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From the 4/22/07 Steubenville Herald Star: * PHOTO: MINERS IN SOLIDARITY – Several dozen miners and retired miners attended the services honoring 15 miners who were killed in a mine explosion in 1910, holding flags representing the fallen miners’ homelands, including Italy, England, Scotland, Austria and Poland. Of the slain, 12 were buried in a mass grave in Amsterdam Cemetery, unmarked until the unveiling of a new monument Saturday. Summer-Wallace-Minger Amsterdam honors miners Unveils marker, bench in memory of 15 killed in 1910 By SUMMER WALLACE-MINGER, Staff writer AMSTERDAM — A crowd of approximately 150 people stood with heads bowed Saturday as church bells tolled and the flags of Austria, Poland, Italy, England and Scotland blew in a gentle spring breeze while Sandy Day, Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County historian, read the names of 15 men who went into Amsterdam’s Y & O No. 1 mine 97 years before and never came back out again alive. The solemn service in Amsterdam Cemetery honored those men, who were killed in a mine gas explosion on April 21, 1910. It was the worst mining disaster of its time. Of the 15 men who were killed, 12 were buried in a mass grave, which was unmarked until Saturday’s ceremony. MORE: http://www.heraldstaronline.com/articles.asp?articleID=13000

That's why I never submit anything to the Enquirer. You never know what's going to come of it. Thanks for sharing the full text with us!

From the 4/19/07 Toledo Blade: U.S. 20 DEVELOPMENT Officials weigh all the options in zoning feud By JOE VARDON BLADE STAFF WRITER A Perrysburg Township official said taking legal action against the city of Perrysburg over a disagreement concerning zoning codes is not the most attractive option, but it's one that he would consider pursuing. Craig LaHote, chairman of the township's board of trustees, said the township will likely agree to form a joint committee with Perrysburg officials and a representative from Wood County to resolve a dispute involving zoning codes for development along U.S. 20 in the township. The dispute is over development in an area covered by a 99-year agreement between the two entities, which was signed in 2001. It states that Perrysburg will not require annexation for development north of U.S. 20 and east of I-75 in exchange for water and sewer services, but will be the exclusive provider of those services. Township officials are upset with Perrysburg because the city charges for zoning permit fees and enforces its zoning code on anyone who requests water and sewer services in the annexation-free area. The township believes the practice is redundant and in some cases has delayed development. The issues were raised with Perrysburg representatives during a public meeting March 30. More at http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070419/NEIGHBORS03/704180332

From the 3/28/07 Springfield News-Sun: City seeking millions for cleanup to clean up former International site Commissioners approve emergency ordinance to apply for grant to clean up former International factory site By Natalie Morales Wednesday, March 28, 2007 Springfield is seeking a $3 million grant to help pay for the cleanup of the former International Truck and Engine Corp. plant on Lagonda Avenue. City commissioners approved an emergency ordinance Tuesday to apply for a grant from the $400 million Clean Ohio Fund. The Clean Ohio grant application is due April 2 and requires multiple public meetings about the planned cleanup, Assistant City Manager Jim Bodenmiller told the commissioners. The commission will find out in October whether the city has been awarded the funding. The Clean Ohio money would be used for additional testing at the site and to clean up the area where all but the original factory building has been demolished, Bodenmiller said. Bodenmiller said once the land is clean, the Community Improvement Corporation is interested in putting a 50,000-square-foot building on the property, which likely will be used for light or sub-manufacturing. MORE: http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/news/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/03/27/sns032807citycom.html

