Totally Trotwood

Wolf Creek Smoke and Sizzle Coming September 10

2011-09-02T15:00:00.000-04:00

The inaugural Wolf Creek Smoke Sizzle and Sounds Barbeque Contest has added bluesman Michael Locke and the Repeat Offenders to headline the Saturday, September 10th affair, at Madison Park in Trotwood. Amateur barbeque aficionados will compete with best chicken and best pork ribs receiving cash prizes of; 1st-$500, 2nd-$250, 3rd $175.

Entertainment will be offered throughout the day including local musicians, dancers, and a Karaoke open mike beginning at 3pm. Michael Locke and the Repeat Offenders deliver original blues with hints of jazz and a smattering of rock. They tour nationally but are from right here in the Dayton area. You might have seen them warm up for BB King, The Fabulous Thunderbirds or Chuck Berry.

Judging begins at 4:30 and prizes will be awarded at 6pm. Last minute contestants are welcome.

Presented by the City of Trotwood. Admission is free. Gates open from 11am to 7pm. Food and beer is available. Madison Park is located at 310 S Broadway. For entry forms, please pick up at the City Government Center, 3035 Olive Rd.. For more information, please call 854-7217.

Picket In Front of Trotwood Post Office Saturday

2011-08-25T14:02:00.000-04:00

The grassroots group ‘Save The Trotwood Post Office’ will hold an informational picket in front of the post office on Saturday August 27th from 9:30-10:30am. The group will be raising awareness within the community about the possibility of closing the Trotwood Post Office.

The USPS recently announced a list of 3,700 post offices being considered for closure. Trotwood is one of 6 area post offices included in that list. Post office officials are expected to select as many as 2,000 locations to be closed sometime this fall.

Information will be distributed to let residents know how they can help in the fight to save the office from closing. The demonstration coincides with the launch of a petition drive by the city to collect signatures to be delivered to the post office and elected officials in Washington DC. Copies of the petition will be available during the picket. Beginning next week residents desiring to sign the petition will be able to do so at many area businesses.

The group welcomes anyone wanting to join in. Participants may start gathering at 9am in the vacant parking lot at the corner of Main St and Beardsley. Do not park on Beardsley or in the Post Office parking lot so customers will not be impeded. Picketers should be careful not to block the drive entrances to the Post Office for the same reason. Signs will be available. Information will be distributed about the closing study with addresses to mail comments.

Save The Trotwood Post Office spokesman Bruce Kettelle said, “We just want to keep the Trotwood Post Office Open.”

For more information contact Bruce Kettelle at 837-6401.

Trotwood Post Office May Close

2011-07-30T13:00:00.000-04:00

If the United States Postal Service has its way Trotwood residents will be driving an extra 5 to 7 miles, one way, to find a post office next year. The USPS released a list of over 3,600 post offices this week they are studying for permanent closure. Trotwood made this dubious list.

For the next three months the post office will conduct a study to see which of the post offices will be recommended for closing. By closing post offices the USPS hopes to trim costs as they face declining revenues lost to competition like the Internet and other delivery services.

After the final list comes out the Post Office will hold a community meeting for public comment and will accept written comments for 60 days. The earliest any of the offices might actually be closed is December.

Trotwood’s Post Office has experienced a drop in traffic over the last few years and is evidenced by a reduced number of tellers. The local office could not release their actual counter sales figures.

Trotwood like the rest of the country has experienced the effects of the economic recession. It is estimated there is over 200 fewer businesses in town than existed in the late 1990s. Since the 2010 census the city has lost 2,989 residents.

The Trotwood post office is the only post office in this 4th largest city of Montgomery County with a current population of 24,431. Covering nearly six square miles it has the second largest land area in the county.

This is not the first time a post office has closed in Trotwood says Regina Klinehanz of the Trotwood Madison Historical Society. The Taylorsburg Post Office on Salem Av near Gettysburg closed in 1915. Prior to that there were also offices in Hays Corner, Air Hill, Amityville, and Mummasville.

Since the late 1800’s the Trotwood post office has occupied space in several grocery stores, from a boxcar on a siding at the Trotwood Depot, and then in 1936 it occupied part of the Farmers Citizens Bank (now 5th/3rd Bank) at Main and Broadway. In 1975 the USPS built their present facility on Beardsley.

The Trotwood City Council has indicated preserving the Trotwood branch is a high priority. A local citizen’s group is also working to fight the closing. Readers can participate with that group by joining the ‘Save The Trotwood Post Office’ Facebook group.

Trotwood Army Corporal Killed In Afghanistan

2011-03-21T17:15:00.002-04:00

Donald R. Mickler Jr, formerly of Trotwood OH, was one of two soldiers killed Saturday in a small-arms exchange in Shah Wali Kot district in Kandahar province, Afghanistan. They were assigned to the 4th Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, in Vilseck, Germany, the Defense Department announced late Sunday.

Donald Mickler graduated from Trotwood Madison High School in 1999.

Details are sketchy, but Cpl. Donald R. Mickler Jr., 29, and Pfc. Rudy A. Acosta, 19, of Canyon Country, Calif., were allegedly shot “by an individual from a military security group,” the DOD said in a news release.

Wounded in the same incident were Sgt. Christopher J. Hemwall from Monroe, Mich.; Sgt. Zack Hombel from Deer Park, Wash.; Sgt. Patrick W. Shelley from Marana, Ariz.; and Spc. Curtis L. Cole from Kingsport, Tenn., all assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 4th Squadron, 2nd SCR, according to the 2nd Cavalry Association website.

The incident is under investigation.
[Rewritten from Stars and Stripes]

Editorial - New Census Should Sound Regional Alarm

2011-03-21T13:14:00.000-04:00

By Bruce Kettelle

The new census numbers sound an alarm that Ohio continues to experience rapid population decentralization. An effect we commonly call urban sprawl.

Youngstown, Cleveland, Dayton, Cincinnati, Toledo and Akron all lost over 8% of their urban population while the state as a whole grew.

People migrate for many reasons such as rural lifestyles, better schools, seemingly lower taxes, or to be closer to work. But the long-range pitfalls of unregulated sprawl are catching up with Ohio and left unfettered will be difficult to reverse.

One of the biggest real-time costs is providing the ever-expanding transportation and utility network to support these deltas of settlements around our cities. New roads, bridges, and highway widening projects consume valuable resources, and limited state and local budgets.

Rural development stresses limited water supplies. Growing auto usage consumes precious oil and pollutes our air. Deserted housing and commercial areas create blight and encourage crime.

Meanwhile futurists have warned us for over a century that the world population will grow larger than our planet’s ability to provide food for our billions of people. This year we received a wakeup call with droughts in Russia and a below average crop in the US and Ohio. We will not run out of food this year but the supplies are so tight that corn, for example, has tripled from $2 to over $6 a bushel in a few short years.

Capitalism may already be trying to slow the development of rural areas as the price for farmland is rising. Farms that sold ten years ago for $2,200 an acre are now bringing $5,500 and more. That is still far less than the tens of thousands developers are willing to pay, but it is getting closer. And once land is soiled by development it loses its agriculture productivity.

We have a choice. We can wait until food prices skyrocket putting the value of farmland out of the reach of developers or we can be proactive and develop sensible regional growth strategies now to preserve arable land for our food needs. If we wait there is no guarantee the markets will adjust in time and we will have already invested much more in new infrastructure costs.

Smart policies will create demand for vacant buildings and factory sites. Creative redevelopment of these assets will utilize the existing infrastructure already in place. This practice is already proving to work in places like Portland, Oregon and Louisville, Kentucky. Why shouldn’t we do it here in Dayton and all of Ohio?

Regional cooperation and planning is a sound idea whose time has come and it will save taxpayers money.

2010 Trotwood Farmers Market Seeks Vendors

2010-05-17T16:50:00.000-04:00

The City of Trotwood is accepting applications for booth space at the city’s twice a week Farmers Market running from July10 through October 23. The market is open rain or shine every Wednesday 3-6pm and Saturday 9-4pm at 21 E Main St across from the historic Trotwood Depot in Olde Town.

Approved vendors may sell, fresh vegetables and fruits, cheese, baked goods, honey, cider, jams, and other preserves. No crafts or outdoor grilling are permitted. The city promotes the market through press releases and signboards.

Permits may be purchased for $50 in the Trotwood Government Center located at 3035 Olive Rd. For additional information call 854-7227.

City-Wide Garage Sale June 10-13

2010-05-17T16:35:00.002-04:00

Trotwood’s annual City-Wide Garage Sale is planned for June 10 – June 13, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. to no later than 8:00 p.m. each day. To encourage more participation the garage sale permit fee is waived for sales held that week

Registered participants will be added to the Trotwood Garage Sale at the city Government Center beginning June 7th. Residents may register during regular business hours at the Government Center. Please call the Trotwood Recreation Division at 937-854-7227 for additional information.

Oil Spill - 70,000 Barrels Per Day Could Kill Gulf, East Coast Maybe Iceland

2010-05-16T12:35:00.002-04:00

Editorial By Bruce Kettelle

New estimates of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill are particularly frightening. Original estimates of 5,000 barrels a day seeping from the broken wellhead of a BP oil well were alarming enough. Now some scientists believe it to be 14 times that, up to 70,000 barrels a day.

(story continues after graphic)

To add more sting to the scar being left in the fertile waters of the gulf another team has identified plumes of oil below the surface getting caught up in the gulf’s currents putting them on a beeline course for the Florida Keys and beyond. The Gulf Stream exits the Gulf of Mexico and runs up the east coast of the US.

Now I am no ocean scientist but it is quickly apparent that this much oil will have to go somewhere and from the look of the North Atlantic Ocean current maps England, Ireland, Iceland and all the fishing grounds in between are possibly in the path.

BP needs all the help they can get to stop the leak as soon as possible. The world needs all the help it can muster to start cleaning up this spill. Creative thinking is needed now, not after all this stuff hits the beaches from Miami to Maine.

Where are the inventors? Can we trap the oil as it squeezes between the Florida Keys? Are all the world’s oil skimming resources heading to the area? Can BP really afford to reimburse for contaminated fisheries on both sides of the Atlantic?

Let’s put on our thinking caps and try to stay as far ahead of this disaster as possible.

Greg Rhoades Speaking At Friendship Thursday

2010-05-11T18:19:00.000-04:00

The Cincinnati Reds Team Historian will speak in Trotwood on Thursday May 13th at 7pm at Friendship Village Retirement Community. The public is welcome to hear Greg Rhoads. Rhoads also serves on the board of directors for the Cincinnati Red Hall of Fame and Museum.

A native of Richmond, Ind., Greg Rhodes is a lifelong Reds fan who grew up rooting for the Reds of the 1950s and 1960s, listening to the play-by-play and stories of former Reds announcer Waite Hoyt. Rhodes was named the executive director of the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum when it opened in 2004 and served in that capacity until retiring from the position in July 2007.

Rhodes continuedsto serve as team historian and remains active in speaking engagements regarding the history of Reds baseball. He is the host of the Reds Hall of Fame highlight moments heard prior to each Reds game on the Reds Radio Network pregame show. He has co-authored six books on the Cincinnati Reds, including Redleg Journal and Reds in Black and White, both winners of the The Sporting News-SABR Baseball Research Award.

A former social studies teacher, Rhodes worked for the Cincinnati Historical Society from 1987-'92, helped plan the creation of the new history museum at the Museum Center, served as a former president of the board of Historic Southwest Ohio, been the chairman of the local chapter of the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) and is past-president of the Cincinnati Red Stockings vintage baseball team.

Friendship Village is located at 5790 Denlinger Rd in Trotwood. For more information call 837-5581.

Historical Society Garage Sale May 6-8

2010-04-25T20:06:00.000-04:00

Trotwood-Madison Historical Society Garage Sale will be on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, May6,7 & 8 from 9am - 5pm at 349 S Broadway, Trotwood, Ohio. Large selection of items at reasonable prices to include house wares, linens, lawn & garden, furniture, man stuff,plants, to much to list. Proceeds will benefit the TMHS Iams Property Renovation Projects. For information 837-0355, 545-5453 or 837-5387

Handivan Brunch Saturday, Choir Concert Sunday

2010-04-22T10:27:00.000-04:00

Each spring the Trotwood Handivan reaches out to the community for help with their funding needs by offering a Saturday Brunch and Sunday afternoon concert of local choirs. 2010 is no exception and might be one of the most interesting lineups of the series. But best of all the proceeds help pay for the free transportation service for the area's elderly and disabled.

