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From the 11/29/06 Enquirer: 30,000 take Ford buyout BY MIKE BOYER | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER Ford Motor Co. said today about 30,000 of it 75,000 hourly workers nationally have agreed to take voluntary buyouts, a key element of the automaker’s plan to shed 45,000 workers and close 16 plants including its Batavia Transmission plant by 2012. The 30,000 were in addition to about 8,000 acceptances received earlier in 2006 during targeted plant-by-plant buyout offers... The Detroit Free Press and the Courier-Journal contributed. E-mail [email protected] http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061129/BIZ01/311300001/1076/BIZ From the 11/29/06 Lima News: Motto ‘Ford tough’ now good for buyout decision BY TIM RAUSCH - Nov. 29, 2006 LIMA — Ford wants more than 25,000 of its production workers to take a buyout deal. Terry Shrider will be one of them. Paula Garee will be staying. Midnight Monday was the deadline for the automaker’s 75,000 production workers to decide whether they wanted to accept a buyout or early retirement package. Shrider, a 34-year veteran of the Lima Ford Engine Plant, said he opted to take advantage of an early retirement offer. He requested to leave Ford in January. There were eight plans that offered from $35,000 to $140,000 depending on years of service, proximity to retirement or family circumstances, including a lump-sum payment of $100,000 for people who've worked for the company at least one year, $140,000 for longer-tenured employees, or the money being placed in a scholarship fund or tuition reimbursement... http://www.limanews.com/story.php?IDnum=32620

From the 11/28/06 ABJ: Ford uses its assets as loan collateral Mortgaging is to raise $18 billion for overhaul From Beacon Journal wire services DEARBORN, MICH. - For the first time in its 103 years, the Ford Motor Co. is mortgaging its assets, including factories, equipment, office buildings, patents and trademarks, and stakes in subsidiaries such as Volvo to raise $18 billion to overhaul itself. The amount Ford is borrowing exceeds the total market value of its outstanding stock by more than $2 billion... http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/business/16112998.htm?source=rss&channel=ohio_business From the 11/28/06 Elyria Chronicle-Telegram: Local Ford workers hopeful for turnaround Deadline for Ford buyouts passed Monday night Cindy Leise The Chronicle-Telegram AVON LAKE — As the minutes ticked toward midnight Monday, Ford Motor Co. employees were pressed to make a decision on whether to take on the variety of buyout packages offered to them by the ailing automaker. Eligible workers had until then to turn in paperwork to their plants’ labor relation offices. The number of employees who signed on were not available, but might be later this week, Ford spokeswoman Marcey Miller said. The company is hoping to eliminate 25,000 to 30,0000 of its hourly American workforce of 75,000 by the end of 2008 and it hasn’t ruled out layoffs if the buyouts don’t whittle enough from the work force... http://www.chroniclet.com/Daily%20Pages/112806local2.html

From the 11/26/06 PD: Ford workers see security in leaving jobs 3 consider voluntary buyouts to avoid possibly being laid off Automaker's troubles weigh on minds of local employees Sunday, November 26, 2006 Peter Krouse Plain Dealer Reporter Ford employee Dennis Burnsworth doesn't want to lose his house. So, he's quitting his job. The logic sounds backward, but in Burnsworth's world, where securing his family's future is job one, it's the gamble he chooses to take. At 50, Burnsworth doesn't need much. He's a Jehovah's Witness with little desire for material things. In his spare time, he gardens. He pickled 50 quarts of cucumbers, green tomatoes and other vegetables at his Elyria home this year. So unlike some of his co-workers with boats or Harley-Davidson motorcycles, he doesn't have big demands on his paycheck. Except the mortgage. And the installment loan. And the braces his 11-year-old Tiffany needs... To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: [email protected], 216-999-4834 http://www.cleveland.com/business/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/business/1164535236291440.xml&coll=2

