buildingcincinnati

From the 12/4/06 Cincinnati Business Courier: Ashes to ashes Owners of local bars, restaurants ready as smoking lain to rest Cincinnati Business Courier - December 1, 2006 by Lisa Biank Fasig Staff Reporter Eddie Rush is waiting to inhale. The owner of Northside Tavern is eager for the go-ahead to clear out the ashtrays and switch off the air purifier. Some of his customers and bartenders smoke, but he still welcomes Ohio's pending ban on the habit, to take effect at most public places Dec. 7... http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2006/12/04/story2.html

From the 11/27/06 Eastern Hills Journal: Oakley to take another shot at street grant BY FORREST SELLERS | COMMUNITY PRESS STAFF WRITER OAKLEY - Next year Oakley will reapply for grant funding for streetscape improvements. The city of Cincinnati did not approve the community's most recent funding request. "We were hoping for the best, but we realize we wanted too much (of) the funding which would be allowed citywide," said Oakley Community Council member Bob Luthy. Oakley had applied for a $600,000 grant in June from the city of Cincinnati's Invest in Neighborhoods department. Luthy said the community will reapply for grant funding in March but in a smaller amount. Luthy said Oakley would request funding for several projects including: * Streetscape improvements such as lighting, trees, signage and street furniture. * Signage bearing the name of Oakley which would be located on the railroad pass above Madison Road. * Median landscaping and a fountain at the Oakley Esplanade park. MORE: http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061127/NEWS01/611270406/1090/Local From the 11/30/06 Enquirer: Carnegie library draws interest Built to last, now vacant, it needs ideas to begin a new century of use BY SCOTT WARTMAN | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER NEWPORT - During the christening of Newport's Andrew Carnegie endowed public library on June 25, 1902, John Burke, superintendent of Newport Schools, called the library the soul of the city, said local historian and author Jan Mueller. The ornate stone and marble building at Fourth and Monmouth streets has sat vacant for two years after the library moved to Sixth Street. Newport officials want the building to be an active part of the community. The city owns the property and will ask for proposals from developers and business owners in the next month on what it could be used for. It likely will go up for sale, officials say. Library history 1896: Newport leaders get a charter to start a public library. 1898: Board of directors is assembled. 1899: Newport's first public library opens on the second floor of the Mutual Fire Insurance building across the street from where the Carnegie library eventually would be built. November 1899: Library receives $20,000 grant from Andrew Carnegie to build the library. The library will get another $6,000 from Carnegie. June 25, 1902: Grand opening ceremonies. Early 1900s: A state report says the public libraries in Newport, Covington and Paris are the only ones in Kentucky open to both black and white people. March 1961: The Committee of 500, a group set on reforming Newport and ridding the city of gambling houses and mobsters, meets in the second floor auditorium to rally for sheriff candidate George Ratterman, who won on a reform platform. 1979: Campbell County Public Library assumes control over library operations from the City of Newport. 1982: Campbell County Public Library buys the building. May 1, 2004: Carnegie Library closes. Campbell County Library re-opens Newport branch on Sixth Street. MORE: http://news.nky.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20061130/NEWS0103/611300390 From the 11/29/06 Erlanger Recorder: Erlanger gears up for further development, new council BY AMANDA VAN BENSCHOTEN | COMMUNITY RECORDER STAFF WRITER ERLANGER - Two developments in the works since June have gotten the go-ahead to break ground. On November 28, city council unanimously approved an office condominium complex for the former Triple E Swim Club site and an office building at the corner of Dixie Highway and Dry Creek Road. Both required zone changes, which council approved along with development plans. The Kenton County Planning Commission had recommended approval of the projects. Erlanger-based Terrace Holdings plans to build two 20,000 square-foot office buildings on the swim club site. The façades of the two-story buildings will match that of the city building next door. The office condominiums would have flexible floor plans ranging in size from 700 to 1,400 square feet at a price of $155 per square foot. MORE: http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061129/NEWS01/611290372/1080/Local

From the 11/29/06 Enquirer: Clinics on chopping block At least 1 might be closed, pharmacies consolidated BY SHARON COOLIDGE | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER At least one and possibly as many as three health clinics that serve Cincinnati's poorest residents might be shut to put more police on the street. Click on link for article. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061129/NEWS01/611290350/1077/COL02

