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From the 12/9/06 PD: Struggling Myers University banking on merger Saturday, December 09, 2006 Michael O'Malley and Ellen Kleinerman Plain Dealer Reporters Cash-strapped Myers University will stay open, its president predicted this week, though most likely as part of another university. Richard Scaldini told groups of worried students that he receives calls each week from universities across the country seeking to buy the small downtown Cleveland business school. He declined to name the universities. "We've identified a few who are potential partners," he said. To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: [email protected], 216-999-4893 http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1165659212284320.xml&coll=2

From the 12/2/06 PD: Myers University is facing cash crisis Without $1.2 million line of credit, school may have to close Saturday, December 02, 2006 Jennifer Gonzalez Plain Dealer Reporter Without an immediate infusion of cash, Myers University -- the city's oldest four-year college -- could either be sold and merged with another institution or close altogether. The crisis was triggered in June when the U.S. Department of Education decided to withhold $1.8 million in financial aid from the 158-year-old business school. The department made that decision after it determined that the college's financial situation had deteriorated. [email protected], 216-999-4327[/i] http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1165052281171230.xml&coll=2

Heritage farm has humble tree By Joyce Rosencrans Post home editor Gorman Heritage Farm is a hidden treasure located between I-71 and I-75 in Evendale along Reading Road, not far south of the Glendale-Milford Road intersection. The farm offers the feel of a real, working farm for cityfolk. It's not just some park with an agriculture theme. And it's open to the public for school field trips, adult education classes, festivals, corporate events and just plain hospitality Wednesday through Sunday. Gorman offers historical farm buildings, a teaching center, planted fields, hiking trails and an entertaining assortment of about 100 head of livestock (cows, goats, miniature horses, rabbits, chickens, sheep and turkeys), plus two hives of honeybees. Stella ("Little Star") was born on May 29, and the Guernsey calf quickly became a star attraction as the little heifer followed her mom Molly and Uncle Shakes around the pasture. Of course, every springtime brings new babies. Full story at: http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061202/LIFE/612020322/1036/RSS06

From the 12/17/06 DDN: Bridge of dreams If they can build it, people will come — and go — more easily through Hamilton Twp., says Martin Plumb. By Tiffany Y. Latta Staff Writer Sunday, December 17, 2006 An 800-foot bridge over the Little Miami River and linking the Great Wolf Lodge with Hamilton Twp. could wipe out traffic congestion in parts of southern Warren County. When Martin Plumb suggested this idea months after a regional transportation group failed to come up with a viable plan, many questioned whether it was possible, and why Warren County officials hadn't suggested it before. http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/12/16/ddn121706w4plumb.html From Community Press Mason-Deerfield, 12/6/06: Holiday Inn Express to be built in Deerfield Twp. DEERFIELD TWP. - A new, 106-room Holiday Inn Express will soon be built on the northeast corner of Natorp Boulevard in Deerfield Township. Trustees gave final zoning approval to the hotel, which will be built behind Amerisuites and near Deerfield Crossing, on Dec. 5. http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061206/NEWS01/612060374/1085/Local From the 12/17/06 Enquirer: MARQUIS TO BUILD 51 HOMES AT TURNING LEAF MAINEVILLE - Marquis Homes, a unit of Drees Homes, has agreed to build at least 51 homes at the Turning Leaf subdivision along U.S. 22/Ohio 3. Marquis Homes has closed on 21 of 51 lots it has a contract to buy from Turning Leaf LLC, the project developer's, which is managed by Kenwood-based Robert C. Rhein Interests Inc. Turning Leaf will include 228 homes, and about 98 are already built. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061217/BIZ01/612170311/1001/BIZ

From the 12/21/06 Blade: Rezoning asked for Sylvania Township residential housing 41.6-acre parcel on West Sylvania BLADE STAFF A zoning change for a proposed residential subdivision in Sylvania Township has been recommended for approval by the Lucas County Planning Commission. Millstream Development Co., of Sylvania, is seeking the zoning change from agricultural to planned unit development for a 41.6-acre parcel at 9101 West Sylvania Ave. The site is for the proposed River Tree subdivision, which would have 92 lots and a total of 124 dwelling units, according to information from the planning commission. The recommendation now goes to the Sylvania Township zoning commission and township trustees officials for review and a final decision on the requested zoning change. More at http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061221/NEIGHBORS05/612200329