From Business First of Columbus, 11/20/06: State funds $56.8M for tech development Business First of Columbus - November 20, 2006 The state, through its Third Frontier Project, has doled out $56.8 million in grants to six regional organizations that support small technology-based companies and startups. Through the project's Entrepreneurial Signature Program, created to improve the state's technology environment and economic development, the following organizations received a share of the grant: * TechColumbus in Central Ohio: $6.8 million. * NorTech in northeast Ohio: $12.4 million. * Regional Growth Partnership, in northwest Ohio: $11.8 million. * Ohio University supporting the southwest region: $3.5 million. * Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, supporting the southwest region: $11 million. * Dayton Development Coalition, in west central Ohio: $11.3 million. Full story at http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2006/11/20/daily1.html?surround=lfn

From the 12/8/06 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: County is not yet ready to stop farm development Fairfield Land Preservation Association is almost ready to accept conservation donations By ALAINA FAHY The Eagle-Gazette Staff [email protected] FAIRFIELD COUNTY - Fairfield County residents have to wait longer than expected to save their farmland from being developed. The Fairfield Land Preservation Association is almost ready to accept gifts and donations of conservation and agricultural easements. The program allows land owners to continue to own and use the land and sell it for the same use or pass it on to heirs, said Larry Neely, one of the association's volunteer trustees. Land owners can ask for an easement on their property when the association is fully operational. An easement is a legal agreement between a landowner and the association that permanently limits uses of the land in order to protect it. If land is used for agricultural purposes, the land's use cannot change to commercial - which stops it from being developed. ........ http://www.lancastereaglegazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061208/NEWS01/612080305/1002/rss01

From the AP, 12/5/06: National park offers 2 more farm leases THE ASSOCIATED PRESS BRECKSVILLE - Ohio's only national park offered two more farm leases Monday as part of a program to restore agriculture in the Cuyahoga River valley between Cleveland and Akron. The leases, the eighth and ninth in the program that began four years ago, include renovated farmhouses and 3 acres and 12 acres of land, respectively. The leases in Peninsula and Cuyahoga Falls are available for up to 60 years, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park said. The National Park Service plan open houses Dec. 13 and 19 and will accept offers until Feb. 1. The park service expects to select tenant farmers by next spring. ....... http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061205/NEWS01/612050339/1056/COL02

From the 11/28/06 Fremont News-Messenger: Ohio prime farmland declining as groups seek preservation Roger Hart On Farming Agriculture is Ohio's leading industry, contributing roughly $79 billion annually to the state's economy. Yet, in spite of the crucial financial role that farming plays in the well-being of our state, between the years 1950 and 2000, Ohio lost more than 6.9 million acres of farmland. Nationally, Ohio ranks second in the amount of prime farmland lost to development between 1987 and 1997, according to figures from the American Farmland Trust, a nonprofit organization that works to protect agricultural resources. Statistics provided by the Sandusky County Extension Service indicate that the amount of land in farm production in Sandusky County has dropped from 209,000 acres in 1999 to 194,000 acres in 2005, a decline of 15,000 acres. ........ http://www.thenews-messenger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061128/NEWS01/611280318/1002/rss01

From the 11/21/06 Times-Reporter: Farms shielded from development By ZACH LINT, T-R Staff Writer Tuscarawas County commissioners received the first Agricultural Security Area application from three property owners in Dover Township Monday. Commissioners and township trustees agreed on the agricultural land preservation concept in August, allowing farmers to create special areas protected from development for a 10-year period. To meet ASA guidelines, at least 500 contiguous acres must be listed in the application. The application then has to be approved by township trustees and commissioners before going into effect. Herbert Bambeck, Shirley Johnson and John M. Foust requested the designation to protect about 572 acres along Rt. 39 heading east from Pyle Rd. in Dover Township toward the city, including parcels off Red Hill and Steel Hill Rds. ... http://www.timesreporter.com/index.php?ID=61118&r=7&Category=5