From the 4/6/07 Lorain Morning Journal: Officials defend tax abatements for wealthy homeowners KATE GIAMMARISE, Morning Journal Writer 04/06/2007 LORAIN -- More than 250 Lorain residents have taken advantage of the city-offered 15-year tax abatement -- and almost all live on the city's west side in newly developed areas such as Oak Point Road and Martin's Run, where homes can cost upwards of $250,000. But some question why home buyers need an incentive to move to the city's newest and most attractive areas. City officials say the program is needed and draws in new residents. http://www.morningjournal.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18176875&BRD=1699&PAG=461&dept_id=46371&rfi=6 From the 4/16/07 Elyria Chronicle-Telegram: Rural area hones in on new zoning Lisa Roberson | The Chronicle-Telegram NEW RUSSIA TWP. Nestled neatly between South Amherst and Oberlin sits a township of less than 2,000 residents where two words are causing quite a stir: zoning code. For 30 years, New Russia Township operated under a zoning code designed years before anyone thought urbanization or urban sprawl would touch the area of roughly 20 square miles. However, the horizon looks a bit different and development is on the minds of many. This is mostly a farming community, but over the years more homes are being built and more families are coming. The landscape of the community is changing a lot, said Trustee Frank J. Pakish. Contact Lisa Roberson at (440) 329-7121 or at [email protected]. http://www.chroniclet.com/2007/04/16/rural-area-hones-in-on-new-zoning/ From the 4/13/07 Elyria Chronicle-Telegram: Wal-Mart unveils mall-area store plans Joe Medici | The Chronicle-Telegram ELYRIA The site has been chosen, the plans have been approved and in a few months Elyria residents will get to see the second Wal-Mart Supercenter built in their city in a year. The new center, which is tentatively slated to open spring 2008, will replace the companys older facility at the Midway Crossings Plaza a few blocks away. The 187,000-square-foot store joins the 205,000-square-foot Supercenter the company is building at Chestnut Commons on Elyrias south side, but while the size of the two stores is similar, they will have very different exteriors. Contact Joe Medici at 329-7152 or [email protected]. http://www.chroniclet.com/2007/04/13/wal-mart-unveils-mall-area-store-plans/

From the 4/22/07 Mansfield News Journal: Condos welcomed near Richland Mall By Lisa Miller News Journal ONTARIO -- Cozy is Stephanie Kavalec's word for the condominiums planned for a 22-acre wooded area between West Fourth Street and Lexington-Springmill Road. She's the sales manager for Teakwood Reserve, a project of Ontario Development Partners and Granite Development Company being built on newly-dedicated streets near Richland Mall. It will have 36 two- and three-bedroom condominiums and 24 single-family homes. Kavalec's brother, Jim Kavalec, is a principle with Granite Development, Cleveland, which developed McIntosh Reserve in Lexington. Teakwood lot owners may choose their own design and builder for the single-family homes or they can choose from plans offered by the developer. Mayor Ken Bender said the city is optimistic about the project. MORE: http://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070422/NEWS01/704220315/1002/rss01

From the 4/18/07 Springfield News-Sun: Theft, vandalism issues for high school construction By Gail Cetnar Staff Writer Tuesday, April 17, 2007 Repeated acts of theft and vandalism have frustrated construction workers at the site of the new Springfield High School. Thieves broke into the construction site at 701 E. Home Road twice last month and stole large spools of wire totaling $16,000 in value, said Tom Drerup, senior project manager for Ruscilli/Kapp Construction, the construction manager. "It wasn't an individual who did this because those spools of wire are about 400 pounds a piece," he said. Thieves also stole wires that already had been run through the building. "What really hurts is cutting it (the wires) out of the project after it's installed. Because then there's additional work to remove the remnants of what they didn't cut and replace it and re-do the work that's already been done once," Drerup said. Two weeks ago, someone broke in and attempted to remove an air compressor by tying an electric cord to it and lowering it to the ground from an upper floor, he said. "The cord broke and it smashed to the ground," he said. Police were notified of the incidents but the culprits have not been identified. MORE: http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/news/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/04/17/sns041807theft.html From the 4/19/07 DDN: County rejects zoning request for housing Commissioners turn down a plan to build two houses near the Deer Cliff Run subdivision. By Nancy Bowman Staff Writer Thursday, April 19, 2007 MONROE TWP., Miami County — County commissioners' concerns about low water production on property near the Deer Cliff Run subdivision helped sink a land owner's request to rezone and divide 10 acres for two housing lots. The commissioners unanimously denied the requests by James Weiler of Tipp City on April 10. They also cited complaints about developments approved in other parts of the county where subsequent water problems were experienced. Weiler asked to rezone and subdivide 10 acres on Ginghamsburg Road. He could build one house without commission approval. The land at 1175 Ginghamsburg Road lies on the north side of the road, west of the Tipp-Cowlesville Road intersection, and across from the entrance to Deer Cliff Run. MORE: http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/neighbors/2007/04/19/ddn041907z9monroeland.html Celebrate the new Grant Nature Nook Centerville-Bellbrook Times, 4/20/07 The Centerville-Washington Park District invites the community to the grand opening of the Grant Nature Nook on Earth Day, Sunday, April 22. Come by the Nature Nook anytime between 1:30-4 p.m. and enjoy crafts, food, guided nature walks and music. A dedication ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. Children will be able to decorate a nature cookie and make a "Grassy Girtie" to take home. Free tree seedlings and wildflower packets will also be distributed. Since parking is limited, a free shuttle service will be provided from Watts Middle School compliments of Hithergreen Center. "We are excited to provide our first indoor program space for residents to enjoy nature and recreation programs. We will now be able to move most programs indoors when we are faced with inclement weather," said Maggie Weisman, Park Board President. City Council approves Senior Center facelift Vandalia Drummer News, 4/19/07 The Vandalia Senior Center on Tionda Drive South will be getting a facelift inside and outside, thanks to a $74,500 Community Block Grant earmarked for the Senior Center Rehabilitation Project. On Monday, the Vandalia City Council approved a bid contract of $72,434 to K&T Construction and Supply Inc. of Dayton for interior and exterior renovation on the 35-year-old building. "It's money to be used for much needed improvements to the Senior Center," said Jeff Hoagland, the city manager of Vandalia. "It includes the restrooms, the vestibule, carpeting and concrete work outside and on the driveway."

