buildingcincinnati

Thanks, everybody. Re: calendar...I think I'll stick with starting a website/blog first. At some point in the future it would be cool to do a book or a calendar or something. I'd probably have to upgrade my equipment to produce photo-quality images, though.

From the 12/11/06 Stow Sentry: Building fits plans for city center complex by Andrea Cole Associate Editor Stow - A proposed two-story office building represents the type of facility city officials want to see in the city center complex, Planning Director Ken Trenner said. Stow Planning Commission on Dec. 6 approved construction of a two-story, 4,000-square-foot office building on Darrow Road, across from Stow City Hall. The building will be owned by Dr. Joseph Bastolla, who currently owns a two-story facility on the property. Commissioner Chris Brauer said he hopes future buildings in the area will have a similar layout. http://www.stowsentry.com/article.php?pathToFile=/archive/12112006/news/&file=_news2.txt&article=1&tD=12112006&PHPSESSID=9035f166f0397c0c31a8c656ea7b8719

From the 1/5/07 Dispatch: Linden leaders walk out on school forum Critics say the district did little to deal with the issues before deciding to close buildings Tempers flared at times last night as more than 125 people packed a meeting in South Linden to discuss the closing of four Columbus school buildings. A group of residents walked out of the meeting in disgust, including Clarence Lumpkin, sometimes referred to as the "Mayor of Linden" because of his decades of community involvement. "You never came to us and said, ‘Look, we have a problem. Let’s sit down and see what this problem is,’ " Lumpkin said before leaving. He complained that it was impossible to have a discussion when members of the public were told they had to hold comments to no longer than two minutes. George M. Walker Jr., chairman of the South Linden Area Commission, also left the meeting, saying the only time school-district officials want to talk to Linden residents is when they’re closing their schools or wanting their votes. "You can bet there will never be (a tax levy) passed in Linden again," Walker said as he left Linden-McKinley High School, where the meeting was held. Superintendent Gene Harris told the crowd that no one wants to close buildings, but the district’s falling enrollment requires it. Parents have choices to move their children to other schools, including charter schools, she said. Of the 3,318 students who live in the Linden area, fewer than half, about 47 percent, attend schools located there. Read more at http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2007/01/05/20070105-D3-00.html

From the 1/4/06 Dispatch: Few attend first of four meetings on school closings Next meeting is in area affected by plan Thursday, January 04, 2007 Bill Bush THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH The Columbus Board of Education heard from only a handful of parents last night at the first of four public meetings to discuss a plan to close four schools at the end of this school year. About 50 people attended the meeting at West High School, but about 30 of them were district employees. Eight parents spoke. None voiced concerns about a plan to alter the schedule for rebuilding and remodeling schools, which the meetings also are designed to cover. Read more at http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2007/01/04/20070104-E3-00.html

From SNP newspapers, 1/3/06: Voucher eligibility expansion concerns CPS officials Students from more schools now are allowed to apply for state money. By GARTH BISHOP The number of Columbus students who could be eligible for private-school vouchers next year has been significantly increased, and district officials are not happy. Two weeks ago, the state Legislature approved changes to the Ohio Educational Choice Scholarship Program with one big alteration: Instead of vouchers going to just students at schools that have been rated in "academic watch" or "academic emergency" -- the two lowest ratings on the state report card -- for the past three years, they can now go to students at schools that have received those ratings for two out of the past three years. Last year, students at 35 Columbus schools and one South-Western school had the option of applying for vouchers. Because of the change, that option will be given to students at 61 Columbus schools, as well as two Groveport Madison schools and one South-Western school. This includes six schools in the Northland area: Innis, North Linden and Northtowne elementary schools and Clinton, Medina and Woodward Park middle schools. Mifflin Middle School, which draws its students from a variety of areas, is also on the list. Read more at http://www.snponline.com/NEWS1-3/1-3_colvouchers.html