From The Times, 11/29/06: Route 33 Growth Alliance markets area to businesses By HOLLY FENNER From road closures and construction to new interchanges and businesses, the U.S. Route 33 corridor growth spurt has sparked the Route 33 Growth Alliance's marketing campaign. The alliance is a collaboration of area chambers of commerce including Pickerington, Canal Winchester, Lancaster-Fairfield, Carroll, and Violet, Greenfield and Bloom townships to develop a marketing plan to effectively attract new businesses to the Route 33 corridor, said Mike Arcari, economic development consultant for Canal Winchester. "We're trying to come up with a uniform plan to highlight the resources of the area and highlight the strengths of each community," Arcari said. The alliance is a 5-year-old, standalone organization that previously focused on transportation issues along the Route 33 corridor. "Once (the Ohio Department of Transportation) started making final decisions, the group decided to change direction and focus on marketing and business promotion," Arcari said. Full story at http://www.snponline.com/NEWS11-29/11-29_cwpk33growthalliance.html From ThisWeek Pickerington, 11/23/06: New school plans Connecting buildings could save $1-million Thursday, November 23, 2006 By SEAN CASEY ThisWeek Staff Writer Pickerington school officials are considering connecting two of the three buildings voters approved the construction of this month. In a meeting with representatives from the district's architectural and construction management firms Monday morning, school administrators asked for a feasibility assessment for physically connecting the elementary and middle schools planned for a site at Tollgate and Refugee roads. Throughout the campaign for a $59.9-million bond issue that passed in this month's general election, the school board stated the district would build two of the three new schools the issue will fund on the same parcel in order to save money on site preparation and infrastructure development. However, by actually joining the elementary and middle school, the district could reduce project estimates significantly more by sharing building mechanical systems and amenities. Full story at http://www.thisweeknews.com/index.php?sec=pickerington&story=sites/thisweeknews/112306/Pickerington/News/112306-News-266144.html From The Times, 11/15/06: Council approves building standards By HOLLY FENNER Canal Winchester Village Council voted unanimously to approve the debated new residential standards at its Nov. 6 meeting. Prior to the council approval of the new residential standards, Sal Multerer, Canal Winchester resident opposed to the standards, said she could live with whatever legislation the village approved. Allan Neimayer, planning and zoning administrator, reviewed the edited version of the proposed standards with Village Council. The changes include permitting cantilevered and shed-type chimneys in the back of the house, landscaping in the front and side yards of the home will be included in the 200-foot landscaping requirement and landscaping must also shield exposed cinder block foundation. Full story at http://www.snponline.com/NEWS11-15/11-15_cwcouncil.html

Taft says his four appointees will back evolution in schools Thursday, December 07, 2006 Associated Press Columbus -- Gov. Bob Taft said the four people he appoints to the state school board before he leaves office will support science lessons that focus on evolution and not intelligent design. "I want people who are really committed to teaching good science in school, and I think that intelligent design does not play a role in the science curriculum," he told The Columbus Dispatch for a story Wednesday. Intelligent design argues that DNA and other aspects of life are so complex that they're best explained as the intervention of a higher power. More at: http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/news/1165486082147350.xml&coll=2