Findlay Municipal building remodeling to proceed Findlay Courier, 12/6/06 Improving convenience is the name of the game in a $250,000 remodeling of the Findlay Municipal Building. Findlay City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to appropriate the final $225,000 for the project, to get the remodeling work under way. It's not a new expense, though. The money was included in the city's capital improvement budget passed by council back in January. The money will allow the city to advertise for bids and pay for the remodeling project, which could start shortly after the first of the year and finish up sometime around May. The remodeling will be accompanied by moving several departments around inside the building, to improve convenience.

Both from the 12/18/06 DDN: Area may land slew of talent in BRAC deal By Timothy R. Gaffney Staff Writer Monday, December 18, 2006 WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE — Some 700 military and 550 civilian positions are heading this way as the Air Force realigns missions under the Base Realignment and Closure Act of 2005, base officials say..... Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2390 or [email protected]. http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/business/2006/12/17/ddn121806brac.html Area resources prompt scientists to move here Three among the many who followed jobs transferred under military realignment. By Timothy R. Gaffney Staff Writer Monday, December 18, 2006 WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE — Three scientists who have decided to relocate to the Dayton region to follow their jobs say the scientific resources here and community efforts to ease their move helped make up their minds... Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2390 or [email protected]. http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/business/2006/12/17/ddn121806bracinside.html

From the 12/15/06 DDN: Air Force breaks ground on systems engineering center By Timothy R. Gaffney Staff Writer Friday, December 15, 2006 WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE — Air Force Institute of Technology officials Thursday broke ground on a facility intended to help the Air Force advance the art of designing complex weapon systems. The 50,000-square-foot building will house classroom and lab space and the Center for Systems Engineering... Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2390 or [email protected]. http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/business/2006/12/15/ddn121506afit.html

From the 12/19/06 Dispatch: PHOTO: Jorge Newbery, Woodland Meadows managing member, had no comment yesterday after the Environmental Court hearing. PHOTO: Judge Harland H. Hale describes the area in the middle of Allegheny Avenue at Woodland Meadows to court reporter Susan Bangert, probation officer Bryan Wagner and bailiff Janice Byrd. The city will ask to demolish the complex if all windows and entrances are not boarded up in two months. JUDGE’S DEADLINE FOR WOODLAND MEADOWS Complex is officially a nuisance Tuesday, December 19, 2006 Mark Ferenchik THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Woodland Meadows owners have two more months to board up the vacant apartment complex before Columbus seeks a court’s permission to tear it down. Judge Harland H. Hale, of Franklin County Environmental Court, declared the property a public nuisance yesterday, giving Woodland Meadows Partners LLC until Feb. 15 to bring the property up to city code. That means boarding up all windows and entrances to the 1,100 apartments in the complex and removing trash from the property, City Attorney Richard C. Pfeiffer Jr. said. If the owners don’t, the city will come back and ask to demolish the 122 threestory brick buildings that served as homes for thousands of residents and that Mayor Michael B. Coleman declared "Public Enemy No. 1" last month. Hale, who toured Woodland Meadows yesterday morning before a court hearing, said the complex is in as poor a condition as anything he’s seen. Full story at http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/12/19/20061219-D1-01.html

From the 12/9/06 Dispatch: PHOTO: Residents of nine second-floor apartments at Berwick Court, 3680 Livingston Ave., have been ordered to move because the metal stairs are deteriorating and upstairs walkways are crumbling. PHOTO: A step lies on the ground, a safety hazard for tenants. Woodland Meadows owner in trouble with city again Tenants evicted because of violations at another complex Saturday, December 09, 2006 Jim Woods THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Jorge Newbery, the embattled landlord of Woodland Meadows, is facing new code violations and evictions at another East Side apartment complex. Columbus building inspectors issued orders yesterday to move residents immediately from nine second-floor apartments at Berwick Court, 3680 E. Livingston Ave. Rusted metal stairs and deteriorating concrete on some second-floor walkways are unsafe, said Linda LaCloche, a spokeswoman for the Columbus Department of Development. Managers at the complex are helping tenants move to Colonial Village, a neighboring apartment complex on E. Livingston Avenue, LaCloche said. The city gave residents 24 hours to move. The order doesn’t affect those who live on the first floor of the complex, which has about 50 units. The apartments were built in 1963. Full story at http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/12/09/20061209-C3-01.html

