The Yellow Springs News • An Independent source of community news in Yellow Springs, Ohio since 1880

"Possible exposure" to COVID-19 by someone in his "inner circle" has led comedian and Yellow Springs resident Dave Chappelle to bring an earlier than anticipated end to his summer-long series of shows at a rural property just north of the village. (‘8:46’ Screenshot, Youtube)

Chappelle’s final ‘Summer Camp’ shows canceled

Possible exposure” to COVID-19 by someone in his “inner circle” has led comedian and Yellow Springs resident Dave Chappelle to bring an earlier than anticipated end to his summer-long series of shows at a rural property just north of the village.

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Web Features

Teaching reading, ‘wonder’ at Mills Lawn Elementary

Candice Teague, the new fourth-grade teacher at Mills Lawn Elementary School, says she planned on becoming a classroom teacher for as long as she can remember.
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They’ve got game— Yellow Springs family helps create board games

Collins and Van Ausdal were hired to generate content for “Bye, Felicia!” and “Who’s the G.O.A.T.?” — games created by Nashville-based game company Big G Creative.
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‘Psychedelic expressionist’ mural unveiled downtown

The latest addition to Yellow Springs’ downtown public art scene is a breathtaking mural by villager Anna Burke, which was recently completed behind Rose & Sal’s Vintage Shop on Dayton Street.
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Latest COVID-19 News

COVID-19 update— Cases moderating, for now

After a spike in June, and a larger spike in July, COVID-19 cases are moderating in Greene County. Yet with the county at level 2 on Ohio’s public health advisory system, cases are still increasing here at a higher rate than two months ago.

State mask order: how to enforce?

Exactly two weeks to the day after the Village of Yellow Springs mandated face masks in downtown Yellow Springs to slow the spread of COVID-19, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced masks would be required in public across the whole state.

COVID–19 update— After Ohio restart, virus is spreading again

The trend holds true for Greene County, which saw its per capita case rate more than double over the last month, even as the county remains relatively better off than the rest of the state and country. As of July 6, there were 99 active COVID-19 cases in Greene County, up from 58 on June 18.

Yellow Springs Village Council mandates masks downtown

At a special meeting on Wednesday, July 8, Council passed several new laws to improve the safety of downtown Yellow Springs in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. The most significant was an ordinance that requires masks downtown.

COVID-19 update— ‘Worrisome’ trend? More new cases

New cases of COVID-19 are rising in Greene County, Gov. Mike DeWine said at his June 18 press briefing. He highlighted Greene County as one of five southwest Ohio counties that have seen case increases in June.

Arts (archives)

Virtual exhibit showcases emerging artists
With the aim of supporting new voices, the Yellow Springs Arts Council will host a virtual art show highlighting the work of four up-and-coming area artists.
Our part-time staff and contributors — Who’s the News, Pt. II
As things have calmed down (somewhat), we’re pleased to restart the series with profiles of our part-time employees and regular contributors.
New mystery novel set in the village
Geisel’s new novel “Fair Game,” available at local bookstore Dark Star Books, follows private investigator Flint’s quest to solve a mysterious, and fictional, years-old missing persons case.

Village Schools (archives)

Yellow Springs Schools— Track, field repairs proceed
The Yellow Springs school district is moving ahead with repairs to the track and field facilities at the middle/high school campus.
New science teacher hired
McKinney Middle School’s new science teacher, Cameron Dickens, has brought an atypical educational background to an atypical school year when classes since began online Thursday, Aug. 27.
Yellow Springs Board of Education • Special Virtual Meeting
Yellow Springs Board of Education • Special Virtual Meeting

Economy (archives)

Little Art Theatre to close again until 2021
After reopening for eight weeks, the Little Art Theatre has closed again due to low attendance, with a goal to reopen sometime in 2021.
Little Art to close again until 2021
On Monday, Sept. 14, the Little Art Theatre’s board of directors announced that the theater would again undergo a temporary closure in response to the ongoing pandemic, with that evening’s screening of Werner Herzog’s “Nomad: In the Footsteps of Bruce Chatwin” as the final show for at least the rest of the year.
Local restaurants are rebounding, for now
Six months into the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, business at local restaurants is surprisingly good.

Village Life (archives)

COVID-19 surge in Greene County— Nursing homes, colleges drive increase
Cases of COVID-19 in Greene County are “surging,” according to the Greene County Health Department last week. Nursing homes and college campuses are driving the recent increase, county health officials believe.
On the history, future of Black farming
According to the USDA’s latest census report, released in 2017, Greene County has no Black-owned farms, out of a total 617. Neither does Clark County, with 742 total farms; while Montgomery County charts nine Black-owned farming ventures, of 782 farms overall.
Glen Helen reopens with new owner
The tape came down and the trail signs went up this week at Glen Helen. After being closed since March, the Glen reopened to the public on Wednesday, Sept. 9.

Government (archives)

Village eyes more recycling options
Garbage and recycling collection rates are set to rise, and maybe more than usual. That’s because the Village is considering supplemental recycling options for the community.
Yellow Springs man gets prison time after plea deal
Yellow Springs resident Michael M. Gentile will serve up to a year in prison after reaching a plea deal with the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office in July related to rape, drug and vandalism charges filed in 2017.
South end development— Council considers land annex
At its Sept. 8 regular meeting, Village Council considered an annexation agreement to add close to 34 acres of land on the Village’s southern border for a residential development with potentially more than 200 housing units.

Obituaries (archives)

Alma Dannaker
Alma Osborn Dannaker, age 92, of Lawrenceville, Ga., passed away on Monday, Sept. 14, 2020.
Alicia Scott-Bey
On Sept. 1, 2020, an incredible spirit left the physical world, encircled in the love of her two amazing daughters, her sister and a bevy of extended family and community.
Victor Lamont McElroy
Victor Lamont McElroy, age 33, of Dayton, Ohio, transitioned from this life on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2020, at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, with his mother by his side.

Higher Education (archives)

Tom Manley to leave Antioch College in June of 2021
President Tom Manley’s fifth year at Antioch College will be his last. Antioch announced this week that Manley plans to leave his position at the end of his five-year contract next June. A search for his replacement will begin this fall.
Tom Manley to leave Antioch College in June of 2021
Antioch College President Tom Manley will step down next June, at the end of his five-year contract. A search for Antioch's next president will begin this fall.
Antioch cuts $2.5M; jobs lost
Amid ongoing financial challenges worsened by COVID-19, Antioch College seems — perhaps against the odds — determined to survive.