From (OU) Outlook, 11/17/06: State awards $3.5 million for Southeast Ohio business growth ATHENS, Ohio (Nov. 17, 2006) -- The state of Ohio has awarded $3.5 million to Ohio University's Voinovich Center for Leadership and Public Affairs and venture capital firm Adena Ventures to invest in new technology businesses in the 19 counties of Southeast Ohio. The funds will expand the partnership, which has become a national model for rural economic development. This initial award – which sets up a pre-seed fund and business assistance for digital technology companies - is part of a larger proposal submitted to the state that could attract more funding this spring. The Ohio Department of Development announced the award of funds from its Third Frontier Entrepreneurial Signature Program, which supports technology-based business growth throughout the state. The Voinovich Center, Adena Ventures and area investors will identify and support regional entrepreneurs who need professional expertise and funding to launch their businesses. The program is unique because it offers venture capital funding to smaller, higher risk ventures in the areas of digital interactive media and life sciences for the first time in Southeast Ohio. "Adena and the Voinovich Center have a five-year track record of assisting early-stage companies in Appalachian Ohio. This award represents an important milestone for furthering our work in this region," said Lynn Gellermann, a founding partner of Adena Ventures. Since 2002, Adena Ventures has invested $13 million in 10 companies and provided nearly $4 million of operational assistance to more than 60 companies. This activity has been significantly leveraged by co-investors and lenders, bringing a total of nearly $60 million and 750 jobs to central Appalachia. About half of this activity has occurred in Appalachian Ohio. The new funds from the Entrepreneurial Signature Program will provide a solid foundation for additional investments from the state and federal government, the private sector, foundations and other entities, said Mark Weinberg, director of the Voinovich Center. Funding to work with Ohio University's Edison Biotechnology Institute, Innovation Center and regional investors to develop angel funds and expand the operational assistance program for technology companies could be forthcoming this spring, he said. The partnership also allows Ohio University faculty and students on the Athens and regional campuses to share business and financial expertise with new entrepreneurs. "This program builds on the university's long history of working with public and private partners to improve the quality of life in Appalachian Ohio," said Roderick McDavis, president of Ohio University. Kentucky and West Virginia have similar investment programs that have lured some local companies out of state, said Mark Butterworth, the principal of the Columbus, Ohio-based Innovation Forward LLC who will provide consulting advice and assistance to the angel funds. "This will definitely help keep companies in Ohio," he said. Bill Dingus, executive director of the Lawrence Economic Development Corporation, agreed that the program will help Ohio retain homegrown entrepreneurial talent. "This Third Frontier grant is a great first step for Southeastern Ohio in catching up with our neighbors in Kentucky and many other states that value technology development as a foundation for the future. We have to build local capacity to create the necessary support network for the development and growth of technological ventures by entrepreneurs and small businesses," he said. The expanded program also may attract digital interactive media companies to Southeast Ohio, Butterworth said. In April, Adena Ventures recruited the Nebraska-based software company Game Plan Technologies, Inc., to Ohio University's Innovation Center to expand its presence in the eastern United States and create a strategic partnership with the university's Sports Administration Center. http://www.ohio.edu/outlook/06-07/November/182n-067.cfm

One more house down, countless blights to go Lima News, 12/12/06 One more building breeding trouble is gone today, thanks to several community groups and the faith of one woman. Ida Smith, 77, bought the house on South Metcalf Street next to her own after watching one too many drug dealers move in and move out, leaving it in worse shape. The copper pipes and electrical wiring had been stolen from it, and the place wasn’t livable, Smith’s great-niece, Ida Morlock, 32, said.

LOL.

From Business First of Columbus, 12/11/06: Agriculture, rail helping generate interest in alternative-fuel plants Business First of Columbus - December 8, 2006 by Kevin Kemper Business First The rising price of gasoline may turn out to be an economic development boon for some of the state's rural counties. Ohio can claim six major cities, but it also boasts a robust agricultural economy, and that farm land is attracting interest from alternative-fuel development companies. http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2006/12/11/story8.html

From the 12/8/06 Findlay Courier: Ethanol plant granted permits LEIPSIC -- Two final permits have been issued by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) for the $100 million Summit Ethanol plant to be built in Leipsic. The permits issued are an air pollution permit and a wastewater discharge permit. http://www.thecourier.com/Issues/2006/Dec/ar_news_120806.asp#story6