From the 12/27/06 Dispatch: Foundation giving $120,000 to start charter schools Wednesday, December 27, 2006 The Columbus Foundation will invest $120,000 in the next three years to help pay for startup costs of KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) charter schools in Columbus. The grant — $40,000 each for 2007, 2008 and 2009 — will go to the Columbus Partnership. The partnership has pledged to raise $600,000 in startup costs for those three years. The KIPP program, which has been successful in other cities in helping at-risk students achieve, is to be in two new Columbus schools in 2008. At least one will be a middle school; the other could be a second middle school or an elementary. Plans call for five KIPP schools in Columbus, including a high school, to open in 2012. Read more at http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/12/27/20061227-C3-03.html

From the 12/18/06 Dispatch: Task force to hold forums on proposed school closings Monday, December 18, 2006 Rob Messinger The leaders of the community task force that recommended four Columbus Public Schools to close this spring will explain how they chose them at the Board of Education meeting Tuesday. On Wednesday, the panel named three elementary schools — Douglas Alternative, Linden Park I.G.E. and Medary — and Linmoor Middle School as its choices to close in the spring. Community forums will be held in January, before the plan is formally presented to the school board. But the panel’s co-chairmen, Floyd Jones and Alan Davidson, will present their preliminary findings at the board meeting at 5 p.m. Tuesday at the district’s offices, 270 E. State St. Read more at http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/12/18/20061218-B4-03.html

From the 1/4/07 West Side Sun News: Nursing school's out forever MetroHealth to replace building with green space Thursday, January 04, 2007 By David Plata West Side Sun News It was built in stages, beginning in 1914 and concluding in 1930, and is being torn down now, more quickly but just as methodically. It's the old Quad Building at MetroHealth Medical Center, for years the home of the hospital's school of nursing a three-year program that was discontinued in 1996... http://www.cleveland.com/sun/westsidesunnews/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1167932421216770.xml&coll=3 From the 12/21/06 News Sun: Suburban renewal Things looking up for downtown Berea streetscaping Thursday, December 21, 2006 By Shelly Guerra The News Sun BEREA Big changes for the downtown area have been nearly a decade in the making, but now are right around the corner. A $931,000 urban renewal project that includes parking, sidewalk and street improvements in the business district surrounding the city's historical Triangle is slated to begin in mid-January... http://www.cleveland.com/sun/newssun/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1166722944238920.xml&coll=3 From the 12/21/06 Bedford Sun Banner: Windsor now eyeing Glenwillow Concerns over Bedford property may keep hospital out of city Thursday, December 21, 2006 By Robert Nozar Bedford Sun Banner BEDFORD Glenwillow is back in the race as the future location for Windsor Hospital. The village that thought it had snared the hospital a few months ago, and then seemingly lost it in the span of less than a week, now appears to have a legitimate chance to bring the psychiatric hospital within its borders... http://www.cleveland.com/sun/bedfordsunbanner/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1166723274238920.xml&coll=3 Utility line uncertainty hampers Conneaut cabin project Ashtabula Star Beacon, 12/18/06 Port Authority members in Conneaut have dialed down their expectations for lakefront tourist cabins until the city is ready to stretch utility lines to the site... Lodge oversight board rejects pool proposals Ashtabula Star Beacon, 12/18/06 High prices to build an outdoor pool and recreation area at the Geneva Lodge & Conference Center at Geneva State Park has the Convention Facility Authority board looking at other options. Convention Facility Authority board member and Geneva City Manager Jim Pearson said the original three bids ranged from $110,000 for a pool only up to $1 million for the whole pool complex that would include a kiddie pool and decks. Pearson heads the board's sub-committee on the construction project... Conneaut school woes not unusual, says OCC Ashtabula Star Beacon, 12/15/06 Construction problems confronting Conneaut's new schools are not unique, according to an organization monitoring similar building programs across Ohio... Renovation costs rising for school athletic facilities Nordonia Hills Sun, 12/14/06 The cost of the $8.5 million athletic complex renovation plan for Nordonia High School has gone up. Representatives of ADA Architects, Inc., who developed the plan, told board members Monday that costs for construction inflation, EPA mandates, zoning issues and other requirements have increased the price tag about $1.4 million... Plaza fix-ups set for Marc's Brunswick Sun Times, 12/14/06 The city's chief building official says improvements to the Kmart Plaza should be forthcoming now that its newest tenant plans to make a few renovations to the former Giant Eagle store there...

