

Additional information and entry forms for the 32nd annual tournament are available at the Cancer Association of Darke County, 209E. Fourth St., Greenville, 548-9960, or from any tournament committee member.

Dave Knapp of Dave Knapp Ford, Lincoln, Mercury 

Jim Troutwine of Troutwine Auto Sales, Inc. 

Ron Garrett of Ron Garrett Chevrolet, Inc. 

Donald Hittle and Scott Fleming of Hittle Buick, GMC, Inc.

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Vanover resigns position at Greenville

BY GEORGE STARKS

GREENVILLE - After a year as the head basketball coach for the Lady Wave, Kyle Vanover has called it quits citing personal reasons, according to Greenville Athletic Director Randy Swisher.

"I never saw this coming," said Swisher in a phone interview. "I was hoping he would have stayed on and turned this program around and gotten it going. I'm not getting much out of him either, even though he never said why he was leaving, so personal reasons are what it's being referred to."

Vanover took over the Lady Wave program during the 2012-13 season, following a similar one-year tenure from Dave McFiely.

With players like Jenna Dowler and Erin Albright, Vanover was forced to watch one of his best, Megan Galloway, sit out the majority of the season.

Going into the sectional draw, the Wave held a dismal 3-15 mark and lost to Kenton Ridge, 87-49 in the opening round.

Last season, the team was 10-9 at the time of the draw but again lost to Kenton Ridge 61-44 in the second round of the sectionals.

During his year as coach, Vanover went 7-3 in the GWOC North. The year prior the team was 1-9 in conference.

"I'm moving on now," said Swisher. "I'm ready to look for a replacement and I don't dwell too much on why somebody leaves. If they don't want to coach here then they don't want to coach here. We will just move on. The assistants are doing a great job of getting things in place and I wish Kyle the best in whatever he's going to be doing, but we have to move on."

Vanover’s resignation was effective June 5. Also resigning was Edward Porter, Greenville’s cross country coach, effective May 29.

Currently, Vanover is living in Troy.

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UC Elks sponsor golf tournament

UNION CITY, IN – The Union City Benevolent Protective Order of Elks #1534 invites you to participate in its annual golf tournament on June 22, at the Union City Golf Course, 868 Wasson Road, Union City. The tournament is a four-person, 18-hold Best Ball Scramble. The entry fee is $50 per person for players unless they are members of the U.C. Golf Course and that entry fee is $40 per person.

First shift is filled at this time, but there are still openings on second shift. Second shift registration begins at noon with a 2 p.m. shotgun start. The tournament includes green fees, cart, food and entertainment.

Entry forms for tournament are available at UC Elks Lodge or UC Golf Course.

Hole sponsors are available for $100 donation with name on sign at a hole on the course. Cart sponsors are available for a $200 donation with name on each cart. Memorial sponsors will provide your name on a banner at the course for a monetary donation of your choice.

Door prizes and raffles will be held during the tournament

If you, or your business, are interested in sponsoring a hole, cart or memorial donation or items for door prizes or raffles, contact the lodge at 765-964-5100.

Each year, with the help of local businesses, members, and the local community, the Union City, Indiana B.P.O. ELKS #1534 is able to raise funds to help support direct cancer research. This vital research lends hope to those living with a cancer diagnosis, their families, and survivors.

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Youth football sign up set

ARCANUM – Arcanum Youth Football will be holding another sign-up for the 2013 Season on June 22, noon to 3 p.m., at the Arcanum City Building. This is open to children going into grades 2-6 for the 2013-2014 season, in Arcanum and Franklin Monroe School Districts. If you have any questions, contact President Brad Gordon at 467-1564 or Football Director Eric Osswald at 459-0198.

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YFC invites golfers to annual outing

GREENVILLE – Perhaps this will be the year! Each of the past 20 summers, Dave Knapp Ford has agreed to donate a new car to the participant lucky enough to hit a hole-in-one on the designated hole at the Youth for Christ of the Miami Valley Golf Classic. Thus far, no one has claimed this prize. This year, a shiny Ford Focus is at stake. Perhaps you could be the one to drive it home!