From the 12/7/06 Lima News: Major oil refiner to buy Lima-made ethanol BY TIM RAUSCH - Dec. 7, 2006 LIMA — Greater Ohio Ethanol has a buyer for the ethanol it will make in Lima and wherever else it builds a plant. An unnamed "major oil refiner" is under contract with the Lima-based ethanol company for at least five years, President Greg Kruger said. "They are going to buy 100 percent of the product out of the facility at a guaranteed price. It locks in our profitability. It is a five-year contract that they have the option to renew for two more. The same agreement applies to the next six facilities that we select," Kruger said. http://www.limanews.com/story.php?IDnum=32889

From the 11/29/06 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Ethanol plant might come to Lancaster Proposed plant would merge agriculture and industry, create 50 jobs By TAMARIA L. KULEMEKA The Eagle-Gazette Staff [email protected] LANCASTER - Lancaster could join a wave of cities around the nation that manufacture ethanol if a proposal to build an ethanol plant in the city gets the green light. A company - which cannot be named at this time - is interested in building an ethanol plant on the city's east side, said Lancaster Economic Development Director Mike Pettit. http://www.lancastereaglegazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061129/NEWS01/611290302/1002/rss01

From the 11/27/06 Greenville Daily Advocate: Taft attends ethanol plant groundbreaking Tod Fink Staff writer GREENVILLE - Governor Bob Taft celebrated the official groundbreaking of the Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLC Greenville production facility Monday. Once completed, the plant will create 40 jobs onsite and will have the capacity to produce 110 million gallons of ethanol per year. The Greenville site is one of five ethanol plants currently under construction in Ohio. "As fuel prices continue to be a concern and our energy needs grow, it's critical that we reduce our dependence on foreign oil and begin developing our own clean, affordable sources of energy," Taft said. http://www.dailyadvocate.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=2&ArticleID=122538&TM=964.395

From the 11/19/06 Coshocton Tribune: Updates under way at water plant for ethanol waste By KATHIE DICKERSON Staff Writer COSHOCTON - Work has started at Coshocton's Water Pollution Control Plant to begin accepting wastewater from Coshocton Ethanol, LLC next fall. The media has been changed in one of the plant's three filters and will be in operation by the end of November, said Dave McVay, supervisor at the plant. Phase 1 of the updates that will be done to serve Coshocton Ethanol, LLC, involves replacing the media in all three filters. http://www.coshoctontribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061119/NEWS01/611190303/1002/rss01

From the 11/19/06 Ashtabula Star Beacon: County engineer hopes for dry spring Star Beacon PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP - - Rain, rain, go away ... that's the tune workers on Ashtabula County's 17th covered bridge are singing these days... . http://www.starbeacon.com/local/local_story_323171516

From ThisWeek Worthington, 11/30/06: OSU airport System set up to monitor noise Thursday, November 30, 2006 By CANDY BROOKS, [email protected] ThisWeek Staff Writer The long-awaited air noise monitoring system is up and running. Ohio State University officials last week announced the installation of AirScene, a new aircraft noise and operations management system designed to provide better communication between the university airport and its surrounding communities. The system cost the university approximately $300,000. It was purchased in response to the many complaints of residents of Worthington and other nearby areas. University officials announced their decision to install the system more than a year ago. It was originally set to be in operation by last January. The flight tracking system uses state-of-the-art software which allows the airport staff to watch flight tracks and to calculate an aircraft's altitude over specific locations. Full story at http://www.thisweeknews.com/index.php?sec=worthington&story=sites/thisweeknews/113006/Worthington/News/113006-News-271444.html

From SNP newspapers, 11/22/06: Airport officials invite neighbors to talk about noise By LYNDSEY TETER From administrative offices housed a stone's throw from the south runway, a computer screen displayed Saturday's football game-induced air traffic at the Ohio State University Airport. Yellow and green flight paths cluttered the screen like pasta in a dish, while a yellow line circled several times above the Horseshoe. The airport staff's new toy is the latest move in an effort to become more in tune with surrounding residential neighborhoods. Following several months and technical delays, the much-anticipated noise complaint tracking system is working correctly, and the university is inviting conversation with airport neighbors. The AirScene flight tracking system uses state-of-the-art software to track flights and to calculate an aircraft's altitude within a 50-mile radius of the airport, Ferrari said. Full story at http://www.snponline.com/NEWS11-22/11-22_allnoisetrack.html