From the 11/29/06 Dispatch: Woodland Meadows owner arrested Texas authorities say he is neglecting Beaumont complex Wednesday, November 29, 2006 Barbara Carmen and Mark Ferenchik THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Landlord Jorge Newbery has been arrested by fed-up city officials who accuse him of failing to fix his blighted, stormdamaged property. But the arrest wasn’t here, where the Woodland Meadows owner is fighting city efforts to tear down his vacant 122-building complex. It was in Beaumont, Texas, where tenants of Pear Orchard Plaza Apartments complain of vermin infestations, water running down walls and collapsing ceilings. And, just like Woodland Meadows, many buildings lack doors and windows. Beaumont officials said Newbery didn’t appear in court earlier this month on charges that he allowed his property to fester and decay, despite collecting more than $300,000 in insurance for hurricane damage. In Columbus, Newbery is to appear Dec. 18 in Franklin County Environmental Court to fight a city lawsuit to use public dollars to raze the vacant Woodland Meadows. Full story at http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/11/29/20061129-B5-01.html

From the 11/28/06 Dispatch: PHOTO: Goavinny Rodriguez, who works for the owner of Woodland Meadows, examines a board that was ripped from an apartment window. The 122-building complex has been vacant since summer. Drive to tear down complex hits snag Woodland Meadows owner to fight city’s push for demolition Tuesday, November 28, 2006 Mark Ferenchik THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH The owners of the vacant Woodland Meadows apartments will fight the city’s legal attempt to tear down the East Side complex. "The city will continue to see 122 vacant buildings for a year or more while this winds through the court," said Jorge Newbery, managing member for Woodland Meadows Partners LLC. "We’re not walking away from the property. We’re not going to do anything to jeopardize our investment," Newbery said. The city filed a complaint in Franklin County Environmental Court yesterday asking a judge to declare the complex a public nuisance and order the 1,100 units demolished if the owners do not maintain the buildings up to city code. The complex hasn’t been properly maintained, Columbus officials said, since it was emptied this spring after the federal government pulled rent subsidies. "We believe the appropriate remedy is demolition," City Attorney Richard C. Pfeiffer Jr. said. Full story at http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/11/28/20061128-D1-04.html

From the AP, 12/22/06: PHOTO: Doreen Pietrzyk, of St. Joseph Vineyards in Thompson, checks some Vidal grapes, a variety that is used to make ice wine. Warm winter gets cool reaction from producers of ice wine Friday, December 22, 2006 GENEVA, Ohio (AP) — While some folks might be wishing for a white Christmas, northeastern Ohio winemakers are hoping for an arctic blast so they can harvest grapes used in sugary sweet ice wine. So far, the harvest has mostly been on hold with higher-thanusual December temperatures and a 10-day forecast that doesn’t get much cooler. Area temperatures are predicted to range from lows hovering around 31 degrees to highs near 48 degrees. "We need a freeze, need a freeze," says Kim Laurello, who, with her husband, Larry, owns Laurello Vineyards in Harpersfield Township, about 50 miles east of Cleveland. ... More at: http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/12/22/20061222-D4-01.html