BTW...other than Fountain Square and the top of the Carew, this thing is wide open. So please offer suggestions so that we can put this thing together! (I'm assuming montecarloss and I will be putting this together if ColDayMan can't do it.)

From Northeast Suburban Life, 4/20/07: Blue Ash estimates recreation makeover to cost $9.3 million BY RICH SHIVENER | COMMUNITY PRESS STAFF WRITER BLUE ASH - Expansions on the Blue Ash Recreation Center could begin in August or September. That means the estimated 350,000 people that exercise there will have a lot more room, said Chuck Funk, the city's recreation director. Funk said the center hasn't been renovated since 1993, when a fitness area, lobby and offices were added. That project amounted to $6.2 million, he said. Council recently supported a $9.3 million renovation plan proposed by Michael Schuster Associates. The plan, according to the design firm, includes new amenities such as a two-floor fitness area with a running track, a second gym, a game room and a rock-climbing wall. MORE: http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070420/NEWS01/704200403/1002/RSS01 Montgomery roadway comes to vote in June Northeast Suburban Life, 4/19/07 City council's discussions about a contentious roadway design could end in June. Twin Lakes has sought an easement from the city since March. The city-owned land submission, which council will vote on, would allow the senior-living organization to build a roadway across from Forestglen Drive. It would be a drive for residents of 13 homes on 2.8 acres between Hopewell and Schoolhouse roads, a project approved by the city's planning commission in February. Connie Schmitt, a spokeswoman for Twin Lakes, said the organization will buy the property from Sam Boymel, a Fairfield resident, after council's approval. Millions needed for Turkeyfoot Cincinnati Enquirer, 4/18/07 Crestview Hills officials are lobbying for state money to get an additional northbound lane built on a congested section of Turkeyfoot Road. City officials have been trying to get funding for the additional lane for 11 months, Councilman Frank Sommerkamp says. Sommerkamp said the lane needs to go from Villa Madonna Drive north to just past the U.S. Bank to relieve traffic tie-ups, especially during the evening rush hour. "We have talked to state Sen. Dick Roeding (on the state transportation committee) and he said we need to get this project into the six-year road plan," Crestview Hills Administrator Dan Groth said. "We need this lane to relieve traffic between Thomas More Parkway and Mall Road." When Crestview Hills officials first proposed the additional lane, its estimated cost was $300,000 to $400,000, so the city offered to contribute 10 percent to get the work under way, Sommerkamp said. But when city officials recently met with Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's District 6 highway officials, they said the state now wants to include Crestview Hills' request in a larger $2.5 million project, he said. The new plan calls for building another northbound lane on Turkeyfoot Road from Villa Madonna Drive to the eastbound entrance ramp on Interstate 275. It also would include dual left-turn lanes onto westbound I-275 from Turkeyfoot Road, and an additional southbound lane on the I-275 eastbound exit ramp near T.G.I. Friday's that would continue to Dudley Road. Changes coming to interchanges Northwest Press, 4/18/07 The Ohio Department of Transportation is preparing to restrict left turns at East Miami River Road and U.S. 27. The agency has scheduled a public meeting to explain changes and hear public input from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 23, at Ross High School, 3425 Hamilton Cleves Road. ODOT spokeswoman Sharon Smigielski said the reconfiguration is needed because of the increased number and severity of traffic accidents - including three fatalities - at the intersection of U.S. 27 and East Miami River Road. State, county and township officials agree changes to the intersection's configuration are needed. Jay Hamilton, an engineer with ODOT District 8, said the state and county hope to build a new entrance/exit ramp for southbound U.S. 27 traffic at East Miami, eliminating all left turns at this intersection. Park handed over to Wyoming homeowner association Tri-County Press, 4/17/07 The Edges of Wyoming, one of three planned communities in Wyoming, is getting a small park. Wyoming City Council on April 17 approved the donation of a one-third acre of land at the end of Ashley Lane to the Edges Homeowners Association to plant and maintain. The city required the small park to be created when the development was first proposed in 1997 since the lot was too small for a home, according to Homeowners Association member Mike Kremzar. "Rather than the Recreation Department taking care of it, we thought we'll take responsibility for it," said Kremzar. Homeowners Association members shared with council drawings that include landscaping, trees and benches for the park. Price Hill entrance point getting new sign Price Hill Press, 4/13/07 A new welcome sign will soon greet motorists as they enter the neighborhood from Sunset Avenue. The Price Hill Civic Club is allocating $3,400 of its Neighborhood Support Program money from the city toward the purchase of a new sign at Guerley Road and Sunset Avenue. "The existing sign is kind of getting worn out and you really can't see it very well because it's hidden in bushes and shrubs," said Joe Hirth, a member of the Civic Club's board of directors and chairman of the group's NSP committee. He said a new three-sided sign, one that is much taller and stands above the landscaping, will replace the wooden sign now at the intersection. "The new sign is really nice," he said.