From SNP newspapers, 11/15/06: New airport noise complaint system set to launch By LYNDSEY TETER The Ohio State University airport confirmed Monday that technical issues have been resolved, and that a formal announcement is expected next week trumpeting the launch of the airport's much-anticipated noise complaint system, said Cathy Ferrari, airport spokeswoman. In the meantime, the system will be tested and airport staff is training with a complete record of airplane flight tracks. Promised first in August 2005, the radar-based noise-complaint tracking system has suffered many technical delays. On the road to implementation, university officials had trouble securing space on four cell phone towers on which the system's radar sensors will be mounted, and until now, the university had experienced difficulty getting two DSL lines to the towers. Full story at http://www.snponline.com/NEWS11-15/11-15_allairportnoise1.html

From the 12/11/06 Enquirer: Comair pilots OK idea of strike BY ALEXANDER COOLIDGE | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER ERLANGER - Comair’s pilots have overwhelmingly voted in favor of giving their leadership the go-ahead to call a strike if ongoing talks with the bankrupt carrier don’t result in a new contract. A potential strike was authorized by 93.2 percent of the vote, the union said tonight. While the results don’t portend an immediate strike, the union is prepared for a potential confrontation with the airline, which is seeking to cut pilot pay to lower costs and get it out of bankruptcy. Officials did not disclose how many of Comair’s 1,600 pilots participated in the ballot. Full story at http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061211/BIZ01/612110317/1076/BIZ

From the AP, 12/5/06: Delta, government reach agreement Agency to terminate pilot pensions THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Delta Air Lines Inc. and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. have reached a settlement involving the carrier's request to terminate its pilots pension plan that will award the government's pension insurer an unsecured claim of $2.2 billion. The Atlanta-based company said in a Bankruptcy Court filing Monday that the agreement also calls for Delta's reorganization plan to provide the pension agency with $225 million in senior unsecured notes. Delta retains the right to replace the notes with cash. The agreement calls for the agency to complete the termination of the pilots pension plan expeditiously and, if it makes a final determination to terminate the plan as recommended by staff, the termination will be retroactive to Sept. 2. The nation's No. 3 carrier operates its second largest hub at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport and has about 6,000 active pilots (including about 700 based at CVG). Delta has already received court approval to terminate the pension, but it also needs the agency's nod. Delta has said it needs to eliminate its pilots pension to successfully emerge from Chapter 11, which it hopes to do by the middle of next year. A hearing on the agreement between Delta and the agency is scheduled for Dec. 20 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New York. More at http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061205/BIZ/612050386/1076/BIZ From the 12/5/06 Enquirer: Showdown looms for Comair Union strike-vote tally, court filings due Monday BY ALEXANDER COOLIDGE | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER Bankrupt Comair and its pilots concluded negotiations Monday, agreeing only to meet again on the same day the union could announce that its members have authorized a strike. Concession talks will resume Monday and Tuesday as well as Dec. 27, 28 and 29. The pilots will tally the results of the strike vote Monday. In addition, final written arguments for Comair's bid to scrap its pilots contract are due Monday, so a judge's decision could come anytime between then and Dec. 27. Aviation experts say Comair likely will face a showdown with the pilots this month. By scheduling talks late into the month, the experts said, each side is using the looming deadlines to maximize pressure on the other - and guaranteeing a white-knuckle ride for all parties. Tension has built since the Erlanger-based company asked a bankruptcy court in New York last month to allow it to throw out its pilots contract and impose $15.8 million worth of givebacks. Full story at http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061205/BIZ01/612050353/1076/BIZ