From the 10/15/06 Cleveland Plain Dealer: Archaeology site near Sandusky revealing stories Sunday, October 15, 2006 John Mangels THE (CLEVELAND) PLAIN DEALER CLEVELAND — The things they cared about went with them to the grave. A spear point, chipped from flint, its beveled edges still sharp and true. A smooth, greenish piece of slate, gracefully carved to resemble a bird. The jaw of a dog, or maybe a wolf. And a limestone pipe, once redolent of tobacco or bark, intentionally smashed to bits and placed among the bones, as if to signify its owner’s life was over. For the past three summers, a team of Cleveland Museum of Natural History archaeologists and volunteers has teased the secrets of what is called the Danbury site from its silty clay soil in Danbury Township on the Ottawa County peninsula north of Sandusky... http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/10/15/20061015-B6-00.html

From the 11/29/06 Zanesville Times Recorder: Lear layoffs could continue into next year By BRIAN GADD Staff Writer ZANESVILLE - Layoffs at the Lear Corporation's Linden Avenue plant could continue through the first of the year, and bottom out employment rolls in the 200 range, a labor official said Tuesday. "The layoffs are going to continue to happen down to a certain amount of people, is what we're hearing from the company," said Mark Chema, president of Local 1628 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) in Zanesville. "We're basically cutting down to two main areas of electronics." ... http://www.zanesvilletimesrecorder.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061129/NEWS01/611290304/1002/rss01

From the 11/15/06 Zanesville Times Recorder: Lear employees concerned about more layoffs By BRIAN GADD Staff Writer ZANESVILLE - Lear Corp. employees, steeling themselves for more pending layoff announcements, met Tuesday at the Machinists' Hall on Bluff Street for an information session with union representatives. Mark Chema, president of Local 1628 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, said the company was set to lay off between 25 to 30 workers this week, bringing this year's total to nearly 200. ... http://www.zanesvilletimesrecorder.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061115/NEWS01/611150305/1002

From the 11/30/06 Chillicothe Gazette: PHOTO: Workers at the Kenworth plant drop in an engine for a new truck on the assembly line. The Chillicothe plant employs 1,700 people, making Kenworth a very important part of this area. Kevin Riddell/Gazette Layoffs uncertain Kenworth not confirming or denying rumors of letting workers go By JONA ISON Gazette Staff Writer Paccar Inc. wouldn't confirm or deny rumors there will be layoffs at the Chillicothe Kenworth plant after the first of the year. Monday, the company announced layoffs at the Kenworth plant in Renton, Wash., and the Peterbilt Truck Co. in Madison, Tenn. When questioned about the possibility of layoffs in Chillicothe, Paccar Treasurer Andy Wold said there had not been an announcement of layoffs... http://www.chillicothegazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061130/NEWS01/611300302/1002/rss01

From the 11/14/06 Chillicothe Gazette: Truckin' into the future Kenworth's local plant to produce new model By LORI McNELLY Gazette City Editor Kenworth will be producing a new truck aimed at replacing the T600 line and it will call Chillicothe home. "We think that combined with a new interior we put in last summer, it's going to be one of the most popular trucks in the business," said Scott Blue, plant manager of Kenworth's Chillicothe facility... About the T660 * Engine sizes from 11-liter to 15-liter. * Accommodates up to 600 horsepower engines. * Front axles from 12,000- to 14,600-pound ratings. * Rear axles from 23,000-pound single to 46,000-pound tandems. * Set-back front axle provides optimum wheel cut and weight distribution. * 64-inch taperleaf springs for a smooth ride. * Sloped hood for better visibility. * Aerodynamic design for excellent fuel economy. http://www.chillicothegazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061114/NEWS01/611140317/1002/rss01

From the 11/15/06 Ashtabula Star Beacon: PHOTO: THE DREDGING of the Ashtabula River continues on Tuesday near Jack's Marina in Ashtabula. BILL WEST / The Star Beacon EPA is dredging up more than polluted mud Clean-up project is expected to be completed next fall By SHELLEY TERRY Staff Writer [email protected] ASHTABULA - - A $50 million environmental cleanup in the Ashtabula River is turning up a few surprises. Along with 500,000 cubic yards of polluted mud, dredge operators have dug up trees, stumps, bicycle wheels, a refrigerator and several cow hides from the bottom of the Ashtabula River, Rick Brewer of the River Partnership said Tuesday. "We've been digging up cow hides that have plugged up the dredge," he said. "There's all kinds of stuff down there." Read More...