Both from the 12/21/06 Dispatch: Ads tempt buyers to try state’s wines Thursday, December 21, 2006 Monique Curet THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Ohio wineries are catching a buzz from an advertising campaign aimed at promoting wines produced in the state. The Ohio Grape Industries Committee rolled out its first statewide TV advertising campaign in the summer and is airing commercials again this holiday season. The effort has made a significant difference in wine sales and the number of visits to Ohio’s 92 wineries, said Michelle Widner, program manager for the committee. ... More at: http://www.dispatch.com/business-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/12/21/20061221-G1-05.html PHOTO: Chuck Harris and his wife, Nina Busch-Harris, own Ravenhurst Champagne Cellars. PHOTO: Bottles in a window at Ravenhurst Champagne Cellars, near Mount Victory, display some of the winery’s awards. TIM REVELL Proud Ohio vintages Ravenhurst winery owners prove that top quality need not come from exotic locales Thursday, December 21, 2006 Dana Wilson THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH MOUNT VICTORY, Ohio — The sweet, simple wines Ohio was known for didn’t interest Chuck Harris and his wife when they began planting vineyards here in 1978. The couple experimented with growing European-style vinifera grapes on an acre near the Union-Hardin county lines, hoping to emulate the success of the French. Many who taste the result today are shocked to learn its origin, Harris said. They’ve come to expect such quality from Bordeaux or Napa Valley, not from central Ohio. "There is a huge prejudice," Harris said. "We’re winning this battle one glass at a time, but it is an uphill struggle." It wasn’t until recently that Harris printed the word Ohio on the labels of wine and champagne bottled at his boutique winery, Ravenhurst Champagne Cellars, located about 45 miles northwest of Columbus near Mount Victory. He gave his wine, which is fruitier than most native wines, time to build its own reputation. ... More at: http://www.dispatch.com/business-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/12/21/20061221-G1-02.html

From ThisWeek Canal Winchester, 12/14/06: P&Z to hear revamped winery plan Thursday, December 14, 2006 By ROBERT PASCHEN ThisWeek Staff Writer Damon A. Pfeifer withdrew preliminary site plans Monday for a 2,640-square-foot winery on Winchester Pike but said he will return to the Canal Winchester Planning and Zoning Commission with a new proposal in January. Pfeifer also withdrew from planning commission consideration a conditional use request to build and operate the winery on 0.86 acres of land zoned for residential rather than commercial use. Pfeifer said Tuesday he plans to be back in front of the planning commission in January with an amended proposal. ... More at: http://www.thisweeknews.com/index.php?sec=canalwinchester&story=sites/thisweeknews/121406/CanalWinchester/News/121406-News-276783.html

From the 11/30/06 Bethel Journal: Bethel winery expands business underground BY MICHELLE SHAW | COMMUNITY PRESS STAFF WRITER BETHEL - It's hard to imagine this place is called Harmony Hill. With an enormous hole in the ground and piles of dirt and broken limestone being surrounded by a crane, tractors and semis, the noises fell together in a symphony that might open to less than rave reviews. But by next spring the hole will be filled and covered by a stage, a parking lot or a patio and landscaping will disguise it ever being there. ... More at: http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061130/NEWS01/611300382/1002/RSS01

From the 12/6/06 Port Clinton News Herald: Residents question developers By DAN DEARTH Staff writer PORT CLINTON --The city could forfeit ownership of Water Works Park to financial institutions that provide the funding for its development if plans to improve the 14-acre parcel fail to turn a profit. That was the answer one of two developers gave Port Clinton resident Russ Brown, who asked during a public meeting Tuesday night at Magruder Hospital whether the city would have to put the property up for collateral to secure financial backing. http://www.portclintonnewsherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061206/NEWS01/612060304/1002/rss01

Both from the 11/30/06 Port Clinton News Herald: Hesitant but hopeful Locals say they have mixed feelings about proposals By DAN DEARTH Staff writer PORT CLINTON -- About 170 Port Clinton residents showed up Wednesday night at Magruder Hospital to hear two developers explain their plans for the future of Water Works Park. Edward VanGeloff of Laurel Avenue said afterward he was a little concerned when Mo Dioun, principal partner of The Stonehenge Co. of Gahanna, said his vision to build $500,000 condominiums along the waterfront would increase property values citywide. http://www.portclintonnewsherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061130/NEWS01/611300305/1002/rss01

From the 11/22/06 Port Clinton News Herald: PHOTO: The former Water Works building at Jefferson and Perry streets. Dan Dearth/News Herald Plans for park unveiled Proposals include a water park, retail shops, condos By DAN DEARTH Staff writer PORT CLINTON -- One of two developers that the city is courting to improve Water Works Park intends to spend $100 million to build, in part, a 220-room hotel and indoor water park. Ken Puller Sr., founder of Puller Group Inc. of Indianapolis, said the blueprint also includes building condominiums, retail space and renovating the existing Water Works building into a museum and restaurant. http://www.portclintonnewsherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061122/NEWS01/611220301/1002/rss01