June 26 is the date for the Youth for Christ outing, which will take place at White Springs Golf Club and those who participate are in for a real treat. In fact, if you join in you’ll notice several aspects of the event that cause many golfers to return year after year. First, there are wonderful prizes. Beside the possibility of a new car, there will be prizes for several golfing contests and many wonderful door prizes. But some of the best rewards are reserved for those who use the outing as an opportunity to greatly further the mission of Youth for Christ. Golfers in the YFC Classic have their choice of “paying to play” or collecting pledges to more significantly help YFC. Some raise hundreds or even thousands of dollars for the work of Youth for Christ and are rewarded handsomely for their efforts. This year’s top four fundraisers will choose between a golf trip at the Deer Creek State Park Resort, two quality golf clubs, a $100 Hibbett Sports gift card, and a $100 Ace gift card.

A second reason many golfers return to the YFC Classic each year is the delicious food that is served non-stop throughout the day. Fruit, doughnuts, and coffee are always on hand at the time of arrival and sandwiches are served “hot off the grill” to everyone passing near the clubhouse thereafter. This also means that golfers aren’t asked to stay for a long program after the end of play. Many appreciate the fact that after a brief thank-you and the presentation of prizes they can be on their way.

Another fun feature in the tournament ensures that everyone who “goes the extra mile” for YFC will receive special treatment that makes their play a day to remember. While a team can register for as little as $350 and an individual can play for $100, those wanting to help even more can sign up for a “Gold Class Upgrade.” Those with a Gold Class Upgrade are entitled to everything received by other golfers, but will also receive a tournament golf shirt and exclusive amenities such as steak sandwiches, special side dishes, a gift bag, and free chair massage. Teams can register with a Gold Class Upgrade for $700 and individual golfers can have a Gold Class Upgrade by paying or raising at least $300.

Add some good friends and a nice setting to the mix and the Youth for Christ Golf Classic is an enjoyable day indeed. But there is a greater purpose to the event. Last year’s Classic raised more than $19,000 to help YFC reach area young people with the life-changing message for Jesus Christ. And that’s a message that is producing positive change in the lives of many young people who are involved. This year, more than 900 students have been involved in Youth for Christ programs. Many of them have testified that their involvement with YFC has changed their perspectives, attitudes, and behaviors, and has led them to become followers of Christ.

The lasting benefit of the Youth for Christ ministry is what leads several dozen local businesses to provide sponsorship for the tournament, including the Littman-Thomas Agency, Fitzwater Tree and Lawn Service, and White Springs Golf Club who are providing the lead sponsorship this year. Would you like to join in? Several more golfers and business sponsors are still needed in order to surpass this year’s $20,000 goal. Those interested in either of these opportunities should call Youth for Christ at 548-2477 or e-mail YFC at office@yfcmv.org.

Pictured are Gary Lloyd, YFC Golf Classic Committee; Dave Keiser, YFC Golf Classic Committee; Dave Knapp, owner of Dave Knapp Ford; Neal Crawford, executive director of YFC; and Mike Snyder, YFC Golf Classic Committee.

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Lady Wave pitcher named to first team all Ohio

BY GEORGE STARKS

GREENVILLE - Rarely will a sophomore make all-state on any team.

Lady Wave pitcher Ally Russell has done exactly that with the Ohio High School Fastpitch Coaches Association making her the 11th Wave player in as many years to receive all-state status.

Russell was one of 17 players in D-II in Ohio to be named as a first team player.

"She was very deserving of this honor," said Wave coach Jerrod Newland. "I'm very proud of her. She kept us in a lot of games this season and made everyone she played with on the team better."

At the end of the season, Russell owned a 1.05 ERA in just over 186 innings pitched as a first time Wave pitcher. She recorded 12 shutouts with a 25-6 record, striking out 200 hitters with a miniscule 1.08 walks per inning.

At the dish, the super sophomore had a .327 batting average and a .381 on-base percentage in 110 plate appearances in the 32 games played. with 18 doubles and 28 runs batted in.

“Just a great kid,” Newland said. “Works hard at her game year round. Offensively she had a few big hits this year, too. She has a lot of potential and with two more years as a Lady Wave, she can achieve that potential. I'm excited for the future of Lady Wave softball.”