From the 11/9/06 Pulse-Journal: Liberty discusses fixing intersection dangers Right-turn lanes from Kyles Station and Millikin roads south onto Butler-Warren in need of widening. By Eric Schwartzberg Staff Writer Thursday, November 09, 2006 Two turns in Liberty Twp. might be easier to navigate if the price is right. The right turn lanes from Kyles Station and Millikin roads south onto Butler-Warren Road are in need of widening, said Rick Plummer, the township's services supervisor, during a board of trustees meeting Monday night. Motorists traveling east on Kyles Station Road and attempting to turn south onto Butler-Warren must swing into the other lane just to make the turn, Plummer said. "If there's a car stopped at that (stop) sign, you can't make that turn with that car sitting there," he said. The cost estimate for the Kyles Station Road intersection is $24,813, according to a report from the Butler County Engineer's Office. Plummer recalled two incidents in which vehicles turning at south at the southwest corner of Millikin Road and Butler-Warren Road went off the road and into the steep, estimated eight-foot drop. Fixing the corner could cost $72,025, Plummer said. "Millikin is by far the worst. The cost reflects what has to be done," he said. "The drop-off at Millikin is incredible." However, Plummer said those cost estimates indicate there may be room for the township to save at least $10,000, even with the project contracted out. Trustee President Christine Matacic said the township should examine fixing both intersections if its budget permits. A draft budget for the township already includes the Millikin Road improvements, said Dina Minneci, the township's administrator. "There is some room there. However, it is somewhat tight," Minneci said. "So if any amount of money, as Rick was indicating, would reduce that amount it would be extremely helpful." If approved by trustees by the end of the year, improvements for the intersections would come from the roads funds portion of the township's budget. Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5126 or [email protected]. http://www.pulsejournal.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/11/08/pj110906twp.html From the 11/16/06 Hamilton JournalNews: All sides set to square off in Hamilton, Fairfield Twp. annexation fight By Eric Schwartzberg Staff Writer Wednesday, November 15, 2006 HAMILTON — After months of argument, a court hearing Friday may officially touch off the start of a second annexation war between Hamilton and Fairfield Twp. In April, Dayton-based nonprofit Graceworks Lutheran Services filed a lawsuit against Fairfield Twp. and Hamilton asking the court to allow Hamilton to annex the more than 100 acres it owns at the corner of Hamilton-Mason Road and the Ohio 4 Bypass. Parties in the case are scheduled to deliver oral arguments Friday afternoon to Butler County Common Pleas Judge Matthew Crehan. Graceworks said it wants the land annexed to speed development of the property. The township has argued that a special tax district agreement between the city and township should prevent the move. The township made a commitment to pay for improvements to the intersection of the Ohio 4 Bypass and Hamilton-Mason with tax revenue from the Graceworks property, Trustee Joe McAbee said. But the township put those improvements on hold pending the outcome of either the litigation of the case or its negotiations with Graceworks, McAbee said. "If they think winning on Friday is the end of this thing, this board has already discussed that, and we're committed to whatever it takes to keep that parcel in the township," McAbee said. "And if that means the bypass widening stops, I'm sorry, there's nothing we can do about it." The 1996 agreement, binding until 2086, states that "Hamilton will not accept any annexation petitions for any property located in Fairfield Twp." or "assist property owners to annex their property located in Fairfield Twp. to Hamilton or any other municipal corporation." Graceworks claims its land was not included in the tax district in 1996 and that those terms aren't relevant. Hamilton Mayor Donald Ryan said if the judge rules in favor of Graceworks, Hamilton will allow the annexation. "We will welcome them into the city," Ryan said. Ryan said the city has honored all the terms of the current tax district agreement to this point, but as a codefendant in the lawsuit, Hamilton will abide by the court's decision. With the permission of Graceworks, Ryan said Hamilton would be willing to negotiate an annexation agreement that would split revenues from the property with Fairfield Twp. Ryan said the township earlier offered the city a tax district agreement to include the Graceworks property that would have put off annexation. City leaders rejected that offer, he said, not based on the proposed division of the tax income, but because the landowners were not involved. Don Dixon, a former Fairfield Twp. trustee and county commissioner, said Hamilton should stand with the township and say that it is against annexation. Dixon, who helped facilitate the 1996 tax district agreement and who now sits on the Butler County Transportation Improvement District board working to organize the bypass improvement project, said few residents realize that annexation will affect the township's tax base and school district in many dramatic ways. He said township officials should have publicized the matter to garner public input. "I don't think the people know what choices are on the table today," Dixon said. "Ultimately, the people it affects are the people who live out here, the people who pay the taxes." Graceworks refused comment, stating that its position will be heard during Friday's court hearing, spokeswoman Cheryl Robinson said. Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5126 or [email protected]. http://www.journal-news.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/11/15/hjn111606lawsuit.html From the 11/19/06 DDN: Woman thinks her idea can boost economy in western Butler County The Oxford Twp. trustees agree to support a request to the state for scenic byway status for several roads. By Joe Giordano Staff Writer Sunday, November 19, 2006 OXFORD TWP., Butler County — In an attempt to attract tourists to Butler County's western edge, residents are working to lure an Ohio Scenic Byway designation to some Oxford-area roads. Bonita Porter, one of the residents involved, is planning a route that would connect the historic National Road — U.S. 40 — to the Ohio River Scenic Byway, which runs along U.S. 50 and U.S. 52. Scenic byways are established through the Federal Highway Administration to help recognize, preserve and protect U.S. roads. Areas with one or more archaeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational or scenic qualities can earn the scenic byway classification. If selected, the state creates maps outlining the route and highlighting attractions. Signs also are posted on the roadways. Porter said the western fringes of rural Butler, Preble and Hamilton counties are somewhat overshadowed by the urban eastern portion. "The point is to increase tourism to rural areas and thereby increasing the economic welfare of rural residents from farm people to restaurants and hotels," she said. During last week's Oxford Twp. trustees meeting, Porter requested a letter of support for her byway application. The trustees agreed to write to the state byway coordinator. Trustee Larry Frimerman said a scenic byway is a "win-win situation" for everyone. "It doesn't create any new roads, paths or hurdles," Frimerman said. "It doesn't cost anyone anything ... (The trustees) don't make many public policy decisions that are quite this easy." A preliminary path would follow Indian Creek Road into Brookville Road with a split at Ohio 732 and Brown Road that reconverges above Hueston Woods State Park. Porter told the trustees such a route could incorporate the Black Covered Bridge and some of Miami University's historic areas. Porter, who has been working on the project for two months, hopes to have a formal plan submitted by March. She noted if a byway were approved, it could spark the growth of micro-businesses along the route. Porter described micro-businesses as fruit stands, on-site family stores and even families that open their kitchen for one or two days a month. "We want to preserve the rural character," Porter said. "Hopefully this can restore some of the little downtown areas ... someone might want to open up a restaurant." A scenic byway title also would open the door for state and federal grants for agritourism and historic-tourism. While Porter continues to map her route from the National Road to the Ohio River Scenic Byway, her friend is tracing a similar path in Indiana parallel to the eastern border near the Whitewater Canal Corridor. If both plans are successful, a scenic loop would join the National Road and the Ohio River byway. Contact this reporter at (513) 523-4139 or [email protected]. http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/11/18/ddn111906byway.html