Handivan provides transportation to appointments, shopping and many other destinations to area residents. All the drivers are volunteers. Donations help pay for to keep their vans on the road, and that is no small feat. Please consider attending one or both of the events this wekend. If you cannot make it but would like to donate anyway call the number listed below.

Handivan Spring Brunch with Music-April 24

Trotwood Area Handivan Ministry will be hosting a special Spring Brunch complete with music on Saturday, April 24 10AM-12:30PM at Trotwood Church of the Brethren, 208 E. Main St. in Trotwood. Cost is $5 per adult and $3 for child 11 and under. The great meal will be complemented by entertainment fro The Odd Lotts Dulcimer Band, local quartet, pianist, and other talent from young musicians in the area. All proceeds go to help the program of Handivan. For more information call 837-1917.

Ecumenical Spring Concert To Be Held April 25

The annual Ecumenical Spring Concert will be held Sunday, April 25 3PM at Precious Blood Catholic Church, 4961 Salem Ave. in Trotwood. Participating choirs include Happy Corner Church of the Brethren, Eintracht Singing Society, Precious Blood Children, Precious Blood, Precious Blood Bell/Brass, Trotwood United Church of Christ, Trotwood Church of the Brethren, Trotwood Church of the Brethren Bell Choir, Community of Song, and Instrumental Musicians. Support also comes from Triumphant Cross Lutheran Church. Refreshments will be served after concert. Donations are welcomed at the event to support the Handivan program. For more information call 837-1979.

Battle Of The Marching Bands At Trotwood HS April 24

2010-04-21T18:03:00.000-04:00

The third annual Trotwood Battle of the Bands Extravaganza is this Saturday April 24 2:30pm in the Trotwood High School Gym. Five bands from as far as Tennessee and Michigan will be featured next to the Trotwood Madison Marching Rams.

Hosts for the day are Trotwood alumni and University of Dayton basketball standout Chris Wright and popular high school teacher Philizia “Fee” Robinson. There will even be a dunking exhibition between bands.

The competing bands are Shea HS in Cleveland, Detroit Academy, Kirby HS in Memphis, Columbus East and Trotwood Madison. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door and $6 for students. For more information contact band parent Brenda Murphy at 750-5812.

Meet Your New Council Woman

2010-04-20T23:59:00.001-04:00

By Bruce Kettelle

On Monday The Trotwood City Council appointed Nicole Johnson to fill the Ward 1 council seat vacated when Joyce Sutton advanced to the mayor’s slot. At 38 Johnson is the youngest person to serve on the Trotwood council in recent years.

Johnson purchased her first home in Trotwood in the Sycamore Woods subdivision two years ago. A Dayton area native she has also lived in Englewood and Harrison Township. She attended a private high school in New England and studied history and African-American studies at Brown University in Rhode Island.

Johnson has been thinking about serving in Trotwood government since moving here. She attended the city’s first Citizen Volunteer Academy in 2008.

“Government policies have always been a passion for me,” said Johnson. “I worked on the Dukakis For President campaign before I could even vote.”

“One of the things I shared in the interview with city council is we (the city) haven’t taken information technology to the next level.” She hopes to use more of the available Internet social platforms like Twitter and Facebook to help keep citizens better informed.

“This is particularly important if we are going to promote a technology center on the Salem Mall site,” said Johnson. “We need to be using the leading edge.”

That fits right in with her current job at Care Source in Dayton where she works in the Decision Support Informatics department.

She is also concerned with the outbreak of graffiti in the community and hopes to get residents and businesses more involved. “We need to come together as a community on this issue and work beyond the criminal aspects of the problem.”

Johnson has been attending council meetings for some time and is already familiar with many of the issues of the day. She looks forward to hearing from citizens. “I appreciate everyone that lives in this community especially those that have lived here over 50 years.”

Trowood's newest city council member Nicole Johnson (center) was sworn in on April 19. She was welcomed by Trotwood Mayor Joyce Sutton Cameron and State Representative Roland Winburn.

Main Street Facelift Coming

2010-04-20T13:24:00.000-04:00

By Bruce Kettelle

The asphalt jungle of Trotwood’s Main Street will get a little makeover this summer. Plans developed by zoning administrator Carl Dougherty will insert landscaping between the sidewalk and big parking lots dotting the stretch.

For over 50 years commercial centers were built along the Main street east of the trailer park with minimal landscaping requirements. This led to an asphalt jungle feel in the area according to Daugherty.

“This plan calls for five scattered landscape areas to provide a visual breakup of the large parking lots,” Daugherty explained to the city council during a presentation Monday.

Landscaping and grass will be cut into the asphalt in front of the Broadmoor Plaza (Foodtown), Headliners, Trotwood Barbers, Beeber Center (Subways), and Greater Works Plaza (License Bureau).
“This will impact about 1,000 feet of frontage area,” said Daugherty.

In addition to the landscaping new overhead streetlights and pedestrian amenities will be added.
Daugherty said several Main St property owners and the Trotwood Madison Historical Society deemed the design of the new overhead lights acceptable. The teardrop design with scrollwork arms are similar to the lights used in the area during the early 1900s.

Dayton Power and Light will install the metal halide streetlights replacing the existing high pressure sodium lights. Daugherty said the sodium lights have an orange glare people find unappealing. He also expects the new lights will cure some under-illumination issues in the corridor.

The $75,000 cost of the entire project will be paid for from a federal community block grant. The only cost to the city will be an additional $1,248 annually to pay the electric bill for the streetlights. The new total lighting bill for that area will be $8326.

Daugherty hopes to find additional funding to help leverage additional improvements for Main St in the future. He believes these types of improvements will help attract private developers to also invest along Main Street with new residential and commercial projects.

Going Places - Development Planning Workshop April 7th

2010-04-06T14:23:00.000-04:00

Do you have a vision for Trotwood in 2040? How about the entire Miami Valley? Wednesday April 7th is the perfect place to share your ideas and dreams with area leaders and planners. The final interactive Going Places workshop will be held from 6-7:30pm in the Friendship Village Convocation Room.

Going Places, the Integrated Land Use Vision for the Miami Valley Region is a 4-year regional land use planning initiative designed to bring people together to build a clear and shared future land use framework to guide development in the Miami Valley Region.

"We encourage citizens in the Miami Valley Region to spare 90 minutes of their personal time to participate in the Going Places workshop to share their vision of our region's future," said Martin Kim, Director of Regional Planning for the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission.. "With residents and business participation, we can build a shared vision that will impact our quality of life and economic prosperity for now and for many generations to come."

Local residents should attend to make sure Trotwood has a voice in the regional plan. He even hopes someone might have a new idea "we haven't thought of before." They are taking all comments (and maps) received in the public workshops and compiling them, which they will use in a computer model to determine potential economic, environmental, demographic, etc., outcomes.

Once the results from the local workshops is integrated the Going Place team will hold 3 county- and 1 region-wide public workshops to whittle down the choices. Once there is a unified vision, each jurisdictions will be asked to endorse and use the plan.

Reservations for the workshop are not required. If you cannot attend the draft plan is available on the MVRPC web site where additional comments are accepted. For additional information call the MVRPC at (937) 223-6323 or visit www.mvrpc.org

7 Residents Apply For Vacant Council Seat

2010-03-30T14:49:00.000-04:00

By Bruce Kettelle

Seven Trotwood residents in Ward 1 submitted applications for the Trotwood city council seat vacated by Vice-Mayor Joyce Sutton. Sutton was promoted to Mayor last month upon the resignation of Darreyl Davis.

The city charter directs city council to fill the vacancy within 60 days. Interviews of the candidates will be conducted before council votes on a successor later this month

The applicants are: David W. Norvell, Herbert T. Marshall, Geraldine Newberry, Wanda M. Adams, Nicole Johnson, Tanya E. Jackson, and Anita Schmaltz.

High Tech Targeted For Mall Site

2010-03-23T17:16:00.000-04:00

By Bruce Kettelle

Trotwood officials want the former Salem Mall site to become a long-term technology anchor for the city’s future. In a turnaround from previous discussions that included attracting concentrated retail to the location, new consultants have recommended a strategy to bring research and development offices to help replace the region’s 100-year dependence on the automotive industry.

Similar to the Tech Town project in Dayton, Trotwood’s yet to be named center will offer entrepreneurs expertise to identify new markets for inventions and assistance in identifying venture capital sources.

“EMTEC specializes in finding applications for new technologies and commercializing them,” said Frank Svet the company’s president and CEO. EMTEC will become the city’s technology experts in the project. “We’re going to provide them the knowledge infrastructure.”

The physical planning falls on Norm Essman Consulting and a master plan design firm to be selected soon. Essman is a former economic development specialist with the City of Dayton and had a hand in the Tech Town project planning.

“We won’t have to repeat the hardships Tech Town went through,” said Essman. He said to expect the firms locating here to be researching and prototyping new products. Actual manufacturing would not take place on the campus.

According to Essman, “These tech workers tend to be younger, entrepreneurial (meaning they work too much), and like to live and play near their work.” He wants the master plan to take these factors into consideration for both the mall site and surrounding area.

After hearing the presentation to city council on March 22, Trotwood Mayor Joyce Sutton Cameron was encouraged by the change in strategy. “We were aware that a completely commercial project was not the way to go,” said Cameron. “Technology is the future, we want that here to sustain growth and jobs.”

Trotwood city manager Mike Lucking supports the shift for the site. “We are trying to leapfrog the community forward with a concept that lasts generations.”

Lucking expects the master planning to move ahead quickly. The consultants believe the skeleton roadway plan presented last fall by Bird and Hauk can be utilized for the technology center. Lucking wants to start construction of the first interior roadway in the spring of 2011. The city will seek federal funds to pay for those infrastructure costs.

Onshoring May Save Ohio

2010-03-12T12:28:00.000-05:00

By Bruce Kettelle

Caterpillar is the latest company to announce plans to bring a manufacturing plant back to the US. Economists call this onshoring, the opposite of offshoring. Offshoring has been blamed for taking jobs out of the US and Ohio since the free trade agreements took effect in the 1990’s.

The difference today according to an article in yesterday’s Wall Street Journal is the economics are shifting to make domestic production attractive again. They cite shipping and logistics costs, quality control, loss of intellectual property, and a highly skilled underemployed US workforce.

The main attraction for Caterpillar and others to move production offshore were lower labor rates available in Mexico and China. Those labor rates have begun to creep up as the workforce in those countries begin to expect higher standards of living.

Another major factor influencing the onshore movement is dollar exchange rates. The weak dollar makes US goods more attractive to other countries.

In Ohio and Trotwood this should be viewed as good news. In the case of Caterpillar this area may be an attractive location to build a new manufacturing plant. It would be close to their new Clayton distribution facility due to open near the end of this year and surrounded by an experienced manufacturing workforce.

It looks like onshoring should become part of Trotwood’s economic development vocabulary.

Trotwood Tornado Sirens Will Sound On April 5th

2010-03-11T18:15:00.000-05:00

By Bruce Kettelle

Six newly installed emergency sirens will be tested simultaneously for the first time on April 5th at noon. The new sirens replace Trotwood’s aging siren system, which has been dysfunctional for over a year.

The new sirens were funded by a FEMA grant coordinated by Trotwood Fire and Rescue. One additional siren is yet to be installed in the southern portion of rural Trotwood. Fire officials believe the new locations will provide better coverage for alerting the public to emergencies such as tornado warnings.

The sirens will be tested each Monday at noon throughout the year. The sirens are located at 1333 N. Lutheran Church Road, 3031 Shiloh Springs Road, 4385 Salem Avenue, 4510 Seybold Road, 15 W. Trotwood Boulevard, and 909 Miller Avenue. A seventh siren is yet to be installed on Old Dayton Rd.

Winter Strikes Trotwood - February 2010

2010-03-10T11:57:00.001-05:00

Snow piled up in February around this Trotwood
farmhouse. Trotwood had the second snowiest February on record

By Bruce Kettelle
February 2010 was beautiful with a mess of winter in Trotwood. A string of storms dropped over 20” of white stuff starting with 6” on the 5th.

