buildingcincinnati

From the 5/6/07 Enquirer: Locals not sold on Wal-Mart Some fear traffic trouble caused by nearby stores BY BRENNA R. KELLY | [email protected] FLORENCE - When Dawn Arsenault heard that Wal-Mart wants to build a new Supercenter at the intersection of U.S. 42 and Weaver Road, she had one thought. "You couldn't pick a worse location," said Arsenault, who has lived in Plantation Pointe for eight years. So she e-mailed Florence city leaders to voice her opposition. Wal-Mart officials announced this week that they want to build a second Florence Supercenter about 2½ miles from the store on Houston Road. Read more here: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070506/NEWS0103/705060410/

From the 5/4/07 Defiance Crescent-News: Board addresses utilities for proposed subdivision Todd Helberg Defiance County commissioners discussed public services for a proposed housing subdivision and entered a contract for Elliott Road water and sewer lines during their Thursday meeting. Dennis Miller of Maumee Valley Planning Organization (MVPO) and assistant county prosecuting attorney Russ Herman were in attendance to discuss water and sewer service for the proposed Welling Subdivision along Ohio 15. As proposed, the development would include 35 housing units, four commercial properties and 60 condominiums less than one mile north of the junction of Ohio 18 in Noble Township. The development is proposed east of Ohio 15 with some lots fronting the Tiffin River. More at http://www.crescent-news.com/news/article/1956012

St. Marys schools get funding St. Mary's Evening Leader, 5/4/07 It’s no longer a waiting game for St. Marys School District on the question of school funding. Thursday, the Ohio School Facilities Commission released the names of 39 school districts in line for funding this year and St. Marys Schools made the list. Wapakoneta City Schools was also notified that it received funding as well. Being very excited about the news, Superintendent Ken Baker’s first act when he got back to the office Thursday evening was to notify the board, the facilities planning committee and the staff via email that the OSFC had extended an invitation to accept funding. And while he can’t speak for any board member, he says he thinks the board is leaning toward saying yes to OSFC’s invitation, which requires the board to accept, reject or defer their offer by June 15. It is Baker’s understanding that Wapakoneta is planning on deferring, but Baker hopes St. Marys doesn’t defer because there’s been a lot of time invested in the process already and a lot of community opinion solicited to help the board make an informed decision. After receiving local approval, the OSFC will formally review the facility plans and projected budget in July, and the State Controlling Board will be asked for approval during August. MORE: http://www.theeveningleader.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5781&Itemid=27

