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From the 5/16/07 Blade: REAL ESTATE Median price for home in area up 1.1% in quarter Gain outpaces that for nation overall By GARY T. PAKULSKI BLADE BUSINESS WRITER The cost of a mid-priced or median home in northwest Ohio - meaning that an equal number is priced higher and lower - rose 1.1 percent to $104,100 in the first quarter, the National Association of Realtors said yesterday. That is lower than the 2006 figure of $110,000, but prices in the winter are typically lower than at other times of the year because fewer people are looking for homes, according to real estate experts. A mid-priced home in northwest Ohio sold for $103,000 in the first quarter of 2006. Mid-priced condos, which are counted separately, slipped 1 percent locally to $140,000 in the first quarter. Toledo is among the least expensive housing markets in the nation, with the 14th cheapest prices in 2006, according to the Realtors organization. Prices slipped 6 percent last year. Prices nationally rose 1 percent in 2006. MORE: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070516/BUSINESS05/705160396/-1/RSS13

Link contains a photo. From the 4/15/07 Blade: GRAPHIC: New single-family developments in the Toledo area Area home-building slows to a crawl By GARY T. PAKULSKI BLADE BUSINESS WRITER Remodeler Dennis Wolke's bids are usually close to the money. So when a competitor's estimate for a basement-finishing job came in a third lower recently, it didn't take Mr. Wolke long to figure out why. "It was a home builder out looking for work," recalled the co-owner of Wesson Builders on West Laskey Road. It is just part of the fallout of a housing construction market that continues to slump. Housing starts slipped 37 percent in the Toledo area in the first quarter to 223 from 356 at the same time last year, according to figures provided by officials who issue building permits in Lucas, Wood, Fulton, and Ottawa counties as well as in Bedford Township. Some of the steepest drops were in Lucas County, including fast-growing Sylvania and Monclova townships, where the decline in residential permits was 42 percent. Although home construction is typically slow in the city of Toledo, it was up three houses to 16 through March 31. MORE: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070415/BUSINESS03/704140334/-1/RSS04

From the 3/2/07 Blade: U.S. study finds home sale prices lag in Michigan, region BLADE STAFF Michigan was the only state in the nation to have a drop in home-sale prices from the end of 2005 to the end of 2006, and the city of Monroe had the fourth-worst drop among 282 metro areas in the nation, a study released yesterday shows. Ohio didn't fare much better, and 10 Michigan and Ohio cities were among the 20 worst-performing metro areas nationwide, according to the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight. Toledo, ranked No. 255 among metro areas, had a price growth of 0.04 percent for the year. MORE: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070302/BUSINESS05/703020346/-1/RSS04

Link contains a photo. From the 2/16/07 Blade: Area home prices off 7% in year Drop is twice national rate; houses fetch less than in '04 Home sale prices dropped 7 percent last year in the Toledo area - twice as much as the decline nationwide - and they are lower than they were three years ago, a new study shows. The median selling price of existing houses in northwest Ohio was $104,800 at the end of 2006, down from $112,700 a year earlier and $113,500 two years earlier, according to the National Association of Realtors. The trade group said yesterday that selling prices nationally fell 3 percent at the end of last year, to $219,300, with prices dropping in more than half of the metropolitan areas in 40 states for the final three months of 2006. The local drop seems to run counter to local real estate experts' statements that the market seldom goes up or down by much. MORE: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070216/BUSINESS05/702160356/-1/RSS04

From the 5/24/07 Findlay Courier: Dairy owners criticize citation By JOHN GRABER STAFF WRITER CUSTAR - The owners of a dairy megafarm in Wood County, who were recently cited by the Wood County Health Department for applying liquid manure within 25 to 30 feet of a water well, say the health department was acting outside of its jurisdiction. The Ohio Department of Agriculture issued a letter of warning to the megafarm about the manure incident on Wednesday. Earlier this year, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency cited the farm on Jan. 12 for allowing storm water contaminated through contact with animal feed to indirectly enter the Cygnet Road Ditch, as well for as various minor storm water retention control issues. MORE: http://www.thecourier.com/Issues/2007/May/ar_news_052407.asp#story2