From the 11/21/06 Elyria Chronicle-Telegram: Brown to tackle health, trade issues Senator-elect lands committee assignments Brad Dicken The Chronicle-Telegram AVON — U.S. Senator-elect Sherrod Brown will continue to work on the issues that matter most to him — health care, trade and education. Brown was recently assigned to four Senate committees: Agriculture, Banking, Veterans and Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, better known as HELP. “I get to work on everything I campaigned on,” he said. Read More...

From the 11/19/06 Dispatch: NEW FACE IN SENATE Outspoken Brown also pledging to compromise Sunday, November 19, 2006 Jonathan Riskind THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Sherrod Brown speaks his mind, confidently and often loudly. The senator-elect won’t hesitate to use the Senate’s considerable parliamentary powers to stall or stop legislation that goes against his grain. His style conjures memories of Ohio’s Howard Metzenbaum, another Democratic populist who prowled the Senate floor, thundering against Republican administrations and initiatives. After retiring in 1995, Metzenbaum was replaced by Republican Mike DeWine, whom Brown defeated Nov. 7. But Brown says he also will show off his ability to compromise when he is sworn in to a Democratic-run Senate in January, leaving behind years of frustration as a minority member in a House in which even a narrow majority can rule almost completely. Brown, 54, says he understands the need for bipartisanship in the Senate, especially one in which Democrats will hold a one-seat majority. Read More...