From the 4/21/07 Warren Tribune Chronicle: Liberty welcomes Day’s Inn By LARRY RINGLER Tribune Chronicle LIBERTY — Friday’s opening of Day’s Inn & Suites in Liberty is one more step in the area’s economic rejuvenation, the township administrator believes. ‘‘For the first time since I’ve been here, this will probably be the best summer as far as tearing down old buildings, putting up new buildings,’’ Patrick Ungaro said after the ribbon cutting at the new hotel on East Liberty Street near Interstate 80. ‘‘It’s revitalization one building at a time.’’ http://tribune-chronicle.com/articles.asp?articleID=17173

From the 4/19/07 Twinsburg Sun: Hospital not definite: Clinic Thursday, April 19, 2007 By Lena A. Ina The Twinsburg Sun TWINSBURG The Cleveland Clinic's plans to build a full-service hospital on state Route 91 aren't quite definite... Contact Ina at [email protected] or (216) 986-5472. http://www.cleveland.com/sun/twinsburgsun/index.ssf?/base/news-0/117700086812250.xml&coll=3 From the 4/19/07 Garfield-Maple Sun: Court tells AmeriCon clean-up, install fence Thursday, April 19, 2007 By Ken Baka Garfield-Maple Sun GARFIELD HEIGHTS An owner of AmeriCon Homes Inc. agreed to clean construction debris at the company's Valley Ranch subdivision and install a fence around unfinished basements and foundations, a city attorney said... http://www.cleveland.com/sun/garfieldmaplesun/index.ssf?/base/news-0/117700085712250.xml&coll=3 North Olmsted City Hall has new look, entrance Sun Herald, 4/19/07 It's the same building, but several significant changes have been made at City Hall, with more on the way... Goodbye Gabriel Bros.? Nordonia Hills Sun, 4/19/07 An avid sports enthusiast who regularly participates in physical activity, Gabriel Brothers Plaza owner Law-rence Shafron envisions oper-ating a community-based sports arena where the dis-count clothing store is now lo-cated... E. 222nd will get makeover City receives state grant for street transformation Euclid Sun Journal, 4/19/07 Residents and industries will see a marked visual change on the now run-down looking stretch of East 222nd Street that runs from St. Clair Avenue south to Tungsten Road... Building for within Fairview Park working on center's member base Sun Herald, 4/19/07 Work on the city's recreation center isn't limited to construction these days... A question for the ages Bedford Sun Banner, 4/19/07 If the city eventually rezones land west of Holy Trinity Church to allow for a senior housing district, it will have been accomplished only after a lengthy process...

