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From the 2/18/07 Middletown Journal: Refining the definition of 'Rumor Mill' for AK workers Online community for AK Steel workers a lifeline for many during lockout. By Dave Greber Staff Writer Sunday, February 18, 2007 At a time when their work environment was crumbling around them, and the necessity for communication was growing ever more important, a group of AK Steel Corp. hourly employees created their own community. Three days after being locked out of AK Steel's Middletown Works March 1, 2006, members of the then-Armco Employees Independent Federation designed The Rumor Mill, a virtual community at therumormill.info. Read more: http://www.middletownjournal.com/news/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/02/18/mj021807communication.html

Both from the 2/3/07 Middletown Journal: Union pays for damage to AK sign By Dave Greber Staff Writer Saturday, February 03, 2007 MIDDLETOWN — The union representing hourly workers locked out of AK Steel Corp.'s Middletown plant since March 1 paid the company more than $4,000 for damages done to its main entrance sign this fall. Read more: http://www.middletownjournal.com/news/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/02/03/mj020307akgate.html Union hall president: Alleged thefts 'not widespread' By Dave Greber Staff Writer Saturday, February 03, 2007 MIDDLETOWN — As investigations continued Friday into the alleged misuse and possible theft of thousands of dollars in union benefit money to locked-out AK Steel Corp. employees, the leader of the Middletown union hall said incidents are few. "It's not widespread," said Brian Daley, president of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 1943. "We've had a few (members) come in and ask questions and verify a few things." Read more: http://www.middletownjournal.com/news/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/02/03/mj020307checkfolo.html

Both from the 2/1/07 Middletown Journal: Sheriff, U.S. senator meet, talk about AK lockout Jones: Sherrod Brown's involvement 'may include visit to Middletown.' By Dave Greber Staff Writer Thursday, February 01, 2007 Butler County Sheriff Richard K. Jones made good on an earlier promise Wednesday about keeping a statewide focus on the lockout of hourly employees at AK Steel Corp.'s Middletown Works. Jones, who has remained vocal about ending the nearly yearlong lockout at the city's largest employer, met with U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, Wednesday morning while visiting Washington, D.C., to participate in the National Sheriff's Association committee meetings. During his 30-minute meeting with Brown, Jones said the senator committed "to do whatever he can in trying to bring the matter to a successful conclusion," according to a news release from the Butler County Sheriff's Office. Brown also indicated that his level of involvement could include a visit to Middletown, the release stated. Read more: http://www.middletownjournal.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/02/01/mj020107brown.html Machinists probe forgery, theft allegations at union hall Locked-out AK Steel workers report alleged misuse of defense fund money. By Dave Greber Staff Writer Friday, February 02, 2007 MIDDLETOWN — The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and its local lodge are investigating reports of several thousand dollars in defense fund checks allegedly forged and cashed by locked-out AK Steel Corp. employees during the past five months. The Machinists began its investigation earlier this week when some union members said their tax forms reported dozens of checks that had been cashed, but never received. The Machinists Local 1943, locked out of AK Steel's Middletown Works since March 1, have been receiving $150 each week from the international's defense fund in exchange for picketing the steelmaker's gates and performing various duties at the Crawford Street union hall. Read more: http://www.middletownjournal.com/news/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/02/02/mj020107akweb.html

Both from the 1/26/07 Middletown Journal: AK officials snub Ohio's new governor Steelmaker refuses to meet with Strickland and union officials; Gov. requested Saturday meeting in Middletown. By Dave Greber Staff Writer Friday, January 26, 2007 MIDDLETOWN — Officials from AK Steel Corp. have refused to meet with Ohio's new Gov. Ted Strickland, city and county leaders and union representatives to discuss the nearly 11-month lockout at Middletown's largest employer. Members of Middletown City Council, Butler County Sheriff Richard K. Jones and spokesmen from AK Steel and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers confirmed a call from the governor's office Thursday afternoon requesting a meeting at 10 a.m. Saturday in Middletown. Read more: http://www.middletownjournal.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/01/26/mj012607strickland.html Strickland cancels visit to Middletown to discuss lockout By Dave Greber Staff Writer Friday, January 26, 2007 Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland has cancelled his visit to Middletown, where he, City Council members, county officials and representatives from AK Steel Corp. and its hourly work force union were scheduled to discuss the nearly yearlong labor dispute. Councilmen Anthony "Tony" Marconi, David Schiavone and Jim Armbruster, each of whom were planning to attend the Saturday morning meeting, received calls this morning from Strickland's office that said they intended to reschedule the discussion. Read more: http://www.middletownjournal.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/01/26/mj012607stricklandweb.html