Overall, Greenville has put 16 players on the all-state list with eight of them being first team players.

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Arcanum Youth Football signup

ARCANUM – Arcanum Youth Football will be holding another sign-up for the 2013 Season on June 22, noon to 3 p.m., at the Arcanum City Building. If you have any questions, contact President Brad Gordon, 467-1564, or Football Director Eric Osswald, 459-0198.

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Greenville Youth Football signup

GREENVILLE – Greenville Youth Football’s final organized sign up will be on June 15. Greenville Youth Football, a member of the Western Ohio Junior Football Conference, is open to boys and girls of Darke County, who will be entering grades 1-6 for the upcoming 2013 football season. Please plan to sign up at First Congregational Christian Church in their
Rec Building located behind the church, 115 West Fifth St., Greenville, from 1-3 p.m. After this date personal registration will be available through Aug. 10 by contacting Art Boatright or Cory Zumbrun.

If this is your first year of participation, they will need a copy of your birth certificate. All players will be required to complete a physical before being allowed to participate.

Registration Fees: $125 for each football player for the 2013 season.

The raffle fundraiser is mandatory for all football players. Details will be available at sign up.

The elected Greenville Youth Football Board reserves the right to refuse participation to anyone at their discretion. Please contact Art
Boatright, GYFL President, 459-9256 or Cory Zumbrum, WOJFC League Rep., 417-4859 with any questions or concerns. Visit them at www.leaguelineup.com/gyfl.

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GHS athletic dept. presents awards

GREENVILLE – Greenville Senior High Athletic Department recently presented the 2012-13 Special Awards for baseball, softball, boys and girls track and boys tennis.

Baseball – Colton Nealeigh, Best Offensive Player; Devin Wood, Best Defensive Player; Cole Ward, Wave Award; Austin Baumgardner, Best Pitcher; and Stetson Zumbrun, Coaches Award

Softball – Jazzlyn Petry, Best Offensive Player; Brionna Greer/Haleigh Luce, Co-Best Defensive Players; Erin Albright, Highest Batting Average “The Tab;” Ally Russell, Best Pitcher; Rachel Class, Miles Award; and Erin Albright, Most RBI’s

Boys Track – Tyler Neff, Most Valuable Member; Ben Smith, Most Improved; Griffin Kirk, Coaches Award; Caleb Kensinger, Sportsmanship; and Aaron Balsbaugh, Newcomer

Girls Track – Paige Keller, Most Valuable Member; Rachel Foreman, Most Improved; Emily Beanblossom, Coaches Award; Jackie Kensinger, Sportsmanship Award; and Emily Hayes, Newcomer

Boys Tennis – Derek Lockhart, Most Valuable Player; Sam Bowers/Evan Kiser, Co-Coaches Award; Lucas Keller, Sportsmanship Award

Four Year Award Winners – Jacob Clark, Griffin Kirk, Tyler Neff and Ben Smith, all in Boys Track

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Arcanum Pool is open

ARCANUM – Are you ready to jump in? The village pool opened June 1, noon. Season passes are available at the village offices for all individuals, families and senior citizens; passes are discounted prior to opening day.

Swim classes will be offered for a fee two sessions: June 18, 20, 27, 27 and 28; and again beginning July 30, Aug. 1, 6, 8, and 9. For more information, or to register a student, call the village offices 692-8500 or visit the pool complex during open hours; the registration deadline is the day before each session begins.

New pool co-managers this year are local residents Alychia Wright and Julie Willis. Alychia and Julie are excited about creating a family-fun atmosphere at the pool and giving our community a place to celebrate family, have some fun, and get some exercise. Both ladies have been very involved at the school with PTO and other activities in the community with their children. Look for future information about upcoming Cookouts/Family Nights at the pool.

Low-impact aqua aerobics will be offered again this year on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 11-11:45 a.m. beginning June 12-16. To register for aqua aerobics contact Marilyn Graeff at 692-8140. Cost of the class is a senior pass.

New this year will be an Adult-Only Swim every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday morning from 10:30 a.m. to Noon.

