SOUTHERN PREBLE COUNTY — Vacation Bible School: First Southern Baptist Church in Camden will have VBS July 9-14 from 6-8 p.m. with this year’s theme “Helping Kids Discover the Invisible Wonders of God. Ages K-8th grade. For more information, visit www.camdencornerofhope.com.
Gratis Council of Churches will hold Operation Artic VBS from July 17-21, 6:30-8:30 p.m. nightly at The First Brethren Church. Ages K-12 are welcome.
Birthdays: Andy Beckemier, Donna Waller, Sarah Taylor, Charlie Truster, Wally Dishman Sr.
Trivia: Last week’s answer — Round steak in 1967/68 was reportedly 85 cents a pound. This week’s question: a 3.2 percent bottle of beer in those years was how much?
Fourth of July: This upcoming Independence Day holiday we wish all our friends and family a safe and memorable time. Remember that in the state of Ohio, fireworks are illegal to purchase, sell, possess or use; according to area fire department officials, only snaps, smoke balls and sparklers are legal.
Library news: West Elkton July 17, at 4 p.m., “Fantastic Bugs”with Scott Trochelman, Fantasy Filmmakers (ages 8-12) July 5 at 3:30 p.m. Camden library crafts will take place July 11-18 at 5:30 p.m., Fantasy Filmmaker on July 3, at 4 p.m., (ages 8-12).
Summer reading programs continue at Gratis, Camden and West Elkton.
Old Fashion Festival: The Preble County Historical Society on Swartzel Rd. off Ohio 122 just west of Gratis will again host the annual Independence Day festival on Sunday, July 2. There will be activities all day including bounce houses, Cincinnati Circus trapeze and strolling magicians, face painting, games, Eaton Community Band at 3 p.m., Flatout Band at 6:30 p.m. and fireworks at dark. $5 per car load is requested for entry.
Local race winner: On June 16, members of The Dayton Auto Race Club were treated to a night of racing at Moler Raceway Park in Williamsburg, Ohio where Camden’s own Kody Evans of Kody Evans Racing finally knocked down the door for his first career win in his Adesa Auto Auction, Performance Transport-sponsored Club 29 machine. Congratulations to this 2017 Preble Shawnee graduate and Camden resident.
Fire Promotions: Camden Somers Township Fire Chief Gary Taylor recently announced the promotions of Chris Crowley from lieutenant to the rank of captain and firefighter Drew Forrer from firefighter level two to lieutenant. Congratulations!
Benefit Bike Ride: The Mighty Like a Mitchell Benefit Motorcycle Ride will be held Saturday July 8, at noon. Cost is $20 per bike and will benefit Cheyanne and Wally Mitchell who are both in need of a kidney transplant due to a rare genetic disease. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. with kickstand up at noon. There will be music, food, games, raffles and an auction. Ride begins and ends at Big Dawgz, 7202 N.Main St., Camden.
Quote of the week: “If you can dream it you can do it.” — Walt Disney.