From the 1/20/07 Middletown Journal: Sheriff asks Gov. Strickland to help to end AK lockout By Dave Greber Staff Writer Saturday, January 20, 2007 Butler County Sheriff Richard K. Jones this week sent letters to Ohio's new governor and senator to intercede in the lockout at AK Steel Corp.'s Middletown Works. Read more: http://www.middletownjournal.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/01/20/mj012007sheriff.html

From the 1/12/07 Middletown Journal: Union rebuffs offer from AK By Dave Greber Staff Writer Friday, January 12, 2007 MIDDLETOWN — Representatives from AK Steel Corp. and its locked-out hourly work force met Thursday for about two hours, during which the company presented the union with another modification to a proposal that's been on the table since mid-October. Read more: http://www.middletownjournal.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/01/12/mj011207ak.html

Please excuse the posting of some backstory on this topic. I promise that newer developments with AK Steel will be posted in a more timely manner! :-D From the 1/11/07 Middletown Journal: AK Steel modifies contract proposal again By Dave Greber Staff Writer Thursday, January 11, 2007 Representatives from AK Steel Corp. and its locked-out hourly workforce met Thursday for about two hours, when the company presented the union with another modification to a proposal that's been on the table since mid-October. During the first negotiation session in approximately two weeks, AK Steel further changed its Oct. 19 contract proposal, which was offered following the union's second attempt at ratifying a contract. The latest modification to the proposal includes addressing union concerns regarding return-to-work physicals, the company said. Read more: http://www.middletownjournal.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/01/11/mj011107akweb.html

From the 1/11/07 Marion Star: Northwest update: Zoning change recommended for land near connector road 1,238 acres prime for industrial development, say officials By JOHN JARVIS The Marion Star MARION - Does Marion's industrial future lie northwest of the city? Local, state and federal officials seem to think so as the Ohio Department of Development directs millions of federal dollars to pay for an overpass needed to complete a road that would link Ohio 95 West and Marion-Williamsport Road. Dubbed the Northwest Industrial Connector project, the road promises: * to relieve downtown Marion of heavy truck traffic; * to provide an easier shipping route for the county's largest employer, Whirlpool Corp.; and * to create an industrial corridor where existing businesses can expand and new businesses can locate. Last week, movement was made toward preparing 1,238 acres of land near the connector road route when the Marion County Regional Planning Commission voted to recommend that the land be rezoned I-3, Industrial District. Full story at http://www.marionstar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070111/NEWS01/701110310/1002/rss01

From ThisWeek Reynoldsburg, 3/1/07: YMCA project gains momentum Stearns to create ad hoc committee to work on funding Thursday, March 1, 2007 By TRICIA SYMANSIC ThisWeek Staff Writer Reynoldsburg City Councilman Preston Stearns plans to create an ad hoc committee with representatives of various community organizations to begin work on a proposal to provide local funding for a YMCA in Reynoldsburg. Officials from the YMCA, the city and Reynoldsburg City Schools agreed in a meeting Tuesday morning that a steering committee should do preliminary work, such as choosing a location and the method of funding, before handing the ball to a larger task force that would be charged with selling the proposal to voters. The YMCA and city officials have been talking about a cooperative project, such as those completed in Gahanna, Grove City and Hilliard. "This is something that many of us feel is long overdue," Stearns said. "We want to make sure everything is done right so that when we go to the voters, everything is right." Read more at http://www.thisweeknews.com/?story=sites/thisweeknews/030107/Reynoldsburg/News/030107-News-313190.html