The village also supports are very successful Arcanum Stingray Swim Team by providing the pool for use. Swim Team participants who are members of the Arcanum Community Pool pay no additional charge for these extra hours. The Swim Team will have use of the pool for practice at 7 p.m. during their season. The Pool will close at 5:30 p.m. for Swim Team Meets and one Saturday Invitational. These dates will be posted at the pool.

The pool is also available for Pool Party Rental, which includes three hours of pool rental. Pool Party reservations may be scheduled for Saturday and Sunday evenings from June 1 to July 14. (The Arcanum Swim Team has weekday evening use of the facility until this date.) Beginning July 15, pool parties may be scheduled any evening of the week. Call the village office to reserve a pool party.

More details about the pool are available on the village website at http://villageofarcanum.com/parks-recreation.php.

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Lady Wave ranked number one in state

GREENVILLE — The Greenville softball team jumped to the number one spot in the Division II state rankings in the final Ohio High School Fastpitch Softball Coaches Association poll of the 2013 season. They topped Fairfield Union Lancaster on May 29.

The Lady Wave received a total of 91 points and three first-place votes in the final poll of the year. It is the first time this season the Lady Wave has been ranked No. 1.

Greenville has been ranked throughout the first five weeks of the 2013 season, ranging from second to third until their jump to the top spot this week. Last week Greenville was ranked third in the state, trailing River Valley and Kenton Ridge.

Following Greenville in the Division II state rankings this week are Lima Bath, Kenton Ridge, Licking Valley, Mansfield Madison, Granville, LaGrange Keystone, Walsh Jesuit, Akron Springfield and Franklin.

Lima Bath led the Division II teams with four first-place votes this week, leading Greenville by one. Kenton Ridge also earned two first-place votes, and Akron Springfield received one.

Greenville is the only Darke County team to be ranked in the OHSFSCA state poll this season and is the only county softball team still playing in the OHSAA tournament.

Ranked teams with Darke County connections this week include Greater Western Ohio Conference member Lebanon being ranked second in Division I, GWOC member Northmont being ranked fifth in Division I, Cross County Conference member Miami East being ranked ninth in Division III, CCC member Covington being ranked first in Division IV, Midwest Athletic Conference member Parkway being ranked second in Division IV and CCC member Newton being ranked eighth in Division IV.

For more information on the OHSFSCA and its state rankings, visit its website at http://www.ohsfsca.org/.

OHSFSCA Division II state rankings: 1. Greenville, 2. Lima Bath, 3. Kenton Ridge, 4. Licking Valley, 5. Mansfield Madison, 6. Granville, 7. LaGrange Keystone, 8. Walsh Jesuit, 9. Akron Springfield and 10. Franklin.

The Greenville Lady Wave were ranked number one in D-II in the most recent statewide polls in softball. Led by the likes of freshman catcher Jazzlyn Petry, the Wave is still alive in the OHSAA softball tournament after topping Fairfield Union Lancaster Wednesday, 3-1. George Starks File Photo.

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6th annual Victory 5K

ARCANUM – The sixth annual Victor 5K Run is back for the best year yet. Start your 4th of July Holiday early with the 5K run/walk. The Arcanum High School Cheerleaders are hosting this annual event on July 3, 7 p.m. The 5K will begin at the AHS track, travel through Ivester Park, the historical streets of downtown Arcanum, and finish back at the track. Walkers are welcome!

Entrants will have one-hour and 30 minutes to finish the course. Race day registration begins at 5:30 p.m. You may register online at www.speedy-feet.com or print a registration form there and mail it in using the instructions at the bottom of the entry form. Register by June 21 to receive a t-shirt!

Grab your tennis shoes and race on over to support the Arcanum High School Cheerleaders.

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Dave Knapp sponsors hole-in-one contest

GREENVILLE – Dave Knapp Ford Lincoln Mercury is sponsoring the hole-in-one contest for a car at the fourth annual Karlh McCallister Memorial Golf Outing on June 22, at Turtle Creek Golf Course. Proceeds benefit Bridges to College.