:-D 81-year-old chases intruders THE ENQUIRER An 81-year-old man armed with a rifle chased off two burglars early Friday in Madisonville, Cincinnati police said. The man got his gun after two suspects broke into his home in the 4300 block of Plainville Road about 2:16 a.m. Friday and forced two women to the floor. Nothing was taken. The suspects ran off in an unknown direction, police said. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 513-352-3040. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070421/NEWS01/704210401/-1/rss

From the 4/20/07 DDN: UAW reps talk with local Delphi workers By Thomas Gnau Staff Writer Friday, April 20, 2007 DAYTON — Four United Auto Workers representatives spoke with local Delphi Corp. workers Friday, describing contract talks at loggerheads — and fielding questions about what the future holds. "We've got a job as of now, but for how long, no one really knows," said Alex Fiegly, a 22-year-old supplemental worker employed at the Needmore Road Delphi plant, where about 800 workers are represented by UAW Local 696. Delphi has been under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection since October 2005. Four of five Delphi plants in Montgomery County, including the Needmore plant, are slated to be closed or sold. ... Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2390 or [email protected]. http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/business/2007/04/20/ddn042007delphiweb.html

From Business First of Columbus, 1/29/07: Cabot pushing million-square-foot spec warehouse Business First of Columbus - January 26, 2007 by Brian R. Ball Business First A real estate investor from Boston tentatively plans to build a 1 million-square-foot distribution center near Rickenbacker International Airport as developers continue to seek ways to lower construction costs and accommodate ever-larger tenants. Cabot Properties Inc. is seeking variances from Groveport to allow construction of the building, but it hasn't committed to the project. "We're getting ourselves ready to do our next project," said Dax Hudson, the Ruscilli Real Estate Services Inc. agent representing Cabot. "Right now, a million-square-foot building is getting designed." Full story at http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2007/01/29/story4.html

From the 3/2/07 Portsmouth Daily Times: Morris plans future of SSU BY RYAN OTTNEY PDT Staff Writer Friday, March 2, 2007 9:06 AM EST Shawnee State University President Rita Rice Morris, Ph.D., charted the course for the future of Shawnee State University this week. In her annual State of the University address, “Charting a Course for Shawnee State,” Morris outlined a new multi-year planning initiative called Shawnee 20/20 to set priorities for new academic and student life programming, as well as for facilities and budget planning. Morris called the plan “an open and transparent process, in which we will listen carefully to ideas, proposals, and concerns from all governance groups, as well as the surrounding community,” Morris said. Drafting “Shawnee State 20/20” will be completed by December to integrate into the 2008 budget planning, she said. Morris also explained the university was in the final stages of updating its Master Plan, which provides a long-term design for physical growth, including building additions and new buildings, and expansion of the campus to the east, north and west. Read more at http://www.portsmouth-dailytimes.com/articles/2007/03/02/news/local_news/1news_ssu.txt

From the 1/30/07 Ironton Tribune: Shawnee State looks to build for future By Mark Shaffer/The Ironton Tribune Monday, January 29, 2007 1:23 PM CST PORTSMOUTH — Shawnee State University is kicking off its capital and endowment campaign with a goal of raising $12 million. President Rita Rice Morris outlined the seven-part plan that she hoped will lead SSU to a new level of excellence. Called “Poised for Tomorrow,” the campaign has seven areas that the university is looking to build on including increasing undergraduate research, applying technology to the classroom to improve student’s preparedness for job fields, advancing the study of history of southern Ohio and northern Kentucky, building a faculty development center to attract more academics, expanding scholarships, and enhancing the number of healthcare students who study under professionals. Read more at http://www.irontontribune.com/articles/2007/01/30/news/news707.txt