From the 1/10/07 Enquirer: Trial starts in drug deal turned deadly Defendant accused in three shootings, one of them fatal BY DAN HORN | [email protected] DOWNTOWN - Cincinnati police know the block on Race Street as "Heroin Central," an illegal open-air market where drug dealers and buyers do business. Prosecutors say that's why Matthew Cox and three teenage girls drove there last April 5. They expected to make a quick transaction and then head home to Northern Kentucky. They didn't count on Delrico Robertson. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070110/NEWS01/701100350/1056/COL02 From the 1/10/07 (UC) News Record: UCPD conducts survey of students Police look to distribute resources better to fight crime Zach Garrison Issue date: 1/10/07 Section: News The University of Cincinnati Police Department conducted a survey of students on the issue of crime and public safety in hopes of developing a new safety plan. The survey, which took place on Blackboard and ended on Jan. 8, surveyed 501 UC students on what they felt were the issues of the most concern in terms of public safety. "We basically asked questions about how safe people felt on campus during the day and at night and then off campus during the day and at night, and then if they felt unsafe why did they feel unsafe," UCPD Capt. Karen Patterson said. "We had questions like poor lighting, information in the media, homeless people, we had a whole bunch of different responses that people could pick, so we sort of can hone in on what sort of things are making people feel uncomfortable so we can address them." http://www.newsrecord.org/media/storage/paper693/news/2007/01/10/News/Ucpd-Conducts.Survey.Of.Students-2616067.shtml?norewrite200701111853&sourcedomain=www.newsrecord.org

Enjoy.

From the 12/10/06 Newark Advocate: CoCo Key poised to make economic splash Cherry Valley Lodge's new water park will be key to lodge's, area's growth By MARK SZAKONYI Advocate Reporter NEWARK -- Sarah Cooper's laughter as she splashes with her friends isn't the only indication Cherry Valley Lodge's new indoor water park is set to be a rushing success. Nor is it just the CoCo Key Water Resort's location adjacent to a proposed interchange at Ohio 16 and Cherry Valley Road, which will bring a steady stream of traffic to Newark. The current of potential success also flows strongly because of the growing national success of northern water parks combined with the lodge's solid reputation and strong tourism pull. These things don't matter to Cooper, the Zanesville 12-year-old who attended a Saturday fundraiser for The Woodlands at the water park. But they will to Licking County as the water park will bring more tourism dollars to the county and brings more outsiders into the area. What to expect * Three large slides --Barracuda's Blast, 344 feet; Shark's Slam, 299 feet; and Gator Gush, 275 feet. * Parrot's Perch -- Interactive play area with slides for smaller children, water cannons and zero-depth entry for toddlers and small children. * Coconut Grove Adventure -- A 274-foot river meandering through the resort. * Coral Reef Cavern -- An activity pool that features lily pads, water basketball and an animated backdrop. * Dip-In Theatre Children's Pool --Shallow water to float in while enjoying movies and animation on a projection screen. Full story at http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061210/NEWS01/612100302/1002/rss01

From the 12/14/06 Blade: Ohio House OKs Great Lakes protection, but cloud looms By JIM PROVANCE BLADE COLUMBUS BUREAU COLUMBUS - The Ohio House yesterday voted 81-5 to jump-start a bill designed to give eight states and two Canadian provinces the power to prevent diversion of increasingly valuable Great Lakes water. But the celebration, just the second in any legislative chamber among the affected governments, could be short-lived. Opposition awaits the bill in the Senate over provisions that critics argue could undermine property rights. In a flurry of other legislative activity yesterday, the Senate also approved a bill designed to give Ohioans stronger tools to access government records. ... http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061214/NEWS24/612140419/-1/NEWS