From the 5/24/07 Newark Advocate: Granville Twp. acquires woods for preservation By CHARLES A. PETERSON Advocate Reporter GRANVILLE -- Granville Township and Licking Land Trust officials closed the deal Wednesday on the acquisition of 45 acres of woodland on the Spring Valley Pool property south of Granville. The township is acquiring the property for $1 million from the Spring Valley Co. to set it aside as a nature preserve. "The property will be preserved and protected forever through a conservation easement granted by the township to the Licking Land Trust and the State of Ohio," Land Trust spokesman Don Wiper said. The purchase was aided with a $558,000 Clean Ohio Program grant from the Ohio Public Works Commission, $250,000 from the township's open space levy fund, $125,000 from Denison University and $125,000 from Amy Chamberlain, of Bainbridge Island, Wash., a member of the family making up the Spring Valley Co. The purchase will protect the mostly wooded land from potential development and open it for public use. Full story at http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070524/NEWS01/705240335/1002/rss01

From the 5/24/07 Warren Tribune Chronicle: UAW, Delphi talks sensitive By staff, wire report DETROIT — Two months ago, top officials at the United Auto Workers rejected a Delphi Corp. contract offer that they called insulting and criticized the use of the bankruptcy court as a way to drive down wages. Now that the UAW has a counteroffer on the table, there have been weeks of silence about the negotiations and union officials say the struggling auto parts maker, which employs about 6,000 workers in Ohio, has agreed to give temporary workers a paid holiday for Memorial Day. The union officials spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the talks. ... http://tribune-chronicle.com/articles.asp?articleID=18439 From same: State clarifies job assistance By LARRY RINGLER Tribune Chronicle WARREN — Some Delphi Packard Electric hourly workers who took incentives to leave the company last year could qualify for training assistance under new state policies, officials said Wednesday. The changes were made to clarify benefits for workers who gave up their job ‘‘voluntarily,’’ but who actually were pushed out due to lack of work and company downsizing. Under the state’s previous policy, some workers who voluntarily took money to leave their job were viewed as choosing to leave and not considered eligible for trade benefits, which can include reimbursement for training costs, looking for work or relocating. ... [email protected] http://tribune-chronicle.com/articles.asp?articleID=18474 From the 5/24/07 DDN: Will Navistar acquire GM truck unit? By Valerie Lough Staff Writer Thursday, May 24, 2007 Navistar International Corp. is reportedly in talks with General Motors to acquire the automaker's medium-duty truck unit. United Auto Workers Local 402 union President Charles Hayden said he could not confirm that the companies are in talks, but hopes the reports are true. "I'd like to think it's a possibility," he said. "I think the whole city would like it." ... Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0360 or [email protected] http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/business/2007/05/24/ddn052407navistar.html

From ThisWeek Canal Winchester, 5/24/07: Click here to see the map of Traffic Analysis Zones (TAZs). TAZs are geography units used by MORPC to track development trends. Each TAZ is assigned a number. (.pdf format). Using information provided by the Ohio Department of Development, MORPC has tracked and forecasted population, household and employment growth for each TAZ from 2005 through 2030. After locating a TAZ on the map, click on the link to open a Excel spreadsheet. Find the TAZ numbers in rows on the left and then move right to locate forecasted growth data for each area. From farm fields to the future Region could double in size in less than 25 years Thursday, May 24, 2007 By SEAN CASEY and ROBERT PASCHEN, ThisWeek Staff Writers Editor's note: The development potential of the U.S. 33 corridor is an issue of increasing importance to towns along the highway and to Franklin and Fairfield counties. In this three-part series, ThisWeek has focused on how formerly agrarian communities -- particularly Canal Winchester and Pickerington -- have become the focus of commercial and residential growth. Today: preparing a marketing strategy. In the next 25 years or less, the population of the greater Canal Winchester and greater Pickerington areas could nearly double, along with the number of jobs. According to projections prepared by the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission and the Ohio Department of Development, the number of residents in Canal Winchester, Pickerington and Violet Township will grow from the 2005 combined total of 48,590 to 77,992 by 2030. Estimates show the number of households increasing from 17,048 to 30,255 over that same period. Full story at http://www.thisweeknews.com/?story=sites/thisweeknews/052407/CanalWinchester/News/052407-News-358647.html