From the 4/5/07 Sun: Cleveland Plain Dealer: Avon seeks tax increase for recreation complex (3/28/07) Lorain Morning Journal: Recreation center could open up by '09, mayor says (3/22/07) The Sun: Plans for rec center are back on table (3/1/07) Elyria Chronicle-Telegram: Avon mayor advocates city rec center near I-90 (2/21/07) Lorain Morning Journal: Mayor announces plans to build new recreation center (2/20/07) Voters to decide Paying to play; baseball complex, rec center at stake Thursday, April 05, 2007 By Kim Guffey The Sun AVON Taxpayers will have to pay before play can begin at a proposed baseball complex and recreation center. Voters will take a crack at a 0.25 percent income tax increase in November, Mayor Jim Smith said. The tax will include a 100 percent credit for resident who work outside the city, meaning only people who work in Avon will pay, Smith explained. The tax would generate about $1.1 million a year and bring the city's total income tax to 1.75 percent. http://www.cleveland.com/sun/sun/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1175791234217120.xml&coll=3 From the 4/4/07 Elyria Chronicle-Telegram: Plan calls for freeing inmates Officials seek to reduce population by releasing low-level offenders Brad Dicken | The Chronicle-Telegram ELYRIA In an effort to ease overcrowding, county jail officials plan to ask the countys judges for a get-out-of-jail-early card for some of the inmates. Capt. James Drozdowski said he will ask judges to start lowering or even eliminating bonds for low-level felons awaiting trial and releasing misdemeanor offenders serving time. It isnt an ideal solution, he said, but with the jails population chronically in excess of its 422-inmate maximum, there may be no other choice particularly in light of fears that a county sales tax hike might be rejected by voters if it makes it onto the November ballot. Contact Brad Dicken at 329-7147 http://www.chroniclet.com/2007/04/04/plan-calls-for-freeing-inmates/ From the 4/3/07 Elyria Chronicle-Telegram: Softball World wants to move to Ridgeville Stephen Szucs | The Chronicle-Telegram NORTH RIDGEVILLE North Ridgeville could soon become the capital of Softball World. The Brook Park-based softball complex, featuring a sports bar and five ball diamonds, is looking to move and expand its operation into North Ridgeville by spring 2008. Contact Stephen Szucs at 329-7129 or [email protected]. http://www.chroniclet.com/2007/04/03/softball-world-wants-to-move-to-ridgeville/

From the 4/20/07 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Parking garage still an option Officials trying to move downtown project forward By CARL BURNETT JR. The Eagle-Gazette Staff LANCASTER - Efforts to create a new parking garage for downtown Lancaster are stuck in neutral for the time being. But both city and county officials say the project is still running and may yet be put into drive. Virginia Lee, a resident of Baltimore who was visiting the Lancaster Glass Museum on Thursday, said she has had problems finding parking spaces in downtown Lancaster. "Sometimes you can't find a parking space, and a parking lot would be nice," Lee said. Lancaster and Fairfield County have been trying to work out an agreement for the city to purchase a parking lot on West Chestnut Street from the county and turn it into a garage. The parking lot, behind The Signature Music company, has between 80 to 100 parking spaces now. Tentative plans included building a two- or three-level garage that would double or triple the number of available parking spaces downtown. FULL ARTICLE: http://www.lancastereaglegazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070420/NEWS01/704200326/1002/rss01

From the 4/18/07 Springfield News-Sun: * MAP: Mad River Township land use Plan will help guide township's growth The rules approved Tuesday could stunt development, opponents say. By Diane Erwin Staff Writer Wednesday, April 18, 2007 Clark County commissioners have unanimously approved a plan to guide development in Mad River Township. The plan will be incorporated into the county's Crossroads Comprehensive Plan 31 days after Tuesday's vote, said Shane Farnsworth, county planning director. The proposal had been debated for hours in February at a County Commission public hearing and later at a meeting in Mad River Township. Supporters had said it allowed for reasonable growth, but opponents said it would stunt development. Representatives of both sides met and chiseled out some changes, which were approved by the Mad River Township Planning Committee and township trustees, Trustee Kathy Estep said. MORE: http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/news/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/04/18/sns041807countycom.html From the 4/18/07 DDN: Middletown Journal: Wal-Mart Supercenter is opening in Franklin, but some residents say they are worried (4/16/07) New Wal-Mart Supercenter opens, offers new features By Kristin McAllister Staff Writer Wednesday, April 18, 2007 FRANKLIN — A new Wal-Mart Supercenter in Franklin opened Wednesday, introducing customers to one of the first in the nation Wal-Mart stores to carry new home decor features. The new store is one of 19 nationwide to feature a home décor section, in which merchandise is displayed on maple pegboard fixtures that are accented with curved counter tops resembling granite. "Everyone has been telling us how much they love our new store," said Manager Dwight Smith. "Our associates are really glad that we're finally open, and we're looking forward to serving our customers and to being good partners with the community." Fast facts New Wal-Mart Supercenter: 1274 E. Second St., Franklin Open: 24/7 Employees: 400 planned MORE: http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/business/2007/04/18/ddn041807walmartweb.html