From the 12/11/06 PD: Legislator holding up Great Lakes water pact He fears the bill will convert land from private to public Monday, December 11, 2006 Aaron Marshall Plain Dealer Bureau Columbus - A Chester Township legislator has temporarily dammed up a bill that would prevent the siphoning of Great Lakes water. The bill, opposed in a one-man campaign by State Sen. Tim Grendell, would make Ohio the first to approve a multistate pact to restrict the sale of water from Lake Erie and the four other Great Lakes. Grendell's concerns over private property rights were enough to delay a House vote on the bill, ten tatively planned last week. The bill, called the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact, appears to still have enough votes to clear the Ohio House. ... To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: [email protected], 1-800-228-8272 http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/news/1165830785151340.xml&coll=2

From the 12/9/06 Ashtabula Star Beacon: Bill would keep water in Ohio By MARGIE TRAX PAGE Staff Writer [email protected] Much like beavers, Ohio legislators are working to dam up waters from the Great Lakes Basin and prevent water diversion to other states. The Ohio House of Representatives is expected to approve today The Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact, known as House Bill 574. The legislation would give the eight Great Lakes states unprecedented power over the lakes, and could bring billions of dollars to the region, sponsoring State Rep. Matthew Dolan, R-Russell Township, said. ... http://www.starbeacon.com/local/local_story_343080052

From the 12/4/06 Blade: Ohio close to approving water deal Passage of Great Lakes Compact would give power to 8 states By TOM HENRY BLADE STAFF WRITER In the waning days of his scandal-ridden administration, Gov. Bob Taft will likely walk away with one of his most coveted political victories in hand: Legislative support for a proposed regional water compact that would give the eight Great Lakes states unprecedented power over the lakes. With reluctant support from industry, the Republican-controlled Ohio General Assembly is on the verge of endorsing the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact. ... Contact Tom Henry at: [email protected] or 419-724-6079. http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061204/NEWS17/61204009/-1/NEWS

From the 12/16/06 Elyria Chronicle-Telegram: Elyria Chronicle-Telegram: Elyria High’s needs top state list (12/15/06) Elyria Chronicle-Telegram: Group wants history, amenities for school (12/14/06) Elyria Chronicle-Telegram: Grace backs off levy plans (12/13/06) Cost, amenities important points for residents Cindy Leise The Chronicle-Telegram ELYRIA — Some Elyria residents say they are willing to pay for amenities such as an auditorium in a new Elyria High School, but others say the district needs to build the minimum to keep the cost as low as possible. The Elyria Schools discovered Thursday that Elyria High was No. 1 on the list of schools that will probably be funded next year by the Ohio Schools Facility Commission’s Exceptional Needs Program... http://www.chroniclet.com/Daily%20Pages/121606local2.html From the 12/20/06 Aurora Advocate: Council favors selling Treat land by Brent Hovey Reporter Aurora - City Council voted Monday night to begin the process of selling city-owned land along Treat Road for a possible 94-unit residential subvidision. Council decided to sell the 14-acre parcel just west of Route 306 for $600,000 to Heritage Development Co., the only firm to submit a bid. The city put the land up for sale in August... E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3115 http://www.auroraadvocate.com/article.php?pathToFile=/archive/12202006/news/&file=_news1.txt&article=1&tD=12202006&PHPSESSID=b26452ce445df67d0d3fbfdce544c3eb From the 12/21/06 Twinsburg Bulletin: Rt. 82 project to be completed in spring by Joe Murphy Reporter Twinsburg - The end of the year has brought a temporary break to the work on the state Route 82 bridge over Interstate 480. The work, which is being completed by the Ohio Department of Transportation as part of its $4.8 million project in the city and township, will resume in March, according to Maureen Bachman, District 4 public information officer... E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 440-232-4055 ext. 4104 http://www.twinsburgbulletin.com/article.php?pathToFile=/archive/12212006/news/&file=_news3.txt&article=1&tD=12212006&PHPSESSID=eb726d125335c7de1f1559f4de4518c2 Group still trying to save creek Sun Star, 12/14/06 The Friends of the Chippewa Creek has challenged a project slated to receive a Clean Ohio Conservation Grant, a move they hope will save the watershed from becoming a housing development... Falls planners reject rezoning News Sun, 12/14/06 A proposal that would have allowed a bank, an office building and possibly a restaurant to be constructed on the corner of Lewis and Bagley roads was narrowly turned down by the Planning Commission... Cattails, yes; concrete, no Sun Messenger, 12/14/06 Herons and beavers here? Wildlife may flock here after a wetlands retention basin is created from the current cement bowl between Langerdale and South Green roads. The Langerdale Retention Basin was installed in 1996 just west of the Workmen's Circle property, 1980 S. Green Road, to relieve flooded basements... KSU Geauga expanding horizons News-Herald, 12/10/06 Big things are afoot on a little college campus in rural Geauga County. In recent years, enrollment has grown to 739 this fall at Kent State University's Geauga Campus in Burton Township, up from about 500 in 2000; advisory board membership has increased from about six active members to 20; the budget is back in the black; new degrees are being offered; and $1 million in renovations were paid for in cash... Gateway Plaza sold Ashtabula Star Beacon, 12/10/06 Patience and plenty of cross-country calls and encouragement may mean new life for one of Conneaut's shopping centers. Earlier this week it was learned the Gateway Plaza, located at Gateway Avenue and Route 7, has been sold to a California-based developer. The news gave renewed hope that a tenant could be found for the plaza building vacated by Giant Eagle in September 2005...