Cities and counties declared periodic emergencies as road crews had trouble keeping up with the frequent deposits. Persistent freezing temperatures insured none of the snows would melt leaving a white blanket until the March thaw. Even by March 10th patches of snow remained, stubbornly resisting temperatures approaching 60-degrees.

Conversations at local diners of more snow coming were initially met with contempt that gave way to acceptance. Succumbing to the daily donning of snow boots and heavy clothes the adventurous found new worlds to explore in their own back yards.

Icicles hung from nearly every eave. Boughs laden with heavy snow touched the ground. Country roads regularly drifted over again even days after the most recent snowfall when cold winter winds whipped at the frozen mass.

Ponds froze solid. Previously frustrated snowmobilers finally got their fill. Cross-country skis sold out in local shops. And by the end of the month you couldn’t buy a snow shovel anywhere.

Melting snow in March delivered a big dose of
mud season to the area. Stepping off the pavement anywhere usually
upset area moms as the dirt got tracked inside.

But like all good things winter finally came to an end giving way to mud season.

It was one for the record books becoming the second snowiest February on record for the Dayton area. Officially 23” of snow fell, just 2” shy of now third place 2003, but well behind the 1910 record of 31.6.

Thoughts now turn to spring as gardeners watch for the first crocus blooms and farmers hope for perfect planting weather. Memories of this February will fade quickly as we all revel in the warmth of spring.

Geese were frozen out of their ponds all February.
On March 8th they were exploring the melting edges of the ice
at Larchtree Golf Course.

City Eyes Lower Interest Rates

2010-03-08T22:22:00.000-05:00

By Bruce Kettelle

Trotwood leaders are eyeing lower interest rates to convert most of the city’s debt into long-term notes.
During most of the past decade Trotwood has used short-term one-year notes to finance the city’s investments.

“This was a conscious strategy to wait,” said Jeff Rink of Key Bank, the city’s bond advisor. Rink presented the case at the March 1 city council meeting. He said the time is close to convert the debt into long-term bond notes.

Rink said the short-term rates have been very favorable but things look like they are beginning to change. He expects the city to qualify for a rate around 5%.

Acting city finance director Patricia Shively said the city would combine several existing debts into one for six months to give the bank time to arrange the long-term package. The components include $3.8-million for the Salem Mall acquisition, $2.5-million for the Toys-R-Us acquisition, $1.7-million for improvements along Olive Road for the GM distribution facility, and $100,000 for the East Main St water line replacement.

The city council voted unanimously to issue the 6-month bond anticipation note for $8,255,000.
Rush said he would prepare by August a 20-25 year bond package for the funds. He expects the city will attract favorable rates.

Council member Mary McDonald asked Rush if it would be difficult to find someone to purchase the city’s bonds. He said, “Cities as fine as Trotwood are having no trouble selling their debt.”

Historical Society Annual Spaghetti Dinner March 27

2010-03-08T16:42:00.001-05:00

The Trotwood-Madison Historical Society will hold its annual Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday, March 27, from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Trotwood Church of the Brethren, located at 208 E Main Street, Trotwood, OH. Tickets may be purchased at the door $7.00 for adults and $3.50 for children age12 and younger. The dinner includes spaghetti (featuring their homemade sauce), salad, garlic or plain bread, homemade desserts and beverage. Meatless sauce is also available and carry-out dinners can be purchased.

Proceeds go to the Iams Homestead Preservation Fund. For more info call 854-4505 or visit http://t-mhs.blogspot.com/

TUCC Cabbage Roll Dinner March 20

2010-03-06T11:00:00.002-05:00

The famous Trotwood United Church of Christ Cabbage Roll Dinner will be held Saturday, March 20 4:30-6:30PM at the church 18 N. Broadway in Trotwood. The meal includes cabbage roll(meat loaf available) real mashed potatoes, green beans, salad, and dessert. The cost is $7 per adult and $3.50 per child 10 years and younger. This is the 15th year for this semi-annaul feast-come enjoy and visit with friends and make new friends. Call 837-1261 for more details.

Applications Sought For Empty City Council Seat

2010-03-05T20:31:00.000-05:00

Bt Bruce Kettelle

The Trotwood city council is accepting applications for the vacant Ward 1 city council seat. This is the seat held by Joyce Sutton Cameron who was elevated to the position of Mayor after the recent resignation of former Mayor Darreyl Davis.

Applications are available on the city’s web site or at the government center and must be submitted by March 26th to the clerk of council Lois Singleton.

According to the city charter applicants must be a Trotwood resident for at least one year and currently be residing in the area known as District (Ward) 1. The city council is required to fill the vacancy within 60 days.

Interested residents should complete the city’s volunteer application although there is a small annual stipend paid to city council members. A boundary map showing District 1 is available on the web site or at the city offices.

Completed applications may be delivered to the city offices or submitted by email or facsimile to 854-0574.

Questions about the process should be directed to Lois Singleton 854-7212 or by email lsingleton@trotwood.org. For forms maps and other information visit www.Trotwood.org

Will DP&L Twitter During Emergencies?

2010-02-27T16:45:00.002-05:00

By Bruce Kettelle

A friend lost power in New Hampshire during this week's big storm now being called a Snowicane because of the high winds and associated coastal tides. He like nearly a million in the storm's path lost their power.

Unlike Ohio's 2008 experience with outages from the wind remnants of Hurricane Ike, New Hampshirites were kept up to date with power restoration updates via Twitter. Public Service Company of New Hampshire is still providing Twitter updates today as they work through the widespread outages.

Dayton Power and Light (DP&L) should take note of PSNH's success. Without power, homeowners have few choices to get info. Cell phones recharged with automobile adapters are often their only link with the outside world. Twitter updates can be monitored on those phones.

Hats off to PSNH for finding ways to keep their customers informed. Lets hope DP&L can get on this technology bandwagon.

See for yoursel by scrolling through the PSNH posts http://twitter.com/psnh

Trotwood Mayor Resigns

2010-02-23T20:20:00.002-05:00

Trotwood Mayor Resigns, Vice Mayor Cameron To Fill Term

By Bruce Kettelle

Following a hastily called special city council meeting tonight, Vice Mayor Joyce Sutton Cameron announced that Trotwood Mayor Darreyl Davis has resigned. Cameron will be sworn in on March 1st to complete the unexpired portion of his term through the end of 2011.

Davis has been under fire since the release of a January investigation report from the Ohio Inspector General. The investigation revealed that Davis had conducted city business for Trotwood while on the clock at the Ohio Department of Transportation. Davis worked for ODOT for 30-years before his resignation last fall after the allegations came to light.

"City council will accept the resignation at the regular meeting in March and swear in the vice mayor to fill the remaining time of his term," said Cameron in a prepared statement. The resignation letter did not give any reasons for his decision.

"We will interview and appoint someone to fill my seat," Cameron said. By the city charter the city council has 60-days to make that appointment.

Cameron said the investigation has only had one negative impact on the city causing a delay in the next phase of design work for the Salem Mall site.. The investigation revealed that the city's design contractor for the mall site had given a friend of Davis a $5,000 finders fee for helping to land the contract. Davis himself did not receive any of that money.

"We want to come out from this as a whole council," said Cameron optimistically. "We intend on moving ahead together." She hopes the residents will have more confidence in their elected officials as they move forward.

Davis did not return phone calls for comment. His letter ended "I wish the City of Trotwood much success in the future."

Trotwood resident Janice Chinn said, "It's sad that this change had to happen this way." Chinn, a critic of the Mayor and unsuccessful city council candidate thinks the citizens will get behind the new mayor.

Bring Your Easter Baskets March 27

2010-02-23T14:34:00.000-05:00

The annual Trotwood Easter Egg Hunt is Saturday March 27th in Madison Park at 10am. Children 10 and under should bring their own baskets to collect candy and prizes hidden around the park. Come early and gather at the pavillion to find out about special prizes hidden in the eggs for each age group.

Madison Park is located at 301 South Broadway next to Madison Park Elementary School. For more information contact the Trotwood Recreation Division at 854-7227..

Do We Need Countywide School Districts In Ohio?

2010-01-29T19:22:00.001-05:00

By Bruce Kettelle

For ten years I have been screaming why do we have 17 school districts in Montgomery County Ohio? It is not because I think we need more districts, it is because I think 17 is way too many. In fact I am begging for someone, anyone, in Columbus to listen to my plea for just one district to cover the entire county.

And not just for Montgomery. Ohio has 614 school districts. If they are combined we could have just 88, one for each county in the state.

There are good reasons to take a closer look at this proposal including cost savings and better education opportunities for everyone.

Cost savings will come from transportation and administrative budgets. No longer will there be 17 accounts payable departments, 17 payroll departments, or 17 superintendents. Bus transportation decisions will be able to include routes that cross the old boundary lines and provide streamlining that will reduce busses, drivers, and maintenance costs.

Schools will be able to work together to provide more advanced programs and new subjects that were not warranted by the smaller demand of the lesser districts.

We're not talking about closing schools or even changing exiting attendance zones. As one big district there will still be all the same elementary, middle and high schools with their own identities and sports rivalries.

Ohio is late to the game on district consolidations. Since 1950 there were 83,641 school districts in the US, regions and states have been trending towards fewer and larger districts. By 1980 there were just 15, 986.

Countywide school districts are already in place in Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. Other states have combined districts in different ways. And recent studies show that average achievement scores are higher in larger districts.

Under a countywide system there would be one countywide millage rate for property taxes. The one rate system would be less confusing for homeowners shopping for a house and help provide a more level playing field for economic development specialists trying to attract new business. The distribution of those revenues would also help districts respond to the state Supreme Court ruling concerning the current unconstitutional funding formula.

Another benefit statewide is to provide a first introduction of the effectiveness of regional government to Ohioans grappling with combining other services. In Montgomery we are trying a countywide emergency dispatch system and leaders are dialoguing about other combined services.

Countywide school districts will work for Ohio. Will you be an advocate for them?

Letter Gives A Few Clues In Mayor Inquiry

2010-01-24T16:47:00.001-05:00

By Bruce Kettelle

The anonymous letter that sparked a state investigation of Trotwood Mayor Darreyl Davis was released to Totally Trotwood last week. The April 13, 2009 letter was obtained from the State Inspector General’s office after an eight-month investigation.

Clues to the identity of the mystery writer remain sketchy. In the letter the writer claims to be retired from General Motors. They also mention they met with the Mayor “several times this week to discuss what he plans on doing for Trotwood.”

The letter questions why the Mayor’s meetings were during the business day when he is supposed to be working full time for the Ohio Department of Transportation. Davis was a salaried supervisor at ODOT during that time.

The letter is addressed to Rex Dickey the ODOT District 7 Deputy Director where Davis was employed. Davis retired from his ODOT post in September.

The investigation conducted by the Ohio Inspector General uncovered personal phone calls and emails conducted on state time. Those results were forwarded to ODOT and prosecutors for review.

Totally Trotwood visited the Trotwood city offices last week to review city records related to the investigation. The inspector general’s office subpoenaed 100’s of pages of emails, memos, and expense records from the city. Copies of those records revealed five people’s names requesting meetings with the Mayor around the time of the letter. None of them met with the mayor “several times.”

In a phone interview this week Davis said he is not searching for the letter writer but the contents of the letter did not give him any new clues. “I haven’t done anything improper,” said Davis. He has retained legal counsel to help defend him.

The investigation also uncovered a finders fee paid to a friend of Davis by a Trotwood contractor. Davis maintains he did not find out about the fee until after the city council voted on the contract.

For now the identity of the letter writer remains a mystery.

Click here to see the complete anonymous letter.

Trotwood's Hankins Continues With First Suburbs Consortium

2010-01-14T11:27:00.000-05:00

The First Suburbs Consortium of Dayton has announced its leadership team for 2010. The Consortium elected Riverside Deputy Mayor Bill Flaute as Chair, Oakwood Vice Mayor Steve Byington as Vice-Chair, Huber Heights Councilmember Judy Blankenship as Secretary, Kettering Councilmember Bruce Duke as Treasurer and Trotwood Councilmember Rap Hankins as the At Large Member of the Executive Committee.

Last year Hankins served as Vice-Chair.