From the 11/18/06 Youngstown Vindicator: Heritage Ohio rejects bid for recognition The Warren GROWs project manager announced his resignation. By AMANDA GARRETT VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF WARREN — Two downtown redevelopment agencies were notified Friday that their bid to make Warren a nationally recognized historical community has not succeeded — at least for this year. Warren GROWs (Grassroots Revitalization of Warren) — an umbrella organization of the Warren Redevelopment and Planning Corp. — filed an application last month with Heritage Ohio to become a Main Street Community. Through financial grants and strategic planning, the Main Street program helps Ohio communities preserve historic sites while bringing new businesses into the community. Anthony Iannucci, the WRAP executive director, said he was disappointed but not deterred by Heritage Ohio's decision. During the 10 years the program has been in operation, only 32 Ohio communities have been accepted, Iannucci said. http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/301108177034214.php

From Community Press Mason-Deerfield, 12/6/06: Deerfield Twp. OKs zone change for townhomes DEERFIELD TWP. - A complex of new townhomes near Deerfield Towne Center was granted a zoning modification by Deerfield Township trustees Dec. 5. Deerfield Village Townehomes at Deerfield Village Square received final zoning approval in July. http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061206/NEWS01/612060376/1085/Local From same: Two office buildings approved in Deerfield Twp. DEERFIELD TWP. - Two 11,200-square-foot office buildings will be built near Socialville-Foster Road and Wilkens Boulevard after trustees approved the development Dec. 5. The buildings will be located at Arbor Square on almost 3 acres of land. http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061206/NEWS01/612060375/1085/Local From the 12/3/06 Enquirer: NEW HOUSING UNIT GEARED TO ADULT NEEDS SOUTH LEBANON - Miller-Valentine Group, a well known developer of local commercial projects, has launched a new unit that will develop housing subdivisions geared to baby boomers and empty nesters. The Lifestyle Communities by Miller-Valentine Group will focus on developing land that would include detached patio-style homes with fewer than 100 homes in each subdivision. Its first project in the region will be called StoneLake at River's Bend, which will have 60 units at the end of Sunny Lane next to the Vista Pointe subdivision. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061203/BIZ01/612030306/1001/BIZ

Otterbein Community's $2.5M fix-up going strong Toledo Blade, 12/14/06 Big changes are under way at the Otterbein Portage Valley Retirement Community in Troy Township, just north of Pemberville. Phase one of a $2.5 million renovation project that includes a variety of upgrades to increase and improve services and amenities is nearly complete, said Rosemary Cicak, vice president of marketing and public relations for Otterbein Retirement Living Communities.

That sucked. I'm afraid that my nightmare of the Steelers ending our season is going to come true next week.

From the 12/1/06 Springfield News-Sun: International blames layoffs on EPA rules By Kelly Baker Staff Writer Friday, December 01, 2006 International Truck and Engine Corp. announced Friday it will lay off approximately 300 workers at its Springfield plant on Jan. 3. The layoffs are in response to an industry-wide decline in orders for next year for heavy duty trucks, company spokesman Kyle Rose said. ... http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/12/01/sns120106layoffweb.html

From the 12/1/06 DDN: Group wants city of Dayton to tear down abandoned duplex Residents say structure on Oxford Avenue is unsafe, noting it has 5 feet of water in its lower level. By Joanne Huist Smith Staff Writer Friday, December 01, 2006 DAYTON — — About 20 Dayton View residents got a lesson in community activism Thursday and created an action plan to bring down a dilapidated duplex at 325/327 Oxford Ave. they feel is unsafe. Five feet of standing water floods the lower level. Upper floors are collapsing. The front door and several windows have been secured by the city, but others remain open to the elements, vagrants and kids. "We couldn't go outside this summer because of the mosquitoes. Now, I'm afraid the water in the basement will freeze and bring the whole house down," said William Steward, who lives next door. Read More...