From the 5/23/07 DDN: Rezoning fight back on the ballot By Doug Page Staff Writer Wednesday, May 23, 2007 TROY — A referendum on the rezoning for the Honey Creek planned residential development is headed for a second consecutive November ballot. Last November, an identical referendum overturned the City Council's rezoning by a near 2-to-1 margin. The city received notification Tuesday from the Miami County Board of Elections that sufficient signatures were gathered to put the matter to a vote. The proposed Honey Creek development would build 298 homes and 98 condominiums on 201 acres at the city's northeast edge over a 12- to 18-year period, as a planned development. Seven days after last November's referendum, the developer, PTK Properties Inc., submitted an identical rezoning request to the city. That request was approved by the Planning Commission because it fit with the city's comprehensive plan. In March, the council approved the rezoning from agricultural to residential on a 4-3 vote. MORE: http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/05/23/ddn052307honeyweb.html From the 5/24/07 Yellow Springs News: Birch III plat changes hands By Lauren Heaton Questions remain unanswered about the new ownership and the funding source of Birch III, the residential housing development on the south edge of town. According to original owners Mark Bertke and Doug Eastham, the development changed hands last fall, although it’s not clear who currently comprises Purple Sage LLC, the limited liability company that owns the land. But 36 lots in Birch III are still for sale and, after a hiatus, construction of the plat is moving ahead, according to Bertke. Birch III is a 21-acre property zoned Residence A located between Glen View Road and Stewart Drive. In 2005, Dayton developer Eastham and mortgage company owner Bertke purchased the parcel from Antioch College under their firm Purple Sage, LLC. The company received Village approval to build 40 housing units, each expected to be from 1,800 to 2,200 square feet. Eastham was to market the properties, and Bertke was involved as the home loan officer through his company, Mark 1 Mortgage, located at 159 West Franklin Street in Bellbrook. MORE: http://www.ysnews.com/stories/2007/05/052407_birchIII.html Hospital partners on Greene County complex Dayton Business Journal, 5/24/07 Kettering Health Network, the Greene County YMCA and Xenia City Schools have signed an agreement to work on a multi-purpose community complex, the organizations said Wednesday. The three groups have signed an agreement to pursue the project, with Kettering having first rights of refusal to put physician offices and other medical services in the building. The cost of the project is unknown. It would potentially replace the aging facility of the Xenia YMCA, as well as offer senior activities, athletic training and injury rehabilitation

From the 5/24/07 Blade: Dana receives OK to appeal verdict Dana Corp. received bankruptcy court approval yesterday to challenge a $44 million jury verdict it lost in Texas. Judge Burton Lifland, of U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New York, gave the Toledo auto-parts producer permission to appeal the 2004 Texas case involving Microtherm Inc. That company accused Dana of supplying faulty temperature sensors. ---- More at: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070524/BUSINESS03/70524015/-1/BUSINESS

MVNU interested in old Stage building Mount Vernon News, 5/16/07 The Mount Vernon Nazarene University is interested in acquiring the old Stage building on South Main Street to use as an art and graduate studies center, according to one university official. Keith Newman, vice president of university advancement, enrollment services and student development, said the MVNU administration and board of trustees have given approval to look into the possibility of acquiring the building, but there is no certainty the proposed project will become a reality. He said the deal is not done and the plans are very premature. Newman said an architect is examining aspects of the building such as its current compliance with health and safety codes. He said meetings to discuss the proposed use of the building began late last year and a number of key community leaders, including the mayor of Mount Vernon, have been involved in the discussion. There has been some talk of having an art gallery and classes for tutoring. “Obviously, this could be a part of downtown revitalization,” he said. “We’ve looked at the relationship with Central Ohio Technical College and what they are doing downtown.” EK moving forward on building Mount Vernon News, 5/16/07 Site work for the new East Knox Middle School has started in full force. A great deal of dirt has been moved, with more to go. Superintendent John Marschhausen said the pan trucks will be on site for at least three weeks, hauling soil from the front of the site to the stockpiles in the back. The construction fence is in place, and the district will not gain access to the new road until mid-July. The United Methodist Church and Donnie and Susan Rogers have been allowing students to park on their property during construction. The following packages have been put out for bid: General trades, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, fire protection, food service and communications. “By doing this early site work now, the building pad should be ready for the general contractor by the end of June,” Marschhausen said. “We are also trying to get the driveway and as much of the parking areas done as possible before the next school year, and for the convenience of the community when football resumes in August.”