“We have a great leadership team and I look forward to working together to build upon the progress of the past year” said Flaute. “In 2010 we will continue to focus our efforts on initiatives and projects which add value for our member communities. We will also reach out to other groups and organizations with similar interests through our Associate Membership program.”

The First Suburbs Consortium of Dayton is a Council of Governments formed in 2005 to focus on the challenges and opportunities common to older inner ring suburbs surrounding Dayton. The Consortium presently has thirteen member communities which comprise approximately 50% of the population of Montgomery County. They are: Centerville, Clayton, Harrison Township, Huber Heights, Jefferson Township, Kettering, Miamisburg, Moraine, Oakwood, Riverside, Trotwood, Vandalia and West Carrollton.

In Ohio, the Cincinnati, Cleveland and Columbus areas have similar First Suburb organizations. For information contact: firstsuburbs@ameritech.net or phone 937-866-1584

Council Votes To Investigate Mayor

2010-01-07T00:46:00.000-05:00

By Bruce Kettelle

At an emergency city council meeting Wednesday night Trotwood officials approved plans to further investigate the mayor’s role in the 2008 Stonehenge contract. The action is in response to the Ohio Inspector General’s investigation released Tuesday accusing the Mayor Darreyl Davis of improprieties.

At issue is his prior knowledge or involvement surrounding a $5,000 finders fee paid by Stonehenge to former city employee Sheila Edwards. Edwards introduced Stonehenge to Davis and the city. The city later entered into the contract to provide design services for a re-use plan for the former Salem Mall site.

The Mayor and council voted unanimously to accept the recommendations of city law director Stephen McHugh. The recommendations included suspending negotiations with Stonehenge for a phase II contract, a full investigation of the city’s original contract with Stonehenge, and an investigation of the Mayor’s involvement with that contract award.

McHugh cautioned that besides the city investigation the report is also being further reviewed by other agencies including: Ohio Ethics Commission, Ohio Department of Transportation (where Davis was employed), Ohio Department of Health (where Edwards was employed), City of Columbus prosecutors, Montgomery County prosecutors, and Franklin County prosecutors. Those investigations could raise additional facts or recommendations the city may want to consider.

In addition to the issues surrounding the contract Davis is likely to be reviewed by ODOT for personal calls and emails made during work hours.

Davis maintains that he has done nothing improper. He explained that he only became aware of the finders fee after the contract was awarded.

Trotwood law director Stephen McHugh and Mayor Darreyl Davis confer briefly with other council member before the start of an emergency meeting to discuss allegations against the mayor.

The release of the investigator’s report came as a surprise to vice-mayor Joyce Cameron. “I did not know about the investigation until yesterday, I was totally blindsided,” she said after the meeting. “I feel no one knows at this point how this will turn out.”

Cameron and others at the meeting said they do not know the identity anonymous tipster who caused the investigation.

Davis, like many Mayors, has detractors in the community. He was recently the target of a failed recall effort for not opposing the recently opened Greyhound Bus Lines terminal in the city. He also was criticized for his involvement in the money losing city jazz festival held several years ago.

A New Year And A New Store Opens

2010-01-06T21:05:00.003-05:00

By Bruce Kettelle

Trotwood started the New Year with the grand opening of a new O’Reilly Auto Parts store. The 5,900-sq/ft store marks the 7th Dayton area store for the chain as part of a massive expansion within Ohio over the past two years.

“The company has been around for 52 years,” said District manager Jim Miller before the ceremonial ribbon cutting. “I think this store will do real well and our customers already seem to like it.”
The newly built store is nestled on Salem Ave. between three competitors on the same block.

“We have already had customers stop in that were comparing prices from O’Reilly”, said Dave Bohardt manager of nearby Main Auto Parts. He thinks the new competition will be good for business.

Trotwood Chamber members and city officials helped out at the grand opening of the O'Reillys Auto Parts on Salem Av on Januaery 6. (l-r) Sandy Reige, Sandy Marty, Karen Garner, Mathew Wynn (manager), Marie Battle, Gary Fischer, Carl Daugherty, Eric Perkins (asst manager), Jim Mills (district manager), Loren Gross and Shari Hooper (seated).

“There are some things we keep in stock that others don’t,” said Miller. Each of the competitors has their own niche.

Most of the other 36 Ohio O’Reilly stores opened last year were also built near competitors. Now with 66 stores in Ohio they continue to expand expecting to open 24-26 more stores here in 2010.

Carl Daugherty Trotwood’s zoning administrator helped the builders follow the city’s updated landscape and signage requirements and is pleased with the way it enhances Salem Ave. He is hopeful the city will witness additional retail growth this year.

“Grandview Weekend Outlet opened a new store before Christmas next to the Salem Av. K-Mart store,” said Daugherty. “I have an appointment coming up with another prospect that might locate in the Olde Town area.”

Perhaps this new interest in Trotwood could mark 2010 as a turning point for the city’s effort to attract new retailers.

Board members from the Trotwood Chamber of Commerce helped cut the ribbon. As with each local O’Reilly opening a donation is made to a local charity. Accepting for the Goodwill Easter Seals Adult Day Support center was Anna Marty and Shari Hooper.

The Trotwood O’Reilly store is located at 3970 Salem Avenue (937)279-0688.

Ohio Inspector General Says Mayor Davis Misused State Time To Perform Mayoral Duties

2010-01-05T18:51:00.000-05:00

By Bruce Kettelle

Trotwood Mayor Darreyl Davis was admonished today in a 12-page report issued by the Ohio Office of Inspector General. The report documents 379 hours of personal time spent while on the job at the Ohio Department of Transportation since April 2007.

The investigation began April 23, 2009 after an anonymous tip alerted the inspector’s office.

Also detailed in the investigation are emails and phone calls between Davis and a former Trotwood city employee who was working at the Ohio Department of Health. The investigator suggests that Davis aided Sheila Edwards to obtain a $5,000 finders fee from a Ghana consultant after Trotwood awarded a $50,000 contract to the firm.

Davis told investigators he never attempted to exert his influence and stressed that his was just one of seven votes approving the contract. Officials from the consultant agreed, and said there was nothing unusual about paying Edwards for her assistance.

Nonetheless the state suggests that Davis’s neglecting to inform city officials of the arrangement prior to the contract award creates the appearance of impropriety.

The investigation also details 379 hours of time Davis spent on Trotwood and personal business while on the clock at ODOT as a supervisor. The inspector suggests that Davis charged nearly $15,000 of time while not working on ODOT matters.

He acknowledged to the investigators with regret his increasing difficulties with juggling and separating his duties for ODOT and Trotwood, but even so said he was surprised by the extent of e-mails and phone calls documented by this investigation. In the report investigators said, “To his credit, Davis recognized the problem – albeit, belatedly – and retired from ODOT to avoid future conflicts.”

The report was forwarded today to ODOT, ODH and prosecutors in Columbus, Franklin County, and Montgomery County.

To read a complete copy of the report click here.

Health Care - What Will The New Bill Mean To You?

2009-12-26T20:20:00.001-05:00

The Healthcare bill passed by the US Senate on Christmas Eve will not be finalized until the modified plan is passed in the US House again. While most expect there will be some minor changes there are some basic elements that should stay firm.

Here are some of the key questions and answers if it become law:

For consumers:

Q: Would the law force me to buy health insurance?

A: Yes, for most people. Of course, if you already have insurance from your job or are on Medicare, that won’t be a problem for you. Others might have to turn to newly created “exchanges” to buy coverage.

Q: What if I refuse?

A: You’d face a fine. It would start at $95 a year in 2014 and rise to $750 a year by 2016, or as much as 2% of your income, capped at the value of a basic insurance plan.

Q: What if I can’t afford coverage?

A: You’re likely to qualify for subsidies. The new consumer insurance subsidies would mean that a family of four earning about $22,000 a year would pay no more than 2% of its income toward insurance premiums. That assistance would stretch on a sliding scale up to a family of four earning about $88,000 a year and cap its premiums at 9.8% of the family’s income. Medicaid would be available to a family of four earning up to about $29,000.

For employers:

Q: Under the bill, do I have to give my employees coverage?

A: Technically, there’s no requirement, but if you have more than 50 employees and don’t offer coverage, you’re likely to face penalties. Any employer that doesn’t offer affordable coverage and has an employee who gets a tax credit would face a fine of $750 per worker.

Q: What if I have fewer than 50 employees?

A: The penalties don’t apply to you.

Q: With premiums rising so quickly, what’s to stop small employers from dropping coverage?

A: Small employers would get help to encourage them to maintain health coverage. Starting next year, firms with a small number of workers and average wages of up to $25,000 a year would be eligible for tax credits equal to 35% of the company’s cost of their insurance. That help would phase out gradually for firms with more employees and higher wages.

Fire Chief Says Move Is About Family

2009-12-19T09:42:00.002-05:00

By Bruce Kettelle

Trotwood Fire Chief Gene Lutz will start a new job in Madison, OH on January 18. After seven years in Trotwood Lutz is moving back home to lead the department next door to the Perrysburg department where his firefighting career began.

“Mom noticed the position was open and encouraged me to apply,” said Lutz. She has wanted him and her grandchildren closer since he moved to Trotwood. “It’s about family and going back home where my roots are.”

He said it is a lateral move pay wise. Madison Fire District responds to about 3,000 calls a year compared to Trotwood’s 6,000. Their staff is a little smaller too with 36 versus 77.

Although the pace is different, Madison has its challenges as the largest township in the state. “They are growing and they need to modernize some stuff,” say Lutz. “They wanted an outside view.”

Madison is in the midst or developing a new fire master plan due to complete this spring. Lutz is eager to play a role in developing the township’s future strategy.

In Trotwood Lutz led the construction of the new fire station on Little Richmond Rd. He is also responsible for restructuring the department’s management creating new efficiencies and cost benefits. During his tenure he has landed several large grants to replace turnout gear, technical rescue equipment, new tornado sirens, computerized EMS reports, and outfitted every vehicle with the new twelve lead cardiac monitor/defibrillators.

“I going to miss the people here, both the firefighters and the citizens,” said Lutz. “It’s a great place to be, I’ve really enjoyed being here.”

His last day in Trotwood is January 15.

Big Boom Rocks Olde Town

2009-12-11T11:47:00.001-05:00

By Bruce Kettelle

A loud explosion startled Trotwood residents Wednesday afternoon. Reports of windows rattling and activated car alarms were wide spread in the Olde Town area.

The explosion created by the Wright Patterson Air Force Base Bomb Squad detonated some old military ordinance found in a shed in a nearby neighborhood.

Police Sergeant Fred Beck said the department was called to the home of a recently deceased retired US Marine. Family members were cleaning out the home.

“They did the right thing, they didn’t touch the munitions and immediately called us for assistance,” said Beck.

Police were able to identify a rocket-powered grenade, five smoke bombs, and a phosphorous grenade from the Korea and Vietnam Wars that were stored in a bucket. “They were pretty crusty (rusted) and since they were military devices we called Wright Pat instead of the Dayton Bomb Squad,” said Beck.

A Trotwood officer moved the items to nearby Sycamore State Park where the items were detonated. Beck said they chose the deserted horsemen’s area for safety reasons.

The explosion set off car alarms nearly two miles away along Trotwood Boulevard and elsewhere. Beck said dispatchers received about two-dozen calls from residents after the explosion mostly from the Stauffer Plat.

Residents Supportive Of Mall Plans

2009-11-30T23:47:00.002-05:00

State Senator Fred Strahorn (center) listens along with Trotwood residents as consultants explain conceptual plans for the former Salem Mall site.

By Bruce Kettelle

About 180 residents eager to hear about plans for the site of the former Salem Mall came to the Trotwood High school Monday night. Mayor Darryl Davis, City Manager Mike Lucking and a team of economic development professionals laid out the details for two hours and took questions for another hour.

“That’s what we want, a multi-prong approach, not just retail,” said resident Adrienne Heard who also runs a management consulting business in town. “I like the greenspace public area, the public area is what I liked about the Salem Mall,” she said after the presentation.

The concept plan includes about 8 acres of open greenspace that could include a performance stage, space for a farmers market or any combination of other events and gatherings that can help make the site a destination.