From the 12/1/06 Enquirer: Developer wants zone change for development BY BRENNA R. KELLY | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER BURLINGTON - A developer wants to build a "town square-type development" on 6 acres on Burlington Pike near Kingsgate Drive. The development, called Kingsgate Square, would include shops, a restaurant and offices next to and behind the Gold Star Chili on First Financial Drive. "We want to construct a quality project that really can blend in with the neighboring residential, complement the neighboring commercial and really create something that I think will be something more than a strip retail center," said Mike Ziegler, who wants to build the project. "Something that will be a gathering place for the residents around the area." Read more here: http://news.nky.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20061201/NEWS0103/612010387 From the 12/4/06 Enquirer: Big Kroger store closer Zone change at Ky. 237 near approval BY BRENNA R. KELLY | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER The intersection of Ky. 20 and Ky. 237 will look very different if a Kroger Marketplace is built at the southwest corner. Developers of the proposed Conner Crossing shopping center plan to widen the intersection for easier access. Read more here: http://news.nky.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20061204/NEWS0103/612040353

Nah, I'm good for posting stuff that happened in Bucyrus three weeks ago. Critiques of the design: 1) Someone mentioned the small window, which I guess is the main window. I don't like the way the forum appears. It's similar to the effect of having Favorites or History open in IE and having the web site you're viewing kind of smash up due to space constraints. 2) Going from the main page to photos is kind of clumsy. It looks like you've left the main site when you get there, losing the entire menu and color scheme. I'm guessing that you haven't gotten around to that yet, though. 3) I do like the way everything's integrated, though. The forum has always felt seperate from the main site to me. This way they at least feel linked.

From the 11/30/06 Dispatch: Costco draws a crowd Warehouse club opens at Polaris to throngs of eager shoppers Thursday, November 30, 2006 Jeffrey Sheban THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Welcome to the club. Thousands of people descended on the city’s first Costco warehouse yesterday, a members-only store offering, well, pretty much everything. There were babies in strollers, women in tights, men in wheelchairs and competitors incognito, all in awe of the eclectic mix of products ranging from bulk goods and food items to designer handbags and jewelry. It’s the first serious competition to Wal-Mart-owned Sam’s Club, which has four stores in central Ohio, since BJ’s Wholesale Club pulled out of town in 2002. "If nothing else, this should improve Sam’s," said Sam’s Club shopper Sue Wellman of Delaware, who was at Costco on Tuesday night snagging a $50 annual membership to beat the crowds. FULL ARTICLE: http://www.dispatch.com/business-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/11/30/20061130-E1-01.html

From the 11/16/06 Toledo Blade: Bass Pro commits to buying 225 acres Land deal is signed for store in Rossford By JENNIFER FEEHAN BLADE STAFF WRITER If there was any doubt about Bass Pro Shops’ intention to build a $50 million superstore in Rossford, local officials said the sports outfitter demonstrated this week just how serious it is. On Tuesday, just one day before its options to buy about 225 acres in the Crossroads of America were scheduled to expire, the company signed contracts with property owners, committing itself to purchasing the land. “I think it’s significant in that when we had the announcement with the county commissioners last month, Bass Pro was saying they would accept the civic incentives being offered. They hadn’t committed themselves to the property yet,” said Tom Blaha, executive director of the Wood County Economic Development Commission. “I feel pretty good about it, although it’s not over till it’s over.” Bass Pro President James Hagale publicly acknowledged plans for the Rossford store Oct. 17 after Wood County commissioners agreed to refund to Bass Pro 75 percent of the county’s 1 percent sales tax on sales at the store for 10 years or until the company had recouped its construction costs. MORE: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061116/NEWS18/61116022/-1/NEWS

From the 11/17/06 Pomeroy Daily Sentinel: AMP-Ohio schedules public meeting at Southern By Beth Sergent Friday, November 17, 2006 8:58 PM EST RACINE — American Municipal Power - Ohio (AMP-Ohio) has scheduled an informational meeting associated with the filing of its Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) permit for the American Municipal Power Generating Station (AMPGS) in Letart Falls. The meeting will take place from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 5 at Southern Elementary School. The meeting is a requirement for the upcoming filing with OPSB and is described as a chance for the public to receive more specific information about the plant and speak with AMP-Ohio representatives about not only the plant but the plant’s five-mile transmission line that goes from Letart to Sutton Township and ends at a substation south of Racine. Construction on the 1,000 megawatt facility is tentatively anticipated to begin in 2008-09. The plant’s online date remains 2012. FULL ARTICLE: http://www.mydailysentinel.com/articles/2006/11/17/news/local_news/news00.txt

From the 11/10/06 Pomeroy Daily Sentinel: Commissioners in support of AMP-Ohio development grant By Brian J. Reed Friday, November 10, 2006 11:27 PM EST POMEROY - Meigs County Commissioners approved a resolution in support of state funding to assist in site preparation for the proposed American Municipal Power - Ohio power plant in Letart Township. The resolution approved at Thursday's meeting supports funding through the Ohio Department of Development's Job Ready Sites program. The competitive program, approved by voters, creates types of sites or facilities that do not exist or are not available in sufficient quantities within the state. Those sites are said to offer an immediate, economy-shifting impact in communities. The program is funded by $150 million in bonds issued by the state. Grant recipients will receive up to $5 million per project site, up to 75 percent of the total project cost. FULL ARTICLE: http://www.mydailysentinel.com/articles/2006/11/10/news/local_news/news00.txt

Ditto.