From the 5/4/07 Eastern Hills Journal: Council weighs in on business BY FORREST SELLERS | [email protected] OAKLEY - The Oakley Community Council has voted in support of a potential development at Isabella Avenue and Wasson Road. The development will include a Noodles restaurant and a Verizon Wireless store. "Not having a drive through or huge commercial space there works with our (community plan)," said council president Dave Schaff, who said he supported the plan. Representatives for developer Midland Atlantic Properties have requested several variances for the property including: * Front-yard setback. * Placement of the main entrance in the rear instead of the front. * Signage variances that would allow for more square feet and increase the number of signs. * A reduced yard buffer. Zoning at the site currently allows for 10 feet. The developer has requested a 5-foot buffer. MORE: http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/C2/20070504/NEWS01/705040334/ Link contains a photo. From the 5/5/07 Cincinnati Post: Urban style in Blue Ash Compact village will offer varied facades, lots of luxurious details By Joyce Rosencrans Post home editor Kurlemann Custom Building Group, founded in 1985, has constructed "estate" homes on 3- to 5-acre lots in Indian Hill. Gaze at the gorgeous online photography at www.kurlemannhomes.com. Some pictures were shot at sunset, some in the spring, some when snow covered the ground, and each occasion was flattering to the grand domestic architecture. These rambling houses resemble fairy-tale castles or, at least, some fine English-country hotel. The price for same can spiral to $3.5 million. Kurlemann Homes builds on smaller lots, too, with some prices around $800,000 in the Mason area, Montgomery, Blue Ash and in various golf and gated "lifestyle" communities, such as Long Cove, River's Bend and Heritage Place. MORE: http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AE/20070505/LIFE/705050316/ Ground broken on new animal shelter Middletown Journal, 5/3/07 Butler County commissioners broke ground on a new $3.6 million animal shelter Wednesday morning, sharing the credit with hundreds of volunteers and voters who passed a levy that made such a milestone possible. "We agreed to put it on the ballot. That's really what we did as commissioners," Commission President Gregory Jolivette said. "The people who are here and all the people who love animals in the county did the rest." Last summer, volunteers and workers from Butler County Animal Friends Humane Society shelter in Trenton asked county officials for increased funding to build a larger shelter. The goal was to stop overcrowding and the spread of disease that forced about 4,000 animals to be put down each year. That's more than half the number accepted at the open admission shelter. Erlanger hopes Lakemont Park done by fall Erlanger Recorder, 5/2/07 The city approved bids for the second phase of construction in Lakemont Park, and hopes the park will be nearly completed by late this fall. The second phase of the construction involves the areas of the park that will be blacktopped, including the walking paths and the parking lots. The low bid was awarded to M&W Excavation for $282,918. Work is expected to begin shortly. "It's been a long time coming, but we're getting there," said Kathy Cahill, the city's community development director. "It's finally going to be a reality, and I think people are really going to like it." The park, which will cover approximately 32 acres, has been being planned for close to five years. The city has already completed the first phase of the project by grading the land. The park will include a multi-purpose field for sports, as well as walking paths and a shelterhouse. It will be the largest park in the city. Ground broken on Eulett Center West Union People's Defender, 5/2/07 The ground was officially broken on April 30 to begin construction of the Edge of Appalachia Preserve's Charles A. Eulett Center. The center will be located on Waggoner Riffle Road, on a hillside over-looking Ohio Brush Creek. Wielding the first shovelfuls of dirt were Charles H. Gerhardt, III, member, Cincinnati Museum Center Board of Trustees; Douglas McDonald, president and C.E.O. of the Cincinnati Museum Center; former state Director of Commerce Doug White; state Senator Tom Niehaus; and David Bohl, member, Cincinnati Museum Center Board of Trustees. The center is funded by the state of Ohio in the capital budget, with oversight of the project by the Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission. The architectural firm is GBBN from Cincinnati, and the total project cost is $2,150,000. Mt. Orab council annexes more land Georgetown News Democrat, 4/29/07 Council members approved plans to build single family housing in two different subdivisions at Mt. Orab's Village Council meeting Tuesday, March 6, with a unanimous vote. Council voted to allow Mayor Bruce Lunsford and fiscal officer Michael Boyd to sign documents approving of plans for the development of the two subdivisions. The two subdivisions in question are Grant's Crossing Subdivision number two, located off Grant Road, and Briar Creek Subdivision number one, located off E. Main and Briar Street, directly to the west of the Briar Creek apartment complex. Council agreed to plans to build 24 housing lots in Grant's Crossing, and 21 housing lots in Briar Creek. The plans for the Grant's Crossing Subdivision have been in the works for a long time and will be developed by Bob Grant, of Hillsboro. The Briar Creek Subdivision was bought from Joe Glover, and is an area directly to the west of the Briar Creek apartment complex. State seeks contractor for Kincaid Lake project Cincinnati Business Courier, 5/4/07 The Kentucky Department of Parks is seeking a private contractor to build and operate a lodge and restaurant at Kincaid Lake State Park in Northern Kentucky. The lodge must be at least 48 rooms and include a swimming pool and gift shop. The state will lease the property to the operator and receive a portion of the annual revenue in return, according to a news release. Kincaid Lake State Park is located in Falmouth, in Pendleton County. The park has an 84-site campground, mini golf course, volleyball and basketball courts, tennis court, playground, two hiking trails, paddleboats, a picnic shelter, boat dock with motor boat and pontoon rental, a new 9-hole regulation golf course and a 183-acre lake. More information about the proposal is available at www.eprocurement.ky.gov. The deadline is July 13.