“We still have spots open for a few teams,” said Marlise McCallister, Bridges to College board member and organizer of the event. “It should be a fun afternoon. We’re fortunate to have great sponsors such as Dave Knapp.”

People may sign up for the outing online at the Bridges to College website, www.bridges2college.org. A raffle drawing will also take place that day.

Raffle tickets may be purchased from Bridges to College trustees and at Hansbarger Home Solutions.

Pictured are Bridges to College trustee Chris Mortensen, Dave Knapp, Bridges to College director Beth Sears, and Bridges to College trustee Ken Neff.

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Inaugural 5K for Education is a success

GREENVILLE – EUM Christian Preschool’s 5K for Education was a huge success! They started the morning off with a prayer and devotions by Pastor Sylvia McKibben, EUM Christian Preschool students leading the Pledge of Allegiance and the Greenville High School Band playing the National Anthem. Over 50 kids participated in the kids fun run and 240 racers took part in the inaugural 5K for Education. The preschool was able to raise over $2,500, which will be used to purchase new learning materials for the school. EUM Christian Preschool would like to thank all the volunteers and racers that participated.

A huge thanks is extended to all of their business sponsors: The Drafting Board; EUM Church; MJS Plastics; Rocketship Sports Management; Good Times Event Services; Mike Lavy Electric, LLC; Rapid Printing; Route 49 Transport; Village Green Healthcare Center; Cavalier Clothing; Integrity Ambulance Service, LLC; Cherry & Roberts Dental; Braund Pope Funeral Home; Greenville National Bank; Bud’s Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep, Inc.; Larry Fourman Construction, Inc.; Rumpke; Hupmans Lawn Care; John Trick Construction; Mary Lynne Hawley, MD; Dynes & Dynes, LLC; and Gary Flinn Co., L.P.A. They were an integral part of a successful event and they appreciate their support!

Preschool registration for the 2013-14 school year is still open. If you are interested in having your child attend EUM Christian Preschool, contact Elaine Snyder, 548-3211 ext 210.

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Annie Oakley Golf Tournament is July 22

GREENVILLE – Preparations for the 32nd annual Annie Oakley Golf Tournament are underway! Last year 104 golfers signed up for the 18-hole event, which benefited the Cancer Association of Darke County. Committee members for the tournament are Matt and Angie Arnold, Kent and Lynn James, John and Diane Swallow, Ray and Bettye Laughlin, Ed and Kay Curry, Larry Ullery and Christine Yount.

This year’s tournament is scheduled for July 22 at the Turtle Creek Golf Course and will feature a shotgun start with scramble format, chances to win great prizes and dinner for the golfer and their spouse. Most importantly, the proceeds from this fun and exciting event will benefit the local and independent Cancer Association of Darke County.

Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. with tee off time scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Each golfer has the opportunity to win a new car for a hole-in-one on the sixth and 17th hole. Any golfer getting a hole-in-one in the eighth hole will win their choice of premium golf equipment. The golfer getting a hole-in-one on the 11th hole will win a Yamaha Golf Cart.

For years, the tourney has supported the local Cancer Association of Darke County. The proceeds from the tournament will provide benefits for transportation, prescription drugs, nutritional supplements and medical supplies for cancer patients living in Darke County.

Additional information and entry forms for the 32nd annual tournament are available at the Cancer Association of Darke County, 548-9960, or from any tournament committee member.

2013 Annie Oakley Golf Committee members are Matt and Angie Arnold, Kent and Lynn James, John and Diane Swallow, Ray and Bettye Laughlin, and Ed and Kay Curry. Not pictured are Larry Ullery and Christine Yount 

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National Cancer Survivor’s Day 5K Run/Walk

GREENVILLE – The Cancer Association of Darke County is holding its survivor’s day walk on June 8. Registration is 7 a.m.–8:30 and the run/walk begins at 8:30 a.m. It will be held at the Greenville City Park, Shelter House #3, Greenville. The cost is $25. Awards will be given to the top three male and female runners in each age group and top team. There will also be free refreshments and bottled water at the finish line for all participants. (Water will also be furnished along the route.)

You can also sign up online at Wayne Healthcare Challenge at waynehealthcarechallenge.com

If you have questions, call the Cancer Association, 548-9960.