From the 5/24/07 Bedford Times-Register: 60 homes approved Bedford Heights Council sets minimum age of 55 for residents of newly planned housing development by Emily Canning-Dean Reporter Bedford Heights -- Construction on a cluster home development off Columbus Road could begin within the next 30 days. At a May 22 meeting, the city's planning commission voted 4-2 to approve plans for a 60-unit senior housing development west of Holy Trinity Catholic Church... E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 440-232-4055 ext. 4110 http://www.bedfordtimesregister.com/news/article/2039361 Corbett's Farm sold Twinsburg Bulletin, 5/24/07 Approximately 80 acres of farmland owned by Jerry and Esther Corbett has been sold to a limited liability company for approximately $3.5 million, according to the Summit County Fiscal Office...

Forest Park: Kmart redevelopment Building Cincinnati The City of Forest Park on Monday night passed an annexation ordinance allowing for the redevelopment of the long-vacant Kmart property to proceed. The ordinance, which passed 5-0, allows the city to annex a portion of an adjacent shopping center which is in Springfield Township. By law, the city may annex property that it owns if it abuts Forest Park's borders. The city purchased the Hamilton Avenue Kmart shell and its surrounding eight acres in November 2006 for $806,000. Recently, they purchased an adjacent four-acre shopping center to the south for $725,000. However, redevelopment of the combined sites has been problematic. Developer interest in the area has been low for years, as evidenced by the closing of the nearby Thriftway store, the Blockbuster Video and numerous restaurants. Several stores are vacant or are home to marginal businesses. And there are jurisdictional issues. The Kmart property is entirely within the corporate limits of the city, as is most of the shopping center. A small part of the shopping center is in Springfield Township. The justification for the annexation is that Forest Park wants to market the combined site to developers and would prefer for the development to be done under one set of rules and regulations instead of two. City officials see this site as an opportunity for a gateway project that will help spur other redevelopment of the Hamilton Avenue corridor. Ideas have even been floated about combining the Kmart property with the Thriftway property (across Waycross Road) for an even more massive project. Funding for the infrastructure and site improvements would come from the creation of a TIF district. Currently, there is no timetable for a decision. The city is currently working on a comprehensive plan for the site. In the April 18, 2007 Hilltop Press, City Manager Ray Hodges mentioned that we might see the demolition of the Kmart building in September. WINDOWS LIVE BIRD'S EYE VIEW (looking east) GOOGLE AERIAL MAP http://buildingcincinnati.blogspot.com/2007/05/forest-park-kmart-redevelopment.html From the West Union People's Defender, 5/23/07: PHOTO: Pictured is the front entrance of the $27 million Adams County Regional Medical Center in Seaman. The hospital is expected to host its grand opening on July 29. Adams County Hospital nears completion Nearly two years ago, ground was broken for a $27 million replacement hospital for Adams County. On July 29, exactly two years from the date of the ground-breaking, Adams County Regional Medical Center will hold its grand opening. "I truly believe the new medical center will be something the entire community will be proud of for years to come," said Linda Niles, Chief Executive Officer at Adams County Hospital. Linda Niles, Chief Executive Officer at Adams County Hospital. "We envision this entire area as becoming a comprehensive health care campus." The new facility is a 50-bed hospital with all private rooms. Of these 50 beds, 25 will serve as in-patient medical-surgical beds, and 25 beds will be designated for outpatient services and observation, sleep studies lab and a five-room hospice suite. The emergency department will be twice the current size with 14 private patient rooms for the delivery of care. In addition to new services offered at the new facility, the imaging department, laboratory, outpatient specialty clinic and surgical department have been significantly enlarged to meet the increasing demands for out-patient services. MORE: http://www.peoplesdefender.com/main.asp?SectionID=13&SubSectionID=83&ArticleID=125159&TM=44925.35 City wants house demolished Tri-County Press, 5/22/07 Wyoming Architectural Review Board chairman Gene Allison and Jenni McCauley, co-chair of the city's Historic Preservation Commission, recommended at Wyoming's May 21 council meeting that council deny the city's application to demolish a house at 517 and 519 Oak Avenue. Allison and McCauley said that the house, located within the city's historic district, is historically significant. City Manager Bob Harrison said the land, which has been in discussion by the city for more than 20 years, is a very important piece of the redevelopment of the "fragile business district." The city, which bought the house for $80,000, wants to tear it down to make way for a parking lot and an extension of neighboring city greenspace.