Both from the 5/5/07 Enquirer: Warren Co. poverty numbers up Still well below Ohio average in fast-growing suburban area ENQUIRER STAFF REPORT Warren County is one of the most affluent counties in Ohio, yet poverty here is becoming a bigger concern, according to a report card on public health and social issues issued Friday. There was a 21 percent increase in the poverty rate from 2000 to 2003 (the most recent year available), from 4.2 percent to 5.1 percent of the county population. Seven of 10 measures of "stable families" were moving in the wrong direction, officials said. For example, the rate of people depending on food stamps grew from 1.2 percent in 2000 to 1.9 percent in 2005. The number of homeless people counted in the county grew from 339 to 378 people, from 2003 to 2006. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070505/NEWS01/705050372/ Bond-issue video gives Kings confidence BY MICHAEL D. CLARK | [email protected] DEERFIELD TWP. - After having a $27.2 million bond issue lose by just 234 votes last fall, supporters of the bond issue for Kings schools are hoping that the thousands who have watched their unusual campaign video will vote for the new tax's passage this Tuesday. "We estimate that over 8,000 people have seen the video either at public showings, the Web site and from the 200 DVDs in circulation," said Beth Schlehr, co-chair of the private group campaigning for the bond issue on Tuesday's ballot. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070505/NEWS0102/705050350/

From the 4/26/07 Boone County Recorder: Town square, festivals proposed for Union BY PAUL MCKIBBEN | COMMUNITY RECORDER STAFF WRITER HIGHLAND HEIGHTS - Union could have a town square with an amphitheater and events that draw people, according to some Northern Kentucky University students. The students' ideas were produced as part of a marketing class taught by Melinda Gardt, a member of the Union Visioning Committee. Read more here: http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070426/NEWS01/704260402/1064/Local

All from the 5/5/07 Enquirer: Actor robbed; suspects caught BY JANE PRENDERGAST | [email protected] DOWNTOWN - An actor in town to film commercials for Cincinnati Bell was robbed Thursday night, police say, by four teenagers who were caught within five minutes. Shawn Davis, who lives in New York City, was walking near Fourth and Race streets just before 11 p.m. when he was surrounded by the teens, one of whom pointed a gun at him and demanded his money. He handed over his wallet, and the four ran. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070505/NEWS01/705050357/ Bus attack seen as isolated incident Zoo trips will go on BY MICHAEL D. CLARK | [email protected] AVONDALE - Despite Thursday's attack on five school buses, which left three kindergarten students injured, most area school officials say they don't plan to cancel trips to the zoo. May is the busiest time of the year for field trips with more than 47,000 students expected to tour the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070505/NEWS0102/705050353/ Another Cincinnati cop arrested BY SHARON COOLIDGE | [email protected] A Cincinnati police officer allegedly cited two drivers for minor driving infractions but never told the drivers. Instead, Officer Elizabeth Phillips forged the drivers' signatures, according to police officials and documents filed in Hamilton County Court. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070505/NEWS01/705050366/

Both from the 5/4/07 Enquirer: School buses attacked near zoo 3 girls in kindergarten injured BY MICHAEL D. CLARK | [email protected] AVONDALE - Buses taking students from three suburban school districts on field trips to the city's zoo were hit with a brick and other objects as they traveled through Avondale on Thursday, leaving three kindergarten students injured. Three girls from Butler County's Lakota schools were injured when a brick was thrown through one of the bus' glass windows near Forest and Vine streets. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070504/NEWS01/705040418/ Honored cop faces DUI charges MADD gave Cincinnati officer award BY KIMBALL PERRY | [email protected] A Cincinnati police officer who recently received an award from Mothers Against Drunk Driving was arrested Wednesday in Aurora, Ind., on drunken-driving charges. Police Spc. Charles Beebe, 54, was arrested after Aurora police pulled him over in the city. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070504/NEWS01/705040412/