Here are a couple more stories from Sunday's Enquirer: Couple makes urban investment BY JENNY CALLISON | ENQUIRER CONTRIBUTOR Front Doors is a weekly feature that will take you inside interesting new and newly redone living spaces in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. To Martha Schickel Dorff, everything old is new again. First, there's the renovated interior of a 19th-century brick townhouse containing studio and living space for her and her husband, graphic designer Daniel Dorff. Then, there's the contemporary take on the concept of "living above the shop," a tradition Schickel Dorff is proud to continue. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070304/LIFE08/703040316/1079/rss04

From the 1/11/07 Blade: PHOTO: The Middletown, left, and the Columbia Star, docked on the Maumee, have been renamed the S.S. American Victory and the M.V. American Century, respectively. ( THE BLADE ) OGLEBAY NORTON Famous name sails into Toledo history By HOMER BRICKEY BLADE SENIOR BUSINESS WRITER After a century and a half, Oglebay Norton Co. is no longer involved in Toledo's seaport. In recent months, the Cleveland firm sold its Summit Street warehouse and its fleet of Great Lakes ships. Aficionados who pride themselves on recognizing freighters around the Port of Toledo will have to learn a new vocabulary. http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070111/BUSINESS07/701110365/-1/BUSINESS

From the University of Dayton, 2/14/07: Room at the Inn The New Courtyard by Marriott at the University of Dayton has opened its doors. February 14, 2007 - The new Courtyard by Marriott at the University of Dayton, a four-story, 101-room riverfront hotel co-owned by UD, welcomes its first guests this week. It officially opened on Valentine's Day. http://www.udayton.edu/News/Article/?contentId=2241

From the 2/9/07 DDN: New Dayton hotel expected to open next week Dayton Daily News Friday, February 09, 2007 DAYTON — The Courtyard by Marriott along Edwin C. Moses Boulevard in Dayton is expected to open next week. Rates are set to begin at $99 per night on the weekends and $159 per night during the week. http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/business/2007/02/09/ddn020907hotel.html

From Flyer News, 2/2/07 (V54/N26): Master plan development continues, addressing traffic flow, renovations, dining halls HaQuyen Pham Staff Writer How do you get the best out of 260 acres? UD is one step closer to finding out as another phase in the campus master plan wraps up. Led by planning and design firm Burt Hill, consultants are nearing the end of the research portion for the master plan and are preparing to create a list of recommendations and alternatives. The process of designing new ways to use and develop UD land, especially the 50 acres acquired in June 2005, began eight months ago. http://www.flyernews.com/article.php?section=News&volume=54&issue=26&artnum=05

From Flyer News, 1/19/07 (V54/N23): Courtyard by Marriott hotel, co-owned by UD, to open near UD Arena in February Charity Smalls Staff Writer There’s a new addition to the UD family: the Courtyard by Marriott hotel. According to a recent press release, the new arrival has 101 rooms, including 13 suites. Most of the rooms have a view of the Great Miami River; all of the rooms have 32-inch flat panel high definition TVs. The Courtyard also provides wireless Internet access in public areas and the two meeting rooms. Guest rooms are equipped with wired Internet access as well. http://www.flyernews.com/article.php?section=News&volume=54&issue=23&artnum=04

From the 1/12/07 DDN: New hotel in open in Dayton in February Dayton Daily News Friday, January 12, 2007 DAYTON — The city's first new hotel in more than 20 years is set to open in early February. The Courtyard by Marriott at the University of Dayton, a four-story, 101-room riverfront hotel co-owned by UD, already is taking reservations. http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/business/2007/01/12/ddn011207newhotel.html

From Flyer News, 1/9/07 (V54/N21): RecPlex celebrates one-year anniversary, director reflects on facility’s success Tyler Blue Staff Writer People say if it’s too good to be true, it probably is. Those people must never have stepped foot in UD’s RecPlex. Just over a year ago, the university opened the new recreational building with much fanfare and great anticipation. http://www.flyernews.com/article.php?section=News&volume=54&issue=21&artnum=06