The study accomplished by The Stonehenge Company and Bird Houk Collaborative for the city intends to guide the next phase to include more specific design guidelines and identifying specific initial tenants for the central Salem Avenue location. The concept is to integrate retail, offices, housing, and other services to give the initiative a longer lifecycle than a typical retail only development.

“Projects like this take a long time,” said Stonehenge president Mo Dioun. He cited a similar project that has been in the works for three and a half years and recently decided to delay another nine months due to the economy. “Without public support of the city council this will not happen.”

He looks to establish synergy between the public needs and the private developers he describes as “selfless thoughts and actions” that benefit both. The plan depends on creating a destination that engages a sense of ownership for residents.

Dioun stressed that there are 500 regional malls in the US undergoing similar dramatic change and applauded the city’s efforts to be proactive.

Lucking introduced additional experts being utilized by the city including a DC lobbyist who helped bring a $1-million federal budget earmark for Salem Av street work, global technology experts, an economic development consultant, and experts on emerging environmental technologies.

“I appreciate we are using experts and asking for community input,” said Heard.

Timothy Cargle, another local business owner was hopeful the plan could lead to success for the city. “To a greater degree it’s confirmation of economic development,” he said. “I believe companies will come here if they sense an opportunity to grow.”

There were questions from about 10 audience members. Most sounded positive about the concepts and tried to pin the consultants down on more specific timelines.

Timelines and more detailed design specifics will come in the next phase said Jim Houk president of Bird Houk Collaborative. He assured that phase would include additional community input. The city council will be facing the decision whether or not to proceed very soon.

Mall Concept Plans At High School Tonight

2009-11-30T09:49:00.001-05:00

Trotwood residents are invited to have a first look at the city’s preliminary plans for the former Salem Mall site in the high school auditorium from 5-7pm today.

Nearly a year in the works with an outside consultant and a working group of 13 residents, city officials are now turning to the public for their comments on the draft concepts. The Stonehenge Group will help to explain the proposed road network and mix of commercial, residential and office uses they hope the plan will attract. At the center of their concept is a large greenspace area to host a variety of events from farmer's markets to concerts.

The idea of having a central attraction in the plan has been successful in other cities. By offering more than just retail stores the hope is to create a long term solution in the heart of Trotwood’s Salem Avenue corridor.

Residents will have the opportunity to make suggestions on the conceptual plan. For more information contact the Trotwood city manager’s office at 854-7213.

Dayton Cheerleaders Preach To Choir

2009-11-18T21:28:00.003-05:00

By Bruce Kettelle

The Dayton Region Rally Tuesday afternoon at UD Arena to celebrate the area’s opportunities and initiatives for growing jobs lived up to it’s name. An elaborate multi-media presentation by a mix of business, arts, and leisure leaders delivered like cheerleaders for the home team touted many success stories and a glimpse of Dayton’s future.

Among the audience estimated between 1,500 and 2,000 were few new faces yet to be converted. Plenty of regular Dayton optimists were on hand however and welcomed the chance to be reinvigorated anew as Dayton tries to capitalize on its many successes to attract new innovation and the jobs that come with it.

Much of the presentation was not particularly new news. What made the event special was the magnitude of the combined regional efforts aimed at economic development. And of course the elegant presentation of videos and slides on three big screens and the occasional interaction with the audience culminating with 40 geared up sports enthusiasts riding bikes, carrying kayaks and wearing hiking gear during the Five Rivers MetroParks address.

Besides Dayton there were initiative presentations from Springfield, Troy, and Yellow Springs. Each booster pitched their special brands and how they turn those into success. Missing was any mention of the inner ring suburbs which are critical to any discussion of Dayton.

In a jab at the city responsible for luring away NCR earlier this year Downtown Dayton Coalition President Jim Leftwich cited the area’s abundant water supply for companies that depend on inexpensive water. “We’re going to take our water story to Atlanta and recruit companies to move to Dayton Ohio,” he said to cheers.

Other examples during the 2-hour event were less specific and hinged on Dayton being a great place to live, work and play.

What did show was the earnest commitment everyone involved is giving to help Dayton prosper. The message to coax more of the 900,000 residents of the Miami Valley to get on board came through loud and clear. When that happens Dayton will be unstoppable.

Some of the presenters at the rally from left: Mike Erwin, Co-chair Greater Downtown Dayton Plan; Sean Creighton, Dayton Create; Theresa Gasper, Dayton Create; Pat Meadows, Exec Dir National Council on Community and Justice; Allen Elijah, President United Way; Kelly Kirsch, Dir of Marketing LGT Materials; Dr David Hopkins, President Wright State; Joe Sciabica, Exec Dir Air Force Research Laboratory; Stacia Edwards, Director Regional Workforce Transformation Consortium; Bruce Langos, COO Teradata Corporation; lucky audience member that almost won a car shooting a basket; and Lisa Hunt, Yellow Springs Arts Council.

Kayakers, bicyclists, hikers, fishermen and more came through the audience to highlight the offerings of Five Rivers MetroParks.

Three Trotwood City Levies Pass, Schools Rejected Again

2009-11-04T06:32:00.002-05:00

By Bruce Kettelle

Several Trotwood precincts were late being counted Tuesday delaying the outcomes of several close races. With the last precinct tabulated at 12:30 AM Wednesday both the Trotwood EMS and Fire issues were approved, one street levy passes and the incumbent city council members were re-elected to new four-year terms.

"We have to be very excited that they won," said fire chief Gene Lutz as he watched levy results roll in at the firehouse on Little Richmond Rd. "We can continue to provide this level of service and replace outdated equipment." The EMS renewal levy is passing with 66.4% of the vote. The fire equipment additional levy was much closer with 51.1% of the vote.

The Trotwood street department will have some new money for next year. Voters gave 51.6% approval to funding for street maintenance including additional salt supplies for snow and ice control in the winter. But the request to fund other expenses including leaf pick up only attracted a 39.7% approval leaving this category unfunded for next year.

"We worked very hard for this," said public works director Thomas Odenigbo. "It must be what the residents want and I'll live with it." Supporters of the street levy were gathered at the community center in Sycamore Woods.

A complication in the ballot language for the second street levy left some voters confused. One unidentified voter in ward three said he thought the wording was so vague that it sounded like a general fund levy. He said he voted no and thought others might have mistakenly done the same.

The Trotwood-Madison City Schools will be waking up today to the failure of their second levy attempt. They are trying to raise additional operating funds for the first time since the early 1990s. Even though the district reduced the request this year only 41% of the voters agreed with yesterday's 7.5-mill attempt.

Last years 9.06-mill levy received a slightly higher percentage at 44.6. During that 2008 Presidential election 71% of Trotwood’s voters turned out to the polls.

School supporters gathered at the former Moto Photo headquarters lamented that this will mean cuts in the 2010-2011 budget. "The board will have to make cuts in academics, extracurricular, and bussing," said assistant superintendent Rexanne Wagner. "They will feel the cuts."

Three school board members were reelected to four-year terms. Deborah Daniels, Teena Davis and Denise Moore ran unopposed.

There was competition for three of the four city council seats. Rap Hankins narrowly retained his seat in a heated race from newcomer Janice Chinn. Chinn centered her campaign on the failure of city council to raise objections over the new Greyhound Bus terminal opening last month on Shiloh Springs Rd. Hankins pulled 807 votes to Chinn's 774 in the Ward 2 race.

Joyce Sutton Cameron (Ward 1) and Mary McDonald (Ward 4) easily kept their council seats with 61% and 62% affirmations. Cameron received 1,103 votes to Mattie Clay's 703. McDonald captured 545 votes to J.D. Williams II's 333.

Ron Vaughn ran unopposed in Ward 3.

Trotwood's turnout was a little heavier than usual off-year elections. A total of 6,103 voters came to the polls, a 33% turnout. The highest turnout is Ward 3 with 36% and the lowest is Ward 4 with 29%.

Trotwood Voter Turnout Higher Than Expected

2009-11-03T18:46:00.003-05:00

Trotwood voters poured out to the polls today in larger numbers than expected. By 3pm most polls acknowledged a 25% turnout. A Late day surge boosted that number and two locations exceeded 50%.

Voters were inspired by different issues. Some said they were there because of one of the state issues. Others indicated they were motivated by specific county and local levies on the ballot as the most important reason for coming out.

At issue in Trotwood are three city council seats, two fire levies, two street levies, and the Trotwood Madison school levy. Totally Trotwood will post the final Trotwood results later tonight.

Beggars Night In Trotwood Saturday

2009-10-29T14:00:00.002-04:00

This beautiful life size pirate ship display on South Broadway is one of many signs Halloween is near in Trotwood. The official beggars night this year is on Halloween October 31st from 6-8pm.

Children are encouraged to wear something reflective and drivers are asked to be extra careful during those hours.

Trotwood Council Meeting Cancelled Nov 2

2009-10-28T20:09:00.003-04:00

Due to lack of agenda items the regularly scheduled Trotwood City Council meeting is cancelled for Monday November 2, 2009. For more information contact clerk of council Lois Singleton at 854-7212.

H1N1 Vaccines At Hara October 29 3-7pm

2009-10-28T16:35:00.003-04:00

H1N1 nasal spray and injectable vaccines will be administered Thursday Oct 29 to pregnant women and children 6 months through 4 years of age at Hara Arena, 1001 Shiloh Springs Rd., Trotwood,from 3-7 pm, or until the vaccine is gone

The Montgomery County Health District is providing the H1N1 clinic to help vaccinate the groups identified to be most at risk. For additional information about Public Health H1N1 clinics, check phdmc.org or call the flu information line at 224-8796.

Greyhound Opening Anticlimactic

2009-10-27T19:07:00.005-04:00

By Bruce Kettelle
About a dozen passengers with baggage were lined up inside the Trotwood GDRTA Northwest Hub Tuesday morning. They were not waiting for an RTA bus. These were some of the first to catch a Greyhound bus from Trotwood, specifically the southbound bus leaving at 9am.

Dayton resident Sirgeo Thompson a local photographer is headed for Atlanta. “I’m doing a shoot there for Boss Magazine,” said Thompson.

Behind him is an elderly Old Order German Baptist in a wide brimmed hat. After overhearing the conversation with the photographer he pulled out a 2005 issue of National Geographic Magazine. “That’s me and my wife,” he said pointing to a picture in the magazine.

He was on his way home to Jackson Mississippi. He didn’t know about the Greyhound terminal moving to Trotwood until he arrived at the former location in downtown Dayton earlier this morning. “We hurried up out here real quick.”

A college student on his way to Cincinnati joined in to look at some of the pictures being passed around. Anything to help pass the time while waiting for the bus.

As the bus pulled out Frank Ecklar, Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority director of planning said, “that’s number three, only 14 more to go today.” Ecklar was on hand to monitor the first day of operations at the relocated Greyhound terminal co-located in the existing RTA facility.

“Speedway is going to make a mint from this,” said Ecklar referring to a fairly steady stream of passengers stocking up on travel goodies at the convenience store next door.

Ecklar was taking notes on how the passengers, cars, and busses interacted to develop a list of improvements needed for the site. Already in place is a new ticket window inside, a dedicated Greyhound lane in front of the building and some new signage.

One of the things at the top of his list is installing a pay phone as three riders had already asked where to find the phone.

Typically there will be 17 Greyhound busses a day in addition to the nearly 300 RTA busses already using the hub. Ecklar said the frequency is close to hourly. During holidays residents may see a few more since Greyhound sends two busses (as needed) on some routes.

The first day of service in Trotwood almost seemed anticlimactic. Fears raised by citizens of homeless people and criminals frequenting the Greyhound station were unsubstantiated. From all appearances the location will be a positive impact for the community.

With the exception of one bus that had to use the Lowes parking lot to turn around after heading the wrong way on Route 49 it was a very smooth opening for RTA and Greyhound.

The Greyhound terminal and Northwest RTA hub serving Dayton and Trotwood is located at 2075 Shiloh Springs Rd.

The posted Greyhound schedule in the Dayton/Trotwood terminal.