From the 5/3/07 Enquirer: Justice isn't blind -- it's on video BY KIMBALL PERRY | [email protected] Kent Parker is blind but justice isn’t. That’s a lesson police hope LaTonya Browner learns. Browner, 39, of the 5700 block of Montgomery Road in Pleasant Ridge, is accused of stealing from Parker, a blind man who owns and operates a deli inside the Hamilton County Courthouse. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070503/NEWS01/305030034/

Link contains a photo. From the 5/5/07 Ashland Times-Gazette: Corn business is popping Increased ethanol demand has sent prices skyrocketing By JARRED OPATZ T-G Special Projects Editor One of the reasons Rick and Ron Shoup are getting out of the hog business is to focus on their crops, particularly corn. "Corn prices are up and hog prices are down," said Rick who farms with his father near Polk. By the time fall harvest rolls around, the local father and son should have their last hogs sold and should be taking advantage of good corn prices. More at: http://www.times-gazette.com/news/article/1958892

Link contains a photo. From the 5/4/07 Tiffin Advertiser-Tribune: Study to be unveiled in June By Zachary Petit, [email protected] Architects have set a date to unveil the three plans that could bring all or part of the county courthouse to the ground, officials said Thursday. Seneca County Commissioner Ben Nutter said representatives from MKC Associates, the Mansfield engineering firm hired by the commissioners to study options for the building’s future, will deliver a detailed presentation of their findings June 4. Nutter said the presentation will include drawings and specific cost figures for all the options, and he thinks the board will be able to make a decision soon after about what ultimately will become of the courthouse. “In letters to the editor, we get accused of not having a plan, which couldn’t be further from the truth,” he said. “I’m excited about actually moving into the physical phase of the process.” http://www.advertiser-tribune.com/articles.asp?articleID=7972

From the 5/5/07 Kentucky Post: Delta uncommitted CFO Bastian says Comair relationship still being studied By Greg Paeth, Post staff reporter The man considered to be one of the favorites to succeed Gerald Grinstein later this year as the next CEO of Delta Air Lines reiterated the company's commitment to its No. 2 hub city Friday. But chief financial officer Ed Bastian stopped far short of making any similar pledge about Delta's long-term relationship with Comair, the regional carrier that is headquartered in Erlanger. As both Bastian and Grinstein have said before, Delta is still studying whether owning Comair, which it purchased in 2000, is the right strategy for the country's third largest airline. "We will look - as we've said now that we're out of bankruptcy - as to the right ownership position," Bastian said Friday at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, where Delta employees, government officials and business leaders helped celebrate the company's fifth day after completing the Chapter 11 bankruptcy process. Full story at http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070505/NEWS02/705050328/1011/RSS02

From the 5/4/07 Newark Advocate: Two lawsuits filed against proposed Ohio 310 Wal-Mart By CHAD KLIMACK Advocate Reporter PATASKALA -- The on-again, off-again campaign to block Wal-Mart's attempts to build a store on Ohio 310 is back on. An Etna Township man filed two lawsuits Thursday in Licking County Common Pleas Court in his fight to stop the store from locating on Ohio 310. Jonathan Veley, a Newark attorney representing Guttentag, filed one lawsuit appealing a non-decision handed down by the Etna Board of Zoning Appeals. On April 16, the board elected against considering an appeal filed by Guttentag. The Cumberland Trail resident had appealed zoning inspector Stan Robinson's decision to issue Wal-Mart a zoning permit to build a store on Ohio 310, across from his subdivision. At the meeting, board Chairman David Goll told Guttentag he did not meet the Ohio Revised Code's definition of an aggrieved party, and for that reason the board did not intend to consider his appeal. Full story at http://www.newarkadvocate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070504/NEWS01/705040314/1002/rss01