From the 5/24/07 Youngstown Vindicator: Projects seeking funds County commissioners did not contribute money to the feasibility study. By ED RUNYAN VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF WARREN — Trumbull County commissioners will be asked to contribute $15,000 to the next phase of the proposed Mosquito Lake lodge and water park. Alan Knapp, director of the county planning commission, said he has met with William Letson of Trumbull 100, a community group that works to revitalize Trumbull County's economy, and other proponents of the idea. They have identified several sources they hope will contribute money toward the next $50,000 phase. http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/333329785561487.php Industry has eye on city Youngstown Vindicator, 5/24/07 A national company is considering moving its Mogadore and Cleveland operations to the Tri-County Sports indoor soccer complex off Poland Avenue. Mayor Daniel Mamula said at Wednesday's council meeting that city officials have been meeting with Alex Simon, owner of Simon Roofing and Sheet Metal and the Tri-County Sports complex, since last fall to discuss the company's plans to relocate in the city. North Elementary construction Lisbon Morning Journal, 5/23/07 Construction work is under way at North Elementary School in East Liverpool. Work is in full swing on the new gymnasium section at the school. The work is being done by general contractor Vend Rick and the building plan calls for a finish date in January 2008. Board opts to split school site Warren Tribune Chronicle, 5/23/07 A split decision to split the athletic, transportation and educational components of the new Southington school complex upset some in attendance at the Board of Education meeting Tuesday night. Residents spoke against moving the school, which has been in the township center for generations. Others groaned or even began crying when the vote was made.

From the 5/24/07 Urbana Daily Citizen: Cable-area residents hear wind turbine details Sarah Perry Staff Writer CABLE - EverPower Renewables Project Manager Mike Speerschneider answered questions of Wayne Township citizens at a meeting Wednesday night, addressing wind turbines and the possibility of turbines in Wayne Township. Speerschneider touched on issues concerning electricity, road damage, local labor and the health of citizens living near the turbines. He said the turbines will not generate a decrease in the cost of electricity for Wayne Township because there is "no way to definitively say what it's (turbines) going to do to the electric." EverPower Renewables will assume responsibility for all costs of roadwork for the project and address the road damage concerns, Speerschneider said. "The project will bear the cost and repair roads to prior conditions," he said. Full article at http://www.urbanacitizen.com/main.asp?SectionID=3&SubSectionID=5&ArticleID=143940&TM=61335.36

From the 5/24/07 Sandusky Register: PHOTO: The water slide tubes of Rain, Sandusky's newest water park to be, twist and loop in and out of the Quality Inn & Suites on Cleveland as the park nears completion Wednesday afternoon. Quality Inn directors hope to have Rain open sometime in early June. Register photo/LUKE WARK Rain indoor waterpark set to debut in early June By JANET NGUYEN | Thursday May 24 2007, 5:08pm SANDUSKY -- Rain is expected in the next few weeks. At least that's the case inside the Quality Inn & Suites on Cleveland Road, where construction Rain, an indoor waterpark, is nearly complete. "I am optimistic we will be open in the very near future," said Mike Sortino, the director of operations at the Quality Inn. The nearly 10,000-square-foot indoor waterpark will feature two slides and will shower guests with water every half hour. Thunder and lightning effects will also aid the new waterpark's identity. A 50-foot tower will lead guests to the top of the two slides, which curve in and outside of the building. The slides end inside the hotel, at the hotel's indoor pool. More at http://www.sanduskyregister.com/articles/2007/05/24/front/289510.txt

From the 5/24/07 Blade: Staff vacating Bluffton town hall for renovation BLUFFTON, Ohio — Village employees began moving out of the village’s old town hall this week to make way for a $3.5 million renovation of the local landmark. Village offices will be housed for the next year or so at Bluffton’s emergency medical services building on Washington Street behind the fire station. Village Council plans to hold its twice-monthly meetings at the Bluffton Public Library. In November, 2005, voters approved a 10-year, 0.25 percent income tax to pay for renovations to the three-story building. Village Council had wanted to tear it down and build a new one. MORE: http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070524/NEWS17/70524020/-1/RSS08

From ThisWeek New Albany, 5/24/07: District backs school-funding constitutional amendment Thursday, May 24, 2007 By LORI WINCE ThisWeek Staff Writer The New Albany-Plain Local Board of Education agreed Monday to support a constitutional amendment for the Nov. 6 ballot that would change the way Ohio schools are funded. "This is our official kickoff of our petition effort to gather signatures to get this amendment on the ballot Nov. 6," said Debbie Klug, a member of New Albany-Plain Local's legislative committee. http://www.thisweeknews.com/?story=sites/thisweeknews/052407/Worthington/News/052407-News-361574.html