Halloween Family Fun Walk Tonight

2009-10-24T11:26:00.000-04:00

The Halloween Family Fun Walk is 4-6pm tonight at Madison Park in Trotwood (next to Madison Park Elementary School.) Dress up your kids and bring them out for over twenty trick or treat stations around the walking trail. Don't miss the Trunk n' Treat in the parking lot. And of course there are free hayrides with Farmer Bruce, Kenny, Phillip and Michelle. This is a rain or shine event, showers should end by start time and temps will be in low 50's.Read More

Greyhound Moves To Trotwood October 27

2009-10-23T17:10:00.001-04:00

By Bruce Kettelle

Greyhound busses will begin running in Trotwood on Tuesday October 27th. Today's announcement is the culmination of a lengthy process to find a replacement terminal for their downtown Dayton location.

Beginning Tuesday all arriving and departing Dayton passengers will load at the Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority’s Northwest Hub at 2075 Shiloh Springs Rd in Trotwood. Greyhound officials said there are 15 busses serving their Dayton terminal each day. “This new location provides a wonderful opportunity to better serve the residents of the greater Dayton area,” said Eric Melton, district manager, Greyhound Lines, Inc.

Some Greyhound passengers are expected to take advantage of the GDRTA system to get to and from their final destination.

Earlier this year some Trotwood residents objected to the move. Concerns about crime and the additional traffic included several public protests. Assurances from the Trotwood police department and the GDRTA calmed most of that opposition.

The facility is open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily and provides Greyhound PackageXpress (GPX) shipping. For Greyhound ticket information in Trotwood, call 937-224-1608.

Editorial - Ohio Issue 1, Ohio Issue 2, Ohio Issue 3 Vote No Not Yes

2009-10-18T12:44:00.004-04:00

By Bruce Kettelle

Vote no, do not vote yes. That statement may sound confusing and a little redundant but it is a lot more clear than the explanations flowing around about this year’s ballot issues in Ohio.

Ohio voters have been barraged with statewide initiatives from special interest groups in recent years. Some want to adopt specific lending or budget plans. Others look to make sweeping changes to the Ohio constitution that usually benefit or limit a narrow interest group. 2009 is no exception.

Why we allow these special interest things to come to the ballot makes no sense to me. Essentially these are last-ditch efforts to pass new rules that were not adopted by the state legislature. Don’t you think there could be a good reason the state legislature chose not to enact these rules?

Issue 1 sounds like a great way to finance a $1,000 bonus for Ohio war veterans. So why didn’t the legislature act? Probably because the proponents did not come up with an adequate way to pay the money back out of the dwindling state budget. For the same reason we should also vote no.

Issue 2 was placed on the ballot by the legislature at the urging of the Farm Bureau and other agricultural interests. Why didn’t they just enact it themselves? Probably because it creates a very narrowly appointed animal rights board primarily controlled by big agriculture companies and groups. This appointed board will create all future animal treatment rules with no input from the legislature. How can that be good? We should vote no.

Issue 3 for gambling gets an F even with a close inspection. Written by the same company that will get to build the only casinos in Ohio without having to compete for that opportunity. They even got to write their own taxation rates that will make Ohio’s one of the lowest casino taxes in the country. The legislature needs to draft sensible casino legislation that creates competitive bidding for operators and sets taxation and oversight guidelines before one of these idiotic industry written issues accidentally passes. Vote no on gambling this time too.

Actually I have not met a statewide constitutional ballot issue in Ohio that I have really liked. Each one seems to suit a too narrow definition. Constitutional amendments should be broad stroke issues that serve the citizens by defining generally what is allowed or not. The specific rules should come after much research from well informed legislators.

Maybe it is time to vote yes to limit the types of ballot initiatives permitted in Ohio. But who will pay to collect the needed signatures?

Election day is November 3rd.

PD Wins $25K For Auto Crash Prevention

2009-10-08T16:41:00.001-04:00

By Bruce Kettelle

A $25,819 grant will pay for overtime traffic enforcement at key areas around Trotwood in a statewide effort to reduce traffic accidents. The Ohio Traffic Safety Office is allocating the funds from a federal program.

The City of Trotwood Police Department has investigated 1,213 crashes in the three years 2006-2008 with 516 injuries and 10 fatalities. The new funds will add over 500 hours of high visibility enforcement in high accident zones of the city.

“The main intersections along Salem Avenue were determined to have a high rate of accidents, “ said Captain John Porter. The worst rate occurs at Turner Road with 11 accidents last year.

Porter hopes the effort will reduce crashes, injuries and insurance claims. “One long term goal is to help reduce the cost of auto insurance.”

He said they will also focus on days that have the highest frequency of crashes. “Our highest accident rates are on Thursday and Friday.”

Besides the Salem Avenue area the next worst intersection is still at Free Pike and Route 49 despite the traffic cameras installed there several years ago. “The traffic cams have reduced the accidents there but we need to do better,” said Porter. He hopes the additional police visibility will raise drivers’ awareness of the dangers there as well.

Iams Pioneer Harvest Fest Saturday Oct 10

2009-10-07T19:30:00.002-04:00

The 11th Annual Iams Pioneer Harvest Fest on October 10th is an antique farm equipment exhibition fun for families and all ages. In our cornfield out back you will see live demonstrations of actual corn harvesting with vintage equipment including a one-row corn picker and corn binder. The hours are 10-5 and admission is free.

Over 30 antique tractors are on display or in use as the corn is brought in to the belt driven ‘Corn Husker Shredder’. This year’s feature tractor is a 1919 Rock Island Heider tractor model 9-16D beautifully restored by the Flora Family.

Hayrides, and open fire cooked chili will keep you warm. The Iams Homestead Museum is full of local and regional exhibits where you can discover some great memories of the past.

New this year is a little live bluegrass music in the afternoon with western Ohio’s own Rock Island Plow Co. Band. They will start after the 2pm corn shelling contest.

Children always enjoy the hand cranked corn shellers and scavenger hunts. The nature trail behind the barns include an up close visit to the oldest Bur-Oak tree in Montgomery County estimated at over 500 years old.

In the barn are displays of tobacco drying, old equipment, and tools. Plan to spend at least a few hours at the Iams Pioneer Harvest Fest and you will find yourself stepping back in time. Our country store will be open with unique one-of-a-kind items and our delicious homemade pies.

Hot dogs, chili and drinks are available for a small donation. The Trotwood-Madison Historical Society is easy to find just a few blocks south of Trotwood’s historic Olde Town at 349 S Broadway. The hours are 10-5pm and admission is free.

Blugrass Band Added To Trotwood's Harvest Fest Saturday

2009-10-05T19:26:00.004-04:00

By Bruce Kettelle

The Rock Island Plow Co, a bluegrass group from western Ohio, will bring it on this Saturday afternoon in Trotwood during the 11th Annual Iams Homestead Harvest Fest. The group strives to revitalize listeners to those songs which may have been forgotten since the early days of bluegrass and make them favorites once again. And the setting will be perfect amid the antique tractor displays and demonstrations depicting an early 1900’s corn harvest at the festival.

The festival hours are 10-5 Saturday October 10th at 249 South Broadway in Trotwood. To celebrate the band’s performance the Trotwood Madison Historical Society has arranged for the first time display of several Rock Island tractors. The group will perform after 2pm.

Admission is free and food is available. Come early for a hayride. For additional information contact Claude Keeling at 837-5387.

No Leaf Pick Up In Trotwood

2009-10-04T11:29:00.002-04:00

By Bruce Kettelle

For the first time in nearly 30 years there will not be a city leaf pick up program in Trotwood this fall. Residents accustomed to raking their leaves into piles by the curb will have to bag their leaves for pickup with the trash.

The public works department was forced to make some cuts this year after the failure of a road levy last November. Public Works director Thomas Odenigbo said reductions included street maintenance, snow removal, and the leaf pick up program.

Rumpke, the city’s trash hauler, has agreed to pick up the bags of leaves on the regular trash collection days in the city. Odenigbo is also encouraging residents to consider composting their own leaves. There are several methods of composting including commercially available compost barrels available at home improvement centers.

Odenigbo wants residents to know that unbagged leaves at the curb will not be picked up. Leaves left by the street will create problems with storm water runoff including clogging local storm drains.

Trotwood city council would like to see the leaf pick up program reinstated. That will happen if the new public works levies on this November’s ballot succeed.

Mall Plans Taking Shape

2009-09-25T00:03:00.003-04:00

By Bruce Kettelle

Imagine a broad 8-acre lawn with weekly and sometimes daily activities. Concerts, farm markets, pet contests would be in full sight from passing cars along Shiloh Springs Rd enticing the curious to pull in and check it out. That is exactly what The Stonehenge Company expects would happen if Trotwood officials were to adopt a concept plan presented Wednesday.

The entire Trotwood City Council traveled to the company’s headquarters in Gahanna, OH to get the results of their preliminary recommendations to transform the site of the former Salem Mall.

“The city should be looking at a long term solution designed for the next generation,” said Stonehenge President Mo Dioun. “Successful areas across the country have clusters of mixed use.” He said it is important for the city to create a sustainable concept.

Dioun said single use concepts such as large retail centers tend to have limited life spans. The former Salem Mall began its decline after 30 years, which is typical of many malls across the country and with that 17% of the nations retail jobs have disappeared since 2001. The Salem Mall was demolished in 2006.

Stonehenge has become a specialist in turning dead malls into dynamic destinations with recent successes that include repositioning the 68 acre Northland Mall near Columbus into the Northland Village that incorporates a central park feature driving new visitors into the mixed use center.

With architectural and design assistance from Bird Houk Collaborative (also located in Gahanna) the city council was presented several options and a recommendation that includes two centralized park areas surrounded by a combination of offices, retail, civic, and educational buildings.

The concept includes eight new streets emanating form a central 2-acre circular plaza with inviting pedestrian ways interconnecting throughout. Although no commitments are in place the plan identifies potential occupants within the various new development blocks between the streets. Dioun recommended a phased approach that would begin with the larger park area to begin attracting visitors and interest to the area.

According to Dioun the mixed use lifestyle center approach will take longer to complete than a single use concept but it should last a very long time. The city would be responsible for providing the ongoing activity schedule in the park.

The council members were receptive. “If we look at drawing people first then we will get businesses like restaurants wanting to capitalize on all those people,” said Mayor Darreyl Davis. “And if we attract offices all those people will need a place to have lunch.”

No costs were presented with the concept but officials said the budget would depend on the revenue projections in the Tax Increment Finance District already in place around the site. TIF districts allow cities to borrow money without using the general fund. New property tax revenues generated by the improvements in the district are used to repay that debt.

“This will take a lot of political will,” said Dioun. “Once you start you have to stay committed as the leadership of the city.”

The council is expected to decide soon which concept to move forward. The next step will be a public presentation and meeting to collect input from the community on the plans that will help shape the final design. Bird Houk representatives hope to see that occur during October.

Find Opportunities On This Volunteer Website

2009-09-12T20:06:00.003-04:00

Ever wondered where to volunteer in Trotwood or anywhere else in the country? Or are you with an organization looking for volunteers? Try this site that matches you up with rewarding opportunities, just click on your state. http://www.takepart.com/thesoloist/

Gala Features Up and Coming Talents

2009-09-05T11:53:00.000-04:00

The 4th Annual Evening Under The Stars Gala will be held at Residence In Praise on Saturday September 19th at 6:30pm. The gala provides is a celebration of the success of the center’s students and includes guest speakers and great food.
The Residence in Praise Fine Arts Center is located at 5 Stuckhardt Rd in Trotwood. Tickets to the gala are $35. For more information call 854-3500.

Pets Rescued In Friday Home Fire

2009-09-04T14:52:00.003-04:00

Trotwood firefighters rescued pets and squelched a fire Friday afternoon in the Salem Village area. Crews from Trotwood and Harrison Township responded to the 1:30pm call to find flames coming from the front corner of the single story home.

Firefighters were able to bring the fire, concentrated in the front corner of the home, under control quickly. The resident alerted rescuers that several pet cats were inside. Dressed in masks and breathing apparatus at least one of the pets was retrieved alive.

A neighbor noticed the smoke and reported the fire. The wood-frame home was recently rebuilt after a fire there three years ago. Investigators will work this afternoon to determine the cause. Damage estimates were not yet available.

Photos by Vito Cameruci.

RTA Meeting About Greyhound Aug 25th

2009-08-21T14:15:00.001-04:00

By Bruce Kettelle

The Greater Dayton RTA is hosting a public meeting on Tuesday August 25th at 7pm in RTA’a Northwest Maxi Hub, 2075 Shiloh Springs Rd. Representatives of Greyhound Lines, Inc will be on hand to talk with citizens about their Dayton operating hub’s relocation to Trotwood in the coming months.