From the 5/5/07 AP: GM gets 7,000 resumes for 400 jobs By TOM KRISHER The Associated Press DETROIT — When the hiring managers at General Motors Corp. put out the word that they would hold a job fair to fill 400 new technical and engineering posts, they expected a big response. But not 7,000 resumes. Yes, times are tough in southeast Michigan, where all three Detroit-area automakers have cut thousands of hourly and salaried positions. ... http://tribune-chronicle.com/articles.asp?articleID=17690

Both from the AP/Warren Tribune Chronicle, 5/4/07: GM 1Q profit slumps, stock slides The Associated Press DETROIT — By recent Detroit standards, two straight profitable quarters by an automaker is a mega-achievement. But for General Motors Corp., its losses in North America overshadowed Thursday’s announcement that it made $62 million in the first three months of the year for a second consecutive quarter of black ink. Even though the Dow Jones industrial average is in the midst of its longest advance since 1955, GM’s stock dropped more than 5 percent Thursday. Some industry analysts questioned whether the company can make money on its home pavement given that it’s already cut billions in costs and rolled out scads of new cars and trucks. ... http://tribune-chronicle.com/articles.asp?articleID=17671 GM expects UAW offer soon on Delphi By staff, wire report General Motors Corp.’s chief financial officer said Thursday he expects the United Auto Workers union to make a wage and benefit counteroffer soon in ongoing negotiations involving Delphi Corp. — a lengthy process that a local labor leader called ‘‘frustrating.’’ ‘‘I haven’t seen it. I think it’s probably reasonable to expect we’re going to see something,’’ CFO Fritz Henderson told reporters, in a rare company comment on the state of negotiations. Henderson also disclosed Thursday that GM would subsidize hourly wages for Delphi workers in 2007 and for an unspecified period of time after that. ... http://tribune-chronicle.com/articles.asp?articleID=17669

From the 5/4/07 Eastern Hills Journal: Clark students to relocate BY FORREST SELLERS | [email protected] HYDE PARK - Students at Clark Montessori High School will have a new home next year. They will take classes at the former Jacobs Center on Winton Road, while the current building on Erie Avenue is renovated. "It's exciting in a way because it's a bit of a homecoming for the secondary Montessori program," said Janet Walsh, chief officer of public affairs for Cincinnati Public Schools. "That is where it began in the early 1990s." http://news.communitypress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/C2/20070504/NEWS01/705040332/

From the 5/4/07 Dispatch: Ohio State tries cure for ailing hospital New leader, renovations in University East plan Friday, May 4, 2007 - 3:31 AM By Suzanne Hoholik THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH University Hospital East has lost money every year since Ohio State University Medical Center purchased it eight years ago. Most recently, the Near East Side hospital lost $10 million from July 2006 through March. Patient admissions are declining and many people who go to the hospital are uninsured or on Medicaid. "East is not performing as it should," John Stone, chief financial officer at OSU Medical Center, told the trustees' medical-affairs committee yesterday. "It's actually declining from last year. So we have concerns about East." OSU bought the former Park Medical Center in 1999 from Quorum Health Group for $12.7 million. The university has since invested millions of dollars to renovate the hospital. And today, trustees are expected to approve spending $1.5 million on building renovations for the endoscopy and digestive program at the hospital. MORE: http://www.dispatch.com/dispatch/content/local_news/stories/2007/05/04/osueast.ART_ART_05-04-07_B1_876J995.html

From the 5/3/07 Sun: Sharing up to a point Service questions stall regionalization Thursday, May 03, 2007 By Kim Guffey When a Sheffield Lake home is in flames, firefighters from Avon, Avon Lake and Sheffield Village are first responders to the scene, alongside the hometown crew. This teamwork approach to fire safety is nothing new for Lorain County, but sharing additional emergency services may be going a little too far, fire officials said. Departments in Avon, Avon Lake, Sheffield Lake and North Ridgeville each have agreements that call for mutual aid with neighboring cities. Some of the agreements, such as in Sheffield Lake, require for the city to send crews at the first emergency call, while others respond only when requested by the home department. http://www.cleveland.com/sun/sun/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1178210638247860.xml&coll=3