From the 4/21/07 Enquirer: CPS to lay off about 88 teachers Cincinnati Public Schools will lay off about 88 teachers at the end of the school year, according to a proposal Superintendent Rosa Blackwell will submit to the board of education at a meeting Monday. Details of the layoffs were not available from CPS administrators on Friday, but Sue Taylor, president of the Cincinnati Federation of Teachers, said her union had been notified of 88 layoffs at last count. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070421/NEWS0102/704210389/

From the 4/5/07 Independent Collegian: Students won't miss UT's eyesore Aya Khalil Issue date: 4/5/07 Section: News Some students and professors are rejoicing. The Student Annex will finally be demolished in spring of 2009. As soon as the Memorial Field House is up and running, the Student Annex will go down, according to Chuck Lehnert, associate vice president for facilities and construction. "We're going to take [the whole] building down," he said. When the Field House is ready in 2009, the Student Annex will go off line and the classes will be moved to other classrooms, Lehnert said. MORE: http://www.independentcollegian.com/media/storage/paper678/news/2007/04/05/News/Students.Wont.Miss.Uts.Eyesore-2825425.shtml

From UT News, 3/29/07: Carlson Library renovation plans unveiled for new tutoring center at UT By Krista M. Hayes Mar 29, 2007, 06:21 Renovation plans for the Learning Enhancement Center and the Math Learning and Resource Center at The University of Toledo’s Carlson Library are under way. According to Mary Jo Waldock, UT interim dean for University College, the “Rathbun Cove” project will begin this summer and be ready to serve students fall semester. Renovations will take place in the library basement, where the open computer lab and math computer-based instruction classroom presently operate. http://utnews.utoledo.edu/publish/article_3444.shtml

From UT News, 3/8/07: * RENDERING: This rendering shows the proposed “town square" on the first floor of the renovated Memorial Field House. Work on Memorial Field House progresses By Cynthia Nowak Mar 8, 2007, 06:14 Mothballed no more! UT’s Memorial Field House, the site of countless athletics victories, graduation ceremonies, classic rock concerts and the start of not a few UT romances, is coming back to life as a new academic showplace. A planned three floors will primarily house classrooms, said Chuck Lehnert, associate vice president for facilities and construction, with faculty offices on the third floor. “We’ll also prepare the interior space to accommodate anything we may want to do in the future — change classrooms to laboratories, for example. When the Field House project is complete, we’ll have met our 10-year classroom need projection and can proceed with plans to tear down the student annex and the armory.” http://utnews.utoledo.edu/publish/article_3350.shtml

From UT News, 3/2/07: * MODEL: This model by Munger, Munger + Associates Architects Inc. of Toledo shows how the College of Business Administration’s new Savage & Associates Complex for Business Learning and Engagement would extend north between Gillham Hall and Ritter Planetarium on Main Campus. Design of new business complex unveiled By Jon Strunk Mar 2, 2007, 06:18 The University of Toledo unveiled the initial design for the College of Business Administration’s new Savage & Associates Complex for Business Learning and Engagement at the Board of Trustees committee meetings last week. The new building, which will extend north from Stranahan Hall up the hill between Gillham Hall and Ritter Planetarium, will house high-tech classrooms, action learning laboratories and the college’s academic programs, according to Dr. Thomas Gutteridge, dean of the College of Business Administration. http://utnews.utoledo.edu/publish/article_3341.shtml

From UT News, 2/27/07: Architectural firm hired for Savage Hall renovation By Matt Lockwood Feb 27, 2007, 06:16 Downtown Toledo architectural and engineering firm SSOE Inc. has been hired to lead the high-profile renovation of Savage Hall. http://utnews.utoledo.edu/publish/article_3336.shtml