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Appleseed Classic produces two first time winners

ROSSBURG – A pair of new names were etched into the Johnny Appleseed Classic by Miller Lite record books Sunday night at Eldora Speedway, while another pair of veterans returned to familiar roots on the coveted Eldora stage. Ruling over a jammed pit area of 129 race teams were Jeff Babcock (Sunoco American Late Model Series) and Ron Blair (NRA Sprint Invaders) for their initial wins, while Brian Ruhlman (UMP DIRTcar Modifieds) and Paul Pardo (Stock Cars) added to their Eldora win totals.

The Sunoco ALMS 25-lap chase was slowed by only one caution, but for young sensation Jacob Hawkins that was one caution too many. After chasing down and reeling in early race leader, and eventual winner, Babock, Hawkins had just completed a well executed pass for the lead when defending UMP DIRTcar Late Model champion Rusty Schlenk dropped off the pass and looped it in turn three.

With scoring reverting back to the previously completed lap, Babcock re-inherited the top spot. A double-file restart line-up gave Hawkins a second chance, but with Babcock taking the more preferred high line on the .500-mile clay oval on the restart, he was able to get the jump on the reappearing green flag.

Hawkins registered his best-ever Eldora Late Model run for runner-up honors, followed in close pursuit by Davenport, defending Eldora Late Model champion Jeep VanWormer and Kent Robinson.

Blair has knocked on the Eldora doors of victory many times, but had never been ever to cross the threshold until Sunday evening. His preliminary entrance was nothing short of spectacular.

At the dropping of the green flag he shot as if out of cannon into the early lead to set a blistering pace around the quick oval. In doing so, he dropped Darren Long into second, with Butch Schroeder in third. Within three laps, Schroeder advanced into the runner-up slot, but the car on the move was Brandon Wimmer; coming from his seventh starting slot.

Schroeder used lapped traffic to narrow the gap in the waning laps, but time was against him, as an excited Blair captured Eldora win number one. Schroeder and Wimmer followed in second and third.

Ruhlman was making his first Modified visit of the 2013 Eldora season, as was defending champion Joey Kramer; yet both looked as if they had never left. Ruhlman inherited the early lead, as Kramer tucked in behind to mount a serious challenge for the top spot. Ruhlman was not to be denied on the multi-grooved surface as he kept Kramer at bay throughout the 18-lap distance. Rounding out the top five behind them were Collin Thirlby, Jon Henry and Jacoby Hines.

Attrition played havoc in the Stock Car finale, but through it all, Paul Pardo maintained mastery out front to clinch his first 2013 Eldora triumph. Jeremy Creech remained within striking distance throughout the chase, but Pardo was not to be denied. Adam Schaeff crossed the line in third for his best-ever Eldora run, while Earnie Woodard and young charger Jordan Conover completed the top five at the checkered flag, which completed a wild 24-event program.

Eldora now prepares for the $304,000 Dirt Late Model Dream by Ferris Commercial Mowers, set for June 6, 7 and 8. Tickets and campsites for that event, and others on the busy Eldora slate may be purchased online at www.EldoraSpeedway.com at any time of the day or night; or by calling the speedway office 338-3815 during normal business hours.

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Ron Garrett offers car for hole-in-one

GREENVILLE – Registrations for the June 10 Darke County OSU Scholarship Golf Outing are still being accepted. Ron Garrett Chevrolet will again provide a new car to the golfer who is successful in getting a hole in one on hole #17. Ron has been doing this for most of the 17 years the tournament has been held.

Profits from this event will be added to the endowment fund at Ohio State University, which provides scholarships to Darke County students attending Ohio State. Recently, four individuals each received nearly $1,400 that will be used to help fund their expenses for their freshman year at OSU.

The format for this tournament will be a four-man team handicapped scramble. Entries for individuals, as well as teams, are welcome. For more information or an entry form, contact Dennis Baker, 448-6550.

Ron Garrett (left) will offer a car to the person scoring a hole-in-one on hole #17 at the Darke County OSU Scholarship Golf Outing. Also shown is Dennis Baker. 

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