Link contains photos. From the 5/11/07 Toledo Free Press: TOLEDO FREE PRESS SERIES Brain Gain: Why some of the best and brightest call Toledo home By Justin R. Kalmes Toledo Free Press Metro Editor [email protected] EDITOR'S NOTE: Toledo Free Press is looking for candidates for a weekly series profiling the Toledo-area's “Brain Gain” citizens. If you or someone you know are between the ages of 20 and 45, and have lived outside the Toledo area but chose to return and make your home here, contact us at [email protected]. Each week's “Brain Gain” profile will be featured on 1370 WSPD-AM's “Fred LeFebvre and the Morning News” and “Brian Wilson and the Afternoon Drive.” It's no secret Toledo has its work cut out when it comes to retaining the area's best and brightest young people following their college graduations. The phenomenon known as “Brain Drain” has been a perennial hot topic in the Glass City. But what about those native Toledoans who haven't left the area in favor of the glitz and glamour of larger metropolitan areas such as Chicago or Cleveland? What's being done to recognize those individuals and seek their input on what local leaders can do to market Toledo to young professionals? ... http://toledofreepress.com/?id=5493

Link contains a photo. From the 5/1/07 Blade: HAVING THEIR SAY High school students share ideas about Toledo By JOE VARDON BLADE STAFF WRITER Want to keep University of Toledo students from skipping town after they graduate? Try integrating them into the community before they get their diplomas. ... http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070501/NEWS16/705010363/-1/RSS10

Link contains a photo. From the 4/23/07 Independent Collegian: Carty Finkbeiner addresses UT about problem IC Staff Issue date: 4/23/07 Section: News Toledo Mayor Carty Finkbeiner spoke with a group of students on Thursday about Toledo's brain drain. "Brain drain" is a term used to describe when younger people leave their hometown for other places and opportunities. "We need to do a better job keeping the homegrown talent homegrown," Finkbeiner said. ... www.independentcollegian.com/media/storage/paper678/news/2007/04/23/News/Mayor.Talks.Brain.Drain-2874286.shtml]http://media.www.independentcollegian.com/media/storage/paper678/news/2007/04/23/News/Mayor.Talks.Brain.Drain-2874286.shtml

Link contains several photos. From the 4/8/07 Blade: Bleak dating scene for educated singles imperils Toledo's future Loss of young professionals who can't find mates could hurt Toledo economy By JC REINDL BLADE STAFF WRITER Are you a young, single, and university-educated professional in Toledo who goes to the gym and enjoys outdoor activities but is having trouble finding a quality date? According to a recent survey by Men’s Health magazine, the problem is not you — it’s Toledo. ... http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070408/NEWS16/70408003/-1/RSS

From the 4/2/07 Toledo Free Press: PEOPLE Epstein leads by EPIC example By Zack Herman Toledo Free Press Staff Writer [email protected] Many of us would be more than a little embarrassed if asked to compile a detailed listing of how we spend our free time. Toledo resident Brian Epstein doesn't have to worry about that, because his biggest hobby is helping others. The area native recently combed through his personal history and calculated more than 4,200 hours of volunteer work — the equivalent of 175 days of unpaid service to organizations throughout the area. ... http://toledofreepress.com/?id=5257

Link contains a photo. From the 3/8/07 Blade: City sees artists as economic force Attracting new talent, vibrant community of studios is city's goal By JC REINDL BLADE STAFF WRITER For 17 years, Lorrie Cody worked in Los Angeles as an engineer. Then she hit middle age, and made a series of bold decisions that led her to leave an industry - and city - to turn a hobby for abstract oil painting into a full-time job. Although many consider Los Angeles to be a career destination city, Ms. Cody, now 50, said it was just not that nurturing an environment for a new artist, much less an affordable one. ... http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070308/NEWS16/703080304/-1/RSS10

From the AP, 2/15/07: Former congressman to fill Ohio Senate seat Thursday, February 15, 2007 ASSOCIATED PRESS Democrats selected a former congressman, who also served as mayor of Akron and a state representative, to fill a vacant seat in the Ohio Senate. Senate Democrats voted Monday to appoint Tom Sawyer to the seat that opened when Gov. Ted Strickland announced Sen. Kimberly Zurz would join his cabinet as director of the Ohio Department of Commerce. Sawyer will represent the 28th District, which includes the city of Akron, southern Summit County and Portage County. The term expires at the end of 2008. Read More...