These will also both be posted in the MLS stadium thread. Both are from the 12/22/06 ABJ: Outdoors store could anchor retail area Wadsworth tries to woo Cabela's Troubles for soccer-arena plan put city back in race By Bill Lilley Beacon Journal staff writer Bad news for northern Summit County may be good news for Wadsworth. At least that is what Wadsworth Mayor James Renacci hopes. Renacci is excited about the possibility of outdoors superstore Cabela's coming to Wadsworth... http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/news/16297518.htm?source=rss&channel=ohio_news

From the 12/21/06 Brunswick Sun Times: Cabela's eyes county for outdoor megastore Thursday, December 21, 2006 By Sue Bielawski Brunswick Sun Times One northeastern Ohio cornfield may become the site of a Cabela's megastore. Both Medina and Summit counties are hoping to land the specialty retailer of hunting, fishing and outdoor gear... http://www.cleveland.com/sun/brunswicksuntimes/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1166723359238920.xml&coll=3

From the 12/15/06 Medina Gazette: Sales tax incentive may be lure to draw Cabela’s to Wadsworth By ALLISON WOOD Staff Writer MEDINA — County commissioners are looking into a sales tax incentive in order to attract Ca-bela's, an outdoor equipment and apparel superstore, to Wadsworth. The incentive refers to a tax reimbursement that would equal the amount of Cabela's initial investment, Commissioner Pat Geissman said. In order for a company to be eligible, which Cabela's would be, it must invest at least $50 million and employ at least 150 full-time employees, according to state law... Wood may be reached at 330-721-4050 or [email protected]. http://www.medina-gazette.com/Articles.asp?num=59490037

From the 12/9/06 Mansfield News Journal: PHOTO: This home being built at 116 Bowman St. is part of the Chamber District Redevelopment project. Dave Polcyn/News Journal Chamber District neighborhood housing built with low cost in mind By Linda Martz News Journal MANSFIELD -- The first house is under roof in the city's experiment to revitalize a neighborhood for low- to moderate-income working people. Monark Builders is in charge of putting together the two-story house. It was designed by Richland Correctional Institution inmates, with oversight from architect Dan Seckel. Sections were prefabricated inside prison walls by a Mansfield Correctional Institution construction crew. Now, the house is being assembled at 116 Bowman St., near John Simpson Middle School. http://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061209/NEWS01/612090312/1002/rss01

From the 12/9/06 Blade: University of Toledo dangles scholarships for Michigan students Aid awards of up to $12,000 aimed at boosting enrollment By JOSHUA BOAK BLADE STAFF WRITER The University of Toledo hopes to bolster enrollment and compete for students previously unable to afford its out-of-state tuition by offering scholarships worth up to $12,000. The offer is open to all non-Ohio students, but the university specifically sent letters to 25,000 high school seniors in southeast Michigan — including the Detroit area — dangling the prospect of steep discounts for those with solid transcripts and strong test scores. The university hopes to lure an additional 120 Michigan freshman a year to its campus, located roughly four miles south of the state line. That would increase UT’s freshman class, which is 3,168 this year, by 3.78 percent after years of decline and stagnation. Highlights • UT’s campaign covers the Michigan counties of Hillsdale, Lenawee, Macomb, Oakland, Wayne, and Washtenaw. Monroe County students receive UT’s in-state tuition rate. • Total expenses — tuition, room and board, books, and other expenses — for an Ohio resident at UT are about $20,000 a year; the cost for out-of-state students is $28,000. Full article at http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061209/NEWS21/612090464/-1/NEWS