RTA has signed a five-year agreement to provide space at the Trotwood Maxi Hub to accommodate Greyhound’s interstate bus service. RTA will provide ticketing and boarding services for Dayton passengers.

Some Trotwood residents have objected to the move fearing increased traffic and crime will negatively impact nearby residential neighborhoods. RTA executive director Mark Donaghy hopes to answer questions about their objections and explain how RTA will operate the station for Greyhound.

Currently Dayton’s Greyhound station handles 11 to 15 busses daily. According to Greyhound officials the total count of daily buses may increase during peak periods such as holidays. During those times there may be an additional 4 or 5 busses daily. Currently over 300 RTA busses use the hub daily.

RTA officials are expected to reveal their plans to make some updates to the facility including the addition of a restaurant.

Totally Trotwood will be at the meeting. If you have questions about the facility leave them in the comments section below and we will try to get those questions answered.

Five T-M Grads Are Back As Teachers

2009-08-17T13:06:00.001-04:00

By Bruce Kettelle

Five Trotwood-Madison City Schools graduates are back at their hometown school for the first day of classes today. This time they are going to school as teachers.

Among the newly hired teachers introduced at Friday’s district wide 2009 opening day convocation for staff were the five alumni returning to their alma mater.

DelMaria Watts ’94 (Ohio State) is teaching science at the middle school. Marnika Buchanan ’02 (Kentucky State) is teaching 5th grade at Madison Park Elementary. Latasha Van Kleek ’01 (Central State) is also at Madison Park teaching 2nd graders. Ryan Vance ’04 (Central State) and Brittany A. Nalls (Harris) ’01 (Wright State) are both at the Early Learning Center.

This isn’t the first time T-M graduates have returned to teach here but it may be the largest number starting in the same year.

All the teachers will have their work cut out for them as they embark to help improve the district’s State Report Card. Assistant Superintendent Rexann Wagner gave the staff a preview of the new report card due to be released by the state this month.

Wagner said the district maintained a rating of Continuous Improvement despite some proficiency scores declining slightly. “This is not good, we cannot continue on this path,” she said. “We must do better, our students are counting on us.”

Wagner introduced a new resource for the teachers this year. District teachers and staff prepared the homemade primer of teaching concepts. It is a compilation of many techniques to help improve learning from many current sources. Wagner said it shows that “our staff collectively has answers.”

They have a lot of work to do to advance the district’s state rating. The new report card will show the district met 11 of 30 indicators. She said the district has not met adequate yearly progress for many years.

The good news is that most students are meeting the proficiency scores. Wagner stressed that the district needs to do better to assist those students that are close to achieving these goals.

What doesn’t show up in the state’s report is the successes students have after graduation. A record 67% of T-M’s class of 2009 made plans to continue their education after high school. Sixty-two of the 188 graduating seniors were offered scholarships totaling over $3,000,000.

Wagner also recognized six returning teachers that were recently awarded advanced degrees. Five T-M teachers received Masters and one earned their PHD during the last 12 months.

Council Will Consider Levies Tuesday

2009-08-16T14:33:00.001-04:00

By Bruce Kettelle

Trotwood City Council is holding a special meeting Tuesday to consider several levy issues for the November ballot. They will meet at 5:30 August 18 at the community center on Lake Center Drive.

The council will discuss whether to ask for a renewal or replacement of the expiring 2-mill ambulance levy and whether to ask for an additional 2-mill levy to support the fire department to help reduce that department’s dependence on the city’s general fund.

Also on the agenda is consideration to request a levy or levies of 1-mill to fund the city’s street department. Last year voters did not renew an expiring 1-mill street levy, which has led to cuts in service including less road salt during winter storms and removing the fall leaf pick-up service.

The street department is also requesting authorization to apply for two state transportation grants for street improvements on Salem Av and Shiloh Springs Rd.

For more information contact the clerk of council at 854-7212.

Used Book Sale Aug 27-29

2009-08-16T14:13:00.000-04:00

The Trotwood-Madison Historical Society will hold it's annual Used Book Sale on Thursday, Friday & Saturday, August 27, 28 & 29 in the Barn at the Iams Homestead property located at 349 S Broadway, Trotwood, Ohio. Hours are 9 am - 5 pm.

Books available will be hardback & paperback in fiction, non-fiction, cookbooks, children's, inspirational, romance, etc. Proceeds will benefit the Iams Property Renovation Projects.

For information: 837-0355 or 837-5387

National Night Out At Target Thursday August 20th

2009-08-16T14:10:00.000-04:00

Inclement weather has forced the postponement of this event from August 4th to August 20th.

The City of Trotwood Police department is participating in the National Night Out Thursday, August 20th, 2009, from 4:00-8:00 p.m. in the Trotwood Target Store parking lot at 2800 Shiloh Springs Road. Kids games, music and a police K-9 demonstration will help the community get to know their patrol officers and each other. A limited supply of free food and refreshments will be served.

Local businesses will also provide informational booths. Participating organizations include Trotwood Fire & Rescue, Target, Cub Foods, Speedway, Eby Brown, McDonalds and U.S. Bank.

The overall mission of Trotwood’s National Night Out event is to strengthen neighborhood spirit and Police-Community partnerships by sending criminals the message that neighborhoods are fighting back.
National Night Out is an effort to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness throughout the nation.

For more information please contact Trotwood Police Chief Quincy Pope at (937) 854-7205 or qpope@trotwood.org.

My Old Radio Station Pulls The Plug - WBCN Boston

2009-08-07T13:33:00.001-04:00

By Bruce Kettelle

I am losing an old friend this month. After 40 years WBCN-FM in Boston is going off the air.

We’ve all got our favorite radio stations but how many of them have been around this long.

My relationship with WBCN begins in New Hampshire in the spring of 1974. I had taken a semester off before starting college to “ski bum” in Vermont. Now it was time to crack the books again. In high school we could pick up WMMR in Philly. It helped us study, drive, and keep up on the newest ‘underground music.’

One of my dorm mates was playing 104.1 on his radio and it caught my attention, music I was used to in my Philadelphia suburb. The more I listened the more I realized there was something special. The DJ’s connected, with music that fit the mood of the moment and personalities we could really relate to. It was pertinent, informative and addictive because you didn’t want to miss any snippet since they were rarely repeated.

I soon found there was a campus radio station and, sometimes to the detriment of my studies, I signed up and in a month I found myself ‘on the air’. Fast forward to 1978 I landed in Boston right up the street from the Paradise Theater known for hosting the newest up and coming bands.

My three Boston roommates had all worked at the old college station and longed to make it at BCN. I volunteered and eventually landed the producer job with Matt Siegel’s midday show. Picking most of his music I tried to remember what I liked as a listener and helped him keep it fresh. There was a lot of music to pick from back then, not the narrowly programmed lists of today.

Being in the studio during the famous crossovers between the Big Mattress morning man Charles Laquidera and Matt was always unpredictable. And like their memorable closing line it really was “all in the t-t-t-timing.”

I’ll never forget the Tom Couch and Eddie Gorodetzky lunch song productions. Every day at noon they would overdub a popular song with lyrics usually about Matt and BCN. They even let me sing a couple and wish I could find my copy of “It’s Matty That I Love” sung to Randy Newman’s “It’s Money that I Love.”

When Matt left for greener pastures at KISS-FM I was promoted to music assistant under music director Kate Ingram. I was not to be an on air personality myself but enjoyed finding those new musicians to try on the air and hopefully find the next big thing before anyone else dared to add it to their station.

Those days of innovation have been replaced by corporate formulas to maximize revenue and have finally led to BCN’s fall in the competitive ratings war. Admittedly I haven’t listened to them since leaving Boston in 1985 but have kept in touch with one of my roommates. (Carter became their music director in the late 80’s and is now working at another station in Boston.)

If you were born in the 50’s like me I’ll bet you still remember a progressive radio station that somehow changed your life whether it was WMMX in Cleveland, KSAN in San Francisco, or even WVUD here in Dayton. That trusted friend you could rely on was always there whether you were happy, sad, sleepy, or distracted ready to include you and help you through your day. And the best part is they were everyone’s friend, becoming part of the daily conversation.

On August 13th 2009 the last song will be played and my best friend of many years will change their name and become all sports talk radio. Hopefully the spirit of the station will somehow live on with their planned Internet only broadcasts.

BCN may be gone but will never be forgotten.

Note: On September 25th 2009 there was a reunion for all past employees at the Paradise Club in Boston. We took a few pictures you might enjoy - http://wbcnrocked.blogspot.com/

The Health Bill Email Is A Pack Of Lies

2009-08-07T11:51:00.000-04:00

By Bruce Kettelle

Today I received another email list with claims of wrondoing in the health care reform bill. It is very wrong. Below is a short rebuttal I copied from Political Affairs Magazine.

It is a good idea to question anything you hear on the internet and in the news about this healthcare bill. National Public Radio revealed last week that insurance industry insiders are circulating misleading statements and in some cases total lies through their lobbyists. They showed a copy of an insurance industry talking points memo that was untrue and then they showed US Representative John Boehner of Ohio repeating those same "facts" word for word right on the Floor of the House of Representatives. How much money did he receive from these lobbyists? A lot.

Yes this very editorial appears on the internet and should be discounted as well. But it is such a waste of my time to keep researching the barrage of information that is being dumped on Americans. My favorite is the ongoing assault on the current administration trying to turn the United States into a Socialist government. Give me a break.

Our system has included socialist economics since day one and our country would not exist without them. Our economics also permit capitalism. Both have restrictions and one will not work without the other. The magic is in the way they are blended.

So the next time you get an email that predicts the end of civilization as we know it use the ignore button since it is probably written by someone smarter than me that wants more of your money.

The Health Bill Email facts from Political Affairs Magazine

An unidentified person (or persons), who sources say is linked to the Republican Party affiliated and insurance lobby funded Conservatives for Patients Rights, has circulated an e-mail containing a number of erroneous and misleading claims about the health reform bills in Congress. According to the e-mail, health reform would allow the government to do everything from making decisions for you about medical care to accessing your private bank account and giving taxpayer money away to ACORN, illegal immigrants and labor unions.

The error-laden e-mail claims to identify specific page numbers in the House health reform bill that mandates these provisions. For example, the e-mail cites "Page 29" as admitting that "your health care will be rationed." According to the actual text of the bill, however, page 29 defines a minimum standard for health benefits packages and in no way rations care.

Another part of the e-mail claims "Page 30: A government committee will decide what treatments and benefits you get (and, unlike an insurer, there will be no appeals process)." Again, page 30 actually defines minimum standards for insurance plans and says nothing about limiting or denying benefits or treatments.

The pro-insurance company e-mail continues in the same vein: "Page 42: The 'Health Choices Commissioner' will decide health benefits for you. You will have no choice. None." And again, this page of the bill defines minimum standards and does not give any government official authority over medical decisions or benefits.

But the author of the e-mail doesn't confine him or herself to confusing readers about the issue of minimum standards. It goes on to claim that health reform is little more than a funnel for taxpayer dollars to labor unions, ACORN and "illegal aliens."

In fact, in one of several mentions of "illegal aliens" the e-mail claims they will get free health care services, according to page 50 of the bill. But, in fact, page 50 and 51, while outlawing discrimination, forbids use of federal dollars to provide health care to undocumented immigrants. (Many critics of this provisions point out that denying wellness and preventative care to undocumented immigrants poses a serious challenge to maintaining quality public health.)

The repeated reference to undocumented immigrants is clearly more an attempt to foster anti-immigrant sentiments and confuse the truth about the bill than anything else.

This one may even be scarier. "Page 59: The federal government will have direct, real-time access to all individual bank accounts for electronic funds transfer." The truth, however, is that the bill provides no means for this and only authorizes electronic transfers of money within the government.

In a further deviation down the path of right-wing delusion, the e-mail insists repeatedly that the right-wing bogeyman ACORN will get gobs of cash from the health reform bill.

Here is an exact copy of the email I received.

Subject: The HEALTH BILL

Got this from a friend of mine in Washington. After reading it, I am going
to send an email or call my congressman and advise ensure he votes against
anything like this.