From the 5/4/07 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Annexation issue on ballot in Pickerington By TAMARIA L. KULEMEKA The Eagle-Gazette Staff [email protected] PICKERINGTON - Supporters and opponents of Issue 9 are urging Pickerington residents to get out and cast votes on the initiative in the primary election Tuesday. Issue 9 would preserve the city's rights to conform its boundaries and annex land, if passed. But opponents say the issue - if passed - would just end up costing the city a lot of money. "This is a huge issue and the guys who wrote this amendment didn't do their homework," said Jeff Fix, who opposes the issue. Fix, a Pickerington councilman, is heading up the citizens group - Citizens for Lower Taxes - opposing Issue 9. Fix said the issue would prevent the city from participating in Joint Economic Development District agreements with other communities. Full story at http://www.lancastereaglegazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070504/NEWS01/705040313/1002/rss01

From the 5/4/07 Springfield News-Sun: Springfield City Schools consider contract to develop small schools, some board members disagree By Gail Cetnar Staff Writer Thursday, May 03, 2007 Springfield City Schools is developing a contract with a consulting firm to guide development of the "small schools" within the new high school, school board member Stephen Feagins told community leaders Wednesday. The announcement prompted criticism from other board members who said the details were announced publicly before they were shared with the board. Feagins shared the plans with about 30 members of Clark County Men's Republican Club, which included city and county commissioners. Feagins said Superintendent Jean Harper plans to give the school board a recommendation for a five-year contract with EdWorks, a subsidiary of the KnowledgeWorks Foundation. North and South High Schools are scheduled to consolidate with the opening of the new Springfield High School in Sept. 2008. School leaders have discussed organizing the 2,400-student school into four "small schools within a school" to create a more personalized environment for students. MORE: http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/news/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/05/03/sns050407edworks.html

From the 5/4/07 Enquirer: Voters to decide Mason bond next week Issue would raise $30M to expand high school BY MICHAEL D. CLARK | [email protected] MASON - Voters here will decide on Tuesday whether to approve a bond issue to expand the crowded Mason High School - an expansion supporters say won't raise taxes. The 1.27-mill bond issue would raise $30 million over 28 years and finance a three-story addition of 49 classrooms. The high school, which opened in 2002, already houses 2,700 students and exceeds its designed enrollment capacity. http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20070504/NEWS01/705040426/ From the 5/3/07 DDN: Land purchase to help schools grow Wayne Local Schools bought two homes on 12 acres on Old Route 73; district near or at capacity in all buildings. By Lawrence Budd Staff Writer Thursday, May 03, 2007 WAYNESVILLE — For now, the Wayne Local Schools will play landlord, renting two homes on 12 acres on Old Route 73 purchased earlier this month for $550,000. But school officials view acquisition of the properties from Thomas Kier as another step toward securing space for the district to expand from its central campus. "This represents an exciting step into the future as we consider expanding our school campus right here in the center of the school district, maintaining our unique small-town schools," Superintendent Tom Isaacs said in an e-newsletter following the board's vote April 19 during a special meeting. http://www.daytondailynews.com/community/content/oh/story/news/local/neighbors/2007/05/03/ddn050307z3waynesville.html