From the 11/22/06 Enquirer: Academy's plan to improve accepted THE ENQUIRER W.E.B. DuBois Academy's improvement plan has been accepted by its sponsor, but the school will remain on probation at least through March. The Over-the-Rhine charter and its two sister schools - Cincinnati Speech and Reading Center and Veritas Academy - were placed on probation by the Thomas B. Fordham Foundation for lacking a focused academic plan, not providing evidence of teacher credentials and other problems. ... http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061122/NEWS0102/611220456/1058/NEWS01

From the 11/17/06 Enquirer: DuBois plans to leave probation Charter deals with founder's theft charges and academic audit BY JENNIFER MROZOWSKI | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER The board of W.E.B. DuBois Academy has developed a plan to get the embattled charter school off probation for academic and governance problems. The plan includes assurances that the Over-the-Rhine school, which once was heralded as one of the best charters in the state, has proper credentials for teachers and has completed appropriate employee background checks. ... http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061117/NEWS0102/611170368/1058/NEWS01

From the 11/15/06 Newark Advocate: 161/270 congestion should be alleviated Advocate staff report COLUMBUS -- Licking County residents who commute to and from Columbus should see improvements to the flow of traffic on Columbus' northeast side starting today. "For the last couple of months, motorists exiting I-270 to Ohio 161 eastbound have been experiencing substantial delays during the evening rush due to the short merge area within the construction zone," said Dan Johnson, ODOT project engineer. "This traffic shift won't eliminate all delays within the zone, but it should alleviate some of the backup for evening commuters." Between Tuesday night and this morning, the Ohio Department of Transportation was scheduled to shift Ohio 161 eastbound traffic onto new pavement as part of the Northeast Expressway Transformation project, which will allow crews to reconstruct the old pavement. Full article at http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061115/NEWS01/611150305/1002/rss01

I didn't see this one posted. It's from the 11/14/06 Enquirer: Covington Mayor seeks splash Hopes condos' modern design draws attention to city; Architect's riverfront tower to be completed in a year BY MIKE RUTLEDGE | ENQUIRER STAFF REPORTER When the Denver Art Museum opened its angular, titanium-clad Daniel Libeskind-designed building Oct. 7, more than 34,000 people walked through the doors in the first 24 hours, and a crew for CNN International recorded the event. That's the kind of architectural splash Covington Mayor Butch Callery hopes Libeskind's 22-story Ascent at Roebling's Bridge luxury condominium tower near his city's riverfront will make when it opens in about a year. "I think it'll be one of those architectural masterpieces that people will want to see," Callery predicted. "You'll have people coming into town, and it'll be one of the places they go look at - similar to the Sears Tower, the Empire State Building, the World Trade Center. "I think this will be right in that league, except it'll be a residential development," Callery said about developer Corporex Cos.' 22-story tower, where construction crews have reached the 11th floor. Full article at http://news.nky.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20061114/NEWS0103/611140372

From the 12/2/06 Middletown Journal: AK, union negotiators met in three-hour session AK, union to continue discussions next week By Dave Greber Staff Writer Saturday, December 02, 2006 MIDDLETOWN — Negotiators for AK Steel Corp. and its locked-out hourly work force came together Friday morning for a nearly three-hour meeting. What's next? The two sides are expected to make contact next week to set up an additional meeting. Negotiators last met Nov. 16. What else? Read more: http://www.middletownjournal.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/12/02/mj120206ak.html

From the 11/30/06 Middletown Journal: Negotiations one year later: Little progress By Dave Greber Staff Writer Thursday, November 30, 2006 MIDDLETOWN — So much has occurred since negotiators for AK Steel Corp. and its hourly work force gathered at the bargaining table on Nov. 30, 2005. Yet despite all the happenings — a nine-month lockout, the fall of a 63-year-old independent union, a wave of retirements and continued progress at Middletown Works — the company's proposal before the union is the same or worse than what was offered one year ago today. Read more: http://www.middletownjournal.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2006/11/30/mj113006negotiations.html