From the 12/14/06 Springfield News-Sun: Douglas Inn could get out of courts, be revitalized By LaToya Thompson Staff Writer Wednesday, December 13, 2006 The Douglas Inn could get out of the court system after almost two years of legal proceedings. The Champaign County Building Regulations Department approved stabilization plans submitted by Miami Scioto Development Co., MSD, prospective buyers. The stabilization plans include a sprinkler and fire suppression system, a factor that Building Regulations and fire officials mandated for public safety. Previously, MSD said the requirement fit more with occupancy regulations, not building stabilization. The company has submitted building permits to the department. After they are approved, Urbana prosecutor Gil Weithman will file with the Champaign County Court of Common Pleas to lift an order that would demolish the historic hotel. The order has to be removed for MSD to enter into a purchasing agreement with Douglas owners, the Champaign County Community Improvement Corporation. The two parties have been in negotiations, MSD co-owner Pat Thackery said. The last listed for sale cost was $80,000. More at http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/12/13/sns121406douglas.html

From the 12/9/06 Urbana Daily Citizen: Deal to 'Save the Douglas' clears 'biggest hurdle' By KATHLEEN FOX Assistant Editor [email protected] City officials received word from the Building Regulations Department on Friday that the county department has approved plans the Miami Scioto Development Company submitted concerning the structural stabilization of the Douglas Inn. "We've gotten by the biggest hurdle," said John Doss, one of the partners of the Miami Scioto Development Company, which wishes to purchase the ailing Monument Square structure from the Community Improvement Corporation and turn it into a boutique hotel. Before this occurs, MSD must get Building Regulations permits in order, the city must seek to have the Court of Common Pleas lift the adjudication order to demolish the structure, and MSD and CIC must develop a purchase agreement. "I'm delighted to hear this has happened," CIC President Mary Lee Gecowets said of Building Regulations' approval of plans. She noted the court order must be lifted before CIC can sell the property, but sees hope for what she calls "a critical part of Monument Square." More at http://www.urbanacitizen.com/main.asp?SectionID=3&SubSectionID=5&ArticleID=142365&TM=41141.56

From the 12/9/06 Dispatch: Columbus looking for ways to keep young professionals Saturday, December 09, 2006 Sherri Williams THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Tamira M. Moon is young, educated and ambitious. A scholarship to Ohio State University drew her to Columbus. Pursuing a graduate degree and launching her career kept her here. But Moon, a program specialist at the Ohio Commission on Minority Health, is looking to leave for Charlotte, N.C., or Atlanta because Columbus lacks cultural, social and entertainment offerings that appeal to her. "It’s a town for college people," said Moon, 27, of Clintonville. "Then it jumps to a family town, especially for African-Americans. In between there is nothing for us." Moon is among people between ages 25 and 34 who are leaving Columbus or other major cities, an exodus driven by a search for better social and professional prospects. Columbus has hired Next Generation Consulting Inc. to gauge the city’s "cool factor" and appeal among the age group, which demographers and business leaders say will be crucial to a city’s vitality in the next decade as baby boomers retire. Read more at http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/12/09/20061209-A1-04.html

From the 12/13/06 Springfield News-Sun: Urbana officials want to work with Siemens to keep plant open By LaToya Thompson Staff Writer Wednesday, December 13, 2006 URBANA — Urbana city administrators will plan to meet with Siemens executives to discuss how to keep the company's Urbana plant open, Mayor Ruth Zerkle told councilmen Tuesday night. She said she wants to approach the company with a "what can we do for you?" attitude. A formal meeting has not been set. ... More at: http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/12/13/sns121306urbanafront.html