From the 5/4/07 Enquirer: Brown proposes mortgage bill $600 million fund would save homes BY JAMES MCNAIR | [email protected] Freshman U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio co-sponsored a bill Thursday to bring a welcome form of relief to people at risk of losing homes to foreclosure - money. Brown joined two Democratic colleagues, Charles Schumer of New York and Robert Casey of Pennsylvania, in proposing $300 million in federal foreclosure relief and calling for mortgage reforms. Their Borrower's Protection Act of 2007 comes as foreclosure rates skyrocket and hundreds of thousands of Americans lose their homes. ... More at: http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070504/BIZ01/705040351/1076/rss01 From the 5/4/07 DDN: * GRAPHIC: Foreclosure filings on the increase WELCOME TO HARD TIMES IN THE HOUSING MARKET Montgomery foreclosure filings skyrocket 25 percent in a year Homelessness coalition leader says the problem will get worse because of subprime loans. By Lisa A. Bernard Staff Writer Friday, May 04, 2007 DAYTON — More than 5,000 new foreclosures were filed in Montgomery County in 2006, a 25 percent jump over the previous year, according to data from the Supreme Court of Ohio. Across the state, new foreclosure filings rose 23 percent in 2006 over 2005, or at twice the rate compared to the 8.4 percent increase from 2004 and 2005. Since 2001 foreclosure filings across the state have risen 89 percent, according to data. "Our fear is that at this point this is sort of a telling sign of things to come for 2007 and 2008," said Bill Faith, executive director of the Coalition on Homlessness and Housing in Ohio. ... More at: http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/business/2007/05/03/ddn050407foreclosures.html From the 5/4/07 Springfield News-Sun: Couple wins $67,000 in lawsuit against predatory lender By Samantha Sommer Staff Writer Thursday, May 03, 2007 Alyce Comer fought the bank and won. She and her husband won a class action predatory lending lawsuit, receiving a $67,000 settlement on their South Vienna home. The lender didn't have a license, misapplied payments, claimed she didn't make them and failed to pay her taxes out of escrow, leading to a mistaken foreclosure filing. ... More at: http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/news/content/oh/story/news/local/2007/05/03/sns050407foreclosurestop.html

From ThisWeek Olentangy, 5/3/07: Value Place drops plans for extended-stay hotel Thursday, May 3, 2007 By MARK MAJOR ThisWeek Staff Writer After hearing from neighbors of a proposed 121-room extended-stay facility, the project's developers have decided to pull out. A Value Place Hotel had been planned for about 2.8 acres at the intersection of Halfway Avenue and U.S. Route 23, just north of Orange Point Drive. Developers had said the units would cost $199 a week and include the features of a small apartment. The hotel would have catered to the lodging needs of business travelers, relocating families and others, developers said. Residents of the nearby North Orange development said the project might bring an undesirable element into the community and threaten the safety of residents and those who use Orange Township's aquatic center and nearby parks. "Our foremost issue was safety of the community and of the people who use the pool and the park area," said Stephanie Prosnik, a resident of Coachmen Lane in the North Orange development. MORE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/?story=sites/thisweeknews/050307/Powell/News/050307-News-346288.html

From the 4/17/07 Gallipolis Daily Tribune: Local forum tackles differing health care views By Kevin Kelly Tuesday, April 17, 2007 7:14 PM EDT GALLIPOLIS — Changing health care in Ohio from the current free market system to universal coverage is spurring debate around the state, and some of it has found its way to Gallia County. A Monday forum drew nearly 40 people to listen to advocates for both sides in the issue argue their case and allow for questions about the concept of medical insurance for all. The forum was sponsored by SPAN (Single Payer Action Network) Ohio, which is seeking to place a health care program for all Ohioans on the ballot. Read More...

From the 4/5/07 ABJ: Group supports health care for all People tell how lack of insurance can add to burden of illness By Marilyn Miller and Cheryl Powell Beacon Journal staff writers Joyce and Joseph Gregory of Akron don't have health insurance. He lost his job in 2002 after he was diagnosed with a back problem that prevented him from continuing to work. In March 2005 on his 48th birthday, he was diagnosed with cancer. Debbie Silverstein of Kent said she has a brother who apparently suffers from mental illness. He works but doesn't have insurance. While bipolar disorder runs in her family, he has never had a psychological evaluation -- it is too costly, Silverstein said. Read More...