From the 2/19/07 Dayton Business Journal: Oakwood expects tax revenue gain Dayton Business Journal - February 16, 2007 by Yvonne Teems DBJ Staff Reporter The city of Oakwood is set to get a windfall of tax revenue from a new office and residential project that could prevent a tax increase. While the city's housing is among the most expensive in the area, most property taxes go to the schools. The city collects relatively few dollars from income taxes because it has a small job base. But that is expected to change with the development of the NCR Corp. Sugar Camp site. ... http://dayton.bizjournals.com/dayton/stories/2007/02/19/story3.html

From the 1/18/07 DDN: Oakwood planners OK master proposal for Sugar Camp By Staff reports Thursday, January 18, 2007 OAKWOOD — — The master plan for the Sugar Camp development was approved Wednesday by the city's planning commission. The joint plan, as presented by the Oakwood Investment Group and Versant Group, is to be discussed by the city council March 5. Once the council approves the plan, development can begin in the 36-acre area. ... http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/01/17/ddn011807sugarcamp.html

From the 1/9/07 Oakwood Register: Sugar Camp proposal outlined further to Oakwood Planning Commission By Dolores Winkler-Wagner The Oakwood Planning Commission met last Wednesday, Jan. 3 to hear further-defined plans for the proposed Sugar Camp development from Oakwood Investments, LLC and the Versant Group, LLC, the two developers of the area. A general overview was presented by Deputy City Manager Jay Weiskircher. Of the 36 acres owned by Oakwood Investments, 11 acres will be purchased by Versant, which, with the seven acres they already own along Far Hills Avenue, will give them a total of 18 acres for the construction of housing plus two professional buildings. To make way for the development, 13 of the 20 acres of trees now on the property will be cleared. ... http://www.oakwoodregister.com/archives/v16num02_010907/index.html

God, that is terrible. I had no idea there were so many vacant storefronts.

Lovely!

From ThisWeek Hilliard, 2/15/07: Analysis supports Erickson plan Thursday, February 15, 2007 By JEFF DONAHUE ThisWeek Staff Writer According to findings included in an independent economic analysis, the proposed Erickson Retirement Community development represents a significant improvement over the 1998 Ansmil Development plan that was largely dependent on office development. Read more at http://www.thisweeknews.com/?story=sites/thisweeknews/021507/Hilliard/News/021507-News-306158.html

From ThisWeek Hilliard, 2/8/07: Erickson proposals return to P&Z Feb. 8 Thursday, February 8, 2007 By JEFF DONAHUE ThisWeek Staff Writer The return of a pair of applications related to the proposed 80-acre Erickson Retirement Community highlights the Feb. 8 agenda for the Hilliard Planning & Zoning Commission. While Erickson representatives and city staff were still ironing out final details at press time, Hilliard's development department is expected to recommend the applications be approved Thursday night. Read more at http://www.thisweeknews.com/?story=sites/thisweeknews/020807/Hilliard/News/020807-News-302668.html

From ThisWeek Hilliard, 1/11/07: Erickson at Ansmil retirement community Development staff supports project Thursday, January 11, 2007 By JEFF DONAHUE ThisWeek Staff Writer One of the biggest economic development proposals in Hilliard history will return to the Planning & Zoning Commission agenda Thursday night with the support of the Hilliard Development Department staff. According to an advance copy of the staff report for Thursday night's meeting, city staff will recommend approval of two applications related to the 80-acre, Erickson at Ansmil retirement community, a project Mayor Don Schonhardt said represents a minimum of $140-million in taxable valuation. Hilliard Economic Development Director David Meeks said actual construction costs for the project could be in the $200-million-to-$215-million range. Maryland-based Erickson Retirement Communities is planning an 80-acre, campus-style retirement community off Leap Road between Davidson Road and Reynolds Drive. Erickson officials say the project will create between 800 and 1,000 full-time jobs and an annual payroll of as much as $30-million. Read more at http://www.thisweeknews.com/index.php?sec=hilliard&story=sites/thisweeknews/011107/Hilliard/News/011107-News-290004.html