Read it below and see what you think. It is your life that we are talking
about here. Your senator/congressman/congresswoman is now on a summer break.
Contact them and let them know what you think. Read the health bill and/or
some of the highlights of it below.

Jim

. Page 22: Mandates audits of all employers that self-insure!
. Page 29: Admission: your health care will be rationed!
. Page 30: A government committee will decide what treatments and benefits
you get (and, unlike an insurer, there will be no appeals process) . Page
42: The "Health Choices Commissioner" will decide health benefits for you.
You will have no choice. None.
. Page 50: All non-US citizens, illegal or not, will be provided with free
healthcare services.
. Page 58: Every person will be issued a National ID Healthcard.
. Page 59: The federal government will have direct, real-time access to all
individual bank accounts for electronic funds transfer.
. Page 65: Taxpayers will subsidize all union retiree and community
organizer health plans (read: SEIU, UAW and ACORN) . Page 72: All private
healthcare plans must conform to government rules to participate
in a Healthcare Exchange.
. Page 84: All private healthcare plans must participate in the Healthcare
Exchange (i.e., total government control of private
plans)
. Page 91: Government mandates linguistic infrastructure for services;
translation: illegal aliens . Page 95: The Government will pay
ACORN and Americorps to sign up individuals for Government-run Health Care
plan.
. Page 102: Those eligible for Medicaid will be automatically enrolled: you
have no choice in the matter . Page 124: No company
can sue the government for price-fixing. No "judicial review" is permitted
against the government monopoly. Put simply, private insurers will be
crushed.
. Page 127: The AMA sold doctors out: the government will set wages.
. Page 145: An employer MUST auto-enroll employees into the government-run
public plan. No alternatives.
. Page 126: Employers MUST pay healthcare bills for part-time employees AND
their families.
. Page 149: Any employer with a payroll of $400K or more, who does not offer
the public option, pays an 8% tax on payroll
. Page 150: Any employer with a payroll of $250K-400K or more, who does not
offer the public option, pays a 2 to 6% tax on payroll
. Page 167: Any individual who doesnt' have acceptable healthcare (according
to the government) will be taxed 2.5% of income.
. Page 170: Any NON-RESIDENT alien is exempt from individual taxes
(Americans will pay for them).
. Page 195: Officers and employees of Government Healthcare Bureaucracy will
have access to ALL American financial and personal records.
. Page 203: "The tax imposed under this section shall not be treated as
tax." Yes, it really says that.
. Page 239: Bill will reduce physician services for Medicaid. Seniors and
the poor most affected."
. Page 241: Doctors: no matter what speciality you have, you'll all be paid
the same (thanks, AMA!)
. Page 253: Government sets value of doctors' time, their professional
judgment, etc.
. Page 265: Government mandates and controls productivity for
private healthcare industries.
. Page 268: Government regulates rental and purchase of power-driven
wheelchairs.
. Page 272: Cancer patients: welcome to the wonderful world of rationing!
. Page 280: Hospitals will be penalized for what the government deems
preventable re-admissions.
. Page 298: Doctors: if you treat a patient during an initial admission that
results in a readmission, you will be penalized by the
government.
. Page 317: Doctors: you are now prohibited for owning and investing in
healthcare companies!
. Page 318: Prohibition on hospital expansion. Hospitals cannot expand
without government approval.
. Page 321: Hospital expansion hinges on "community" input: in other words,
yet another payoff for ACORN.
. Page 335: Government mandates establishment of outcome-based measures:
i.e., rationing.
. Page 341: Government has authority to disqualify Medicare Advantage Plans,
HMOs, etc.
. Page 354: Government will restrict enrollment of SPECIAL NEEDS
individuals.
. Page 379: More bureaucracy: Telehealth Advisory Committee (healthcare by
phone).
. Page 425: More bureaucracy: Advance Care Planning Consult: Senior
Citizens, assisted suicide, euthanasia?
. Page 425: Government will instruct and consult regarding living wills,
durable powers of attorney, etc. Mandatory. Appears to lock in estate taxes
ahead of time.
. Page 425: Goverment provides approved list of end-of-life resources,
guiding you in death.
. Page 427: Government mandates program that orders end-of-life treatment;
government dictates how your life ends.
. Page 429: Advance Care Planning Consult will be used to dictate treatment
as patient's health deteriorates. This can include an ORDER for end-of-life
plans. An ORDER from the GOVERNMENT.
. Page 430: Government will decide what level of treatments you may have at
end-of-life.
. Page 469: Community-based Home Medical Services: more payoffs for ACORN.
. Page 472: Payments to Community-based organizations: more payoffs for
ACORN.
. Page 489: Government will cover marriage and family therapy. Government
intervenes in your marriage.
. Page 494: Government will cover mental health services: defining, creating
and rationing those services.

"The people perish for lack of knowledge"...

That 70's Reunion Pictures - Trotwood Madison Pt 5

2009-08-06T21:50:00.000-04:00

The last in a series of pictures from the July 2009 reunion of the Trotwood Madison classes from all the 1970's.

That 70's Reunion Pictures- Trotwood Madison Pt 4

2009-08-06T21:48:00.000-04:00

More pictures from the 2009 reunion.

That 70's Reunion Pictures - Trotwood Madison Pt 3

2009-08-06T21:46:00.000-04:00

More pictures from the July 2009 reunion.

That 70's Reunion Pictures- Trotwood Madison Pt 2

2009-08-06T21:45:00.000-04:00

More pictures from the July 2009 reunion.

That 70's Reunion Pictures - Trotwood Madison Pt 1

2009-08-06T21:40:00.002-04:00

Trotwood Madison High School classes from all the 1970's held a mass reunion in July 2009. Playing on a TV show they called it 'That 70's Reunion'. What a success as the two night event attracted over 600 classmates to Grills Tavern in Stringtown on Friday night and the next night they packed the Irish Club in Dayton.

These are just a few of the pictures submitted by 70's alumnus Doug Smith.

Doug has a gyrocopter and snapped these aerial shots of Grills Tavern just before dark. We've never seen this many cars at Grills before and apparently many more arrived after these pictures were taken.

All Trotwood Employees Except Police Accept Pay Cuts

2009-08-03T22:57:00.000-04:00

By Bruce Kettelle

With grim faces the Trotwood City Council approved resolutions Monday night to close an unexpected midyear budget gap. The Police Department were the only ones not to agree to pay cuts. The manager asked for a 20% reduction in pay for all employees between now and the end of 2009.

The special meeting started at 5pm with four of the city’s seven city council members in attendance. After a three hour closed door session the four members voted unanimously to adopt the cuts which also included a reduction in pay for the council members themselves.

“We had a long and lengthy session about what we have to do,” said Mayor Darreyl Davis as they returned to the public portion of the meeting lasting another 10 minutes.

City Manager Mike Lucking explained that he approached all the unions and non-union employees with the cost cutting proposal to reduce each employee’s pay by 7.5% and for each employee to take 80 hours of unpaid furlough between now and December 31.

The public works and the firefighter unions ratified their acceptance agreeing to an amendment of their union contracts.

Police patrolman Henry Crist is the union employee representative. He said their union is anxious to work out a compromise. The union and city have reached an impasse in the negotiation and they are now entering a fact-finding phase to present their sides to a third party mediator. “I hope that can happen in the next couple of weeks,” he said.

Crist said the union made a counterproposal to the city’s plan. “They turned down our proposal and said it had to be our proposal or nothing,” He said the union members were disappointed the news has not mentioned their counter offer.

Because the police did not accept the pay reduction offer the council approved layoffs of up to seven officers and up to two sergeants. The sergeants union also rejected the city’s plan.

“The union has other recourses against the layoffs approved tonight,” added Crist. Crist said the contents of the counterproposal couldn’t be released since they are still in contract negotiations.

“We don’t want to lay off anyone,” said Mayor Davis after the meeting. “We’re going to keep talking with the police union.” He was pleased that the other unions and non-union employees agreed to the reduction.

Trotwood reached 15.3% unemployment in June and income taxes have fallen far short of budget projections due to the troubled economy. The wage cuts are an effort to make up a projected $557,000 shortfall to balance this year’s budget.

Davis said they have explored some options that did not require wage reductions or layoffs but those options ultimately would not accomplish their budget goals.

Related story at http://totallytrotwood.blogspot.com/2009/07/trotwood-seeks-pay-cuts-to-balance.html

Legacy Businesses Are Not Born Overnight

2009-08-01T14:41:00.000-04:00

By Bruce Kettelle

As the Dayton region loses one legacy business after another from Frigidaire, to Delphi and now NCR it makes one wonder what the next Dayton legacy will be.

Legacies like these are not built overnight, they grow so gradually that most would not realize they have become a legacy until they start to downsize.

Fire destroyed Trotwood’s legacy business back in 1981. Thousands of campers and travel trailers were built on North Broadway for delivery all across the country. Trotwood Trailers were respected for their innovative features and high quality construction. Many still survive today but the company does not.

Now almost 30 years later Trotwood still searches for its new legacy business. Right now, somewhere in town, someone might be inventing something in their garage like Ray Kuntz and Warren Wagner did back in the late 1920’s. These schoolteachers occupied their summers in a garage on Grand Av designing a prototype canvas tent on wheels to take camping.

Despite the economic gloom of the Great Depression in 1932 they opened Trotwood Trailers and by 1950 they grew to control 20% of the camper trailer market in Ohio. There were many models to choose from and one of their largest models can still be seen in the mobile home park on E Main St. It was a regular sight to see 12 trailers rolling out of town every day on their way to customers across North America.

Their neighbors tolerated the pair working long hours from their ‘home office’ not realizing the impact their inventions would have on the trailer world from innovative axle systems to the first side entry door trailer. Like the bar owner in Dayton that invented a cash register to keep his employees honest to the brothers experimenting with aerodynamics with a wind tunnel in their bicycle shop, ideas that become legacies can be born just about anywhere.

No one knows what Trotwood’s next legacy will be but the timing is right to see a new idea nurtured amidst the ashes of the current recession. So the next time you see your neighbor burning the midnight oil offer a little encouragement. They just might be defining the direction of Trotwood’s economic future.

This Trotwood Trailer is the last one located in the mobile home park on East Main St in Trotwood, Ohio. It was being renovated when this picture was taken in August 2009.

Trotwood Madison School Registration Underway

2009-07-28T12:51:00.000-04:00

New students in any grade and all kindergarteners planning to attend the Trotwood-Madison City School District this year need to pre-register. The district's annual Central Registration drive is underway and students planning to attend the first day of school on August 17 must register on or before August 13th. Late arrival students may register until August 28th.

Central Registration is open every day through August 28th except August 14th when they will close for new teacher orientation. Parents and guardians may come to the central office at 444 South Broadway between 8:30 and 4:00 pm daily and until 5:00 pm on Wednesdays. There is a list of required paperwork available at the district's registration web page http://www.trotwood.k12.oh.us/registration.htm

The registrar’s office encourages families to come early to make sure your child has all the paperwork complete in time to start school. The 2009 T-M school year runs from August 17, 2009 to June 3, 2010.

Trotwood Chamber Golf Outing September 14

2009-07-27T16:14:00.001-04:00

You can win a car from Golling’s Arena Dodge with a hole-in-one during the 2009 Trotwood Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing. The event will be held at the ChiChi Rodriguez signature Moss Creek Golf Course in Trotwood on Monday September 14 with a shotgun start at 1pm. Registration and the pre tee off lunch begins at 11am.

The chamber's golf outing returns from a 12 year break with more fun and prizes than ever including an Daequan Cook autographed basketball jersey from the Adidas' Midwest Shoot-Out II, a future round of golf at Moss Crrek for four players with cart, and an overnight stay in a Jacuzzi Suite at Holiday Inn-Englewood. The $75 per person entry fee includes a tasty box lunch provided by Jerri's Catering and the scrumptious steak dinner by Moss Creek.

Some of the sponsors include Golling’s Arena Dodge, Liberty Savings Bank, Maria-Joseph Living Care Center, Summit Towing, Trotwood Rotary, Dayton Nutra Foods, and
Dayton Power & Light. There are additional donations from 5th/3rd Bank, Cub Foods, Key Bank, Dayton Development Coalition, Algo Pest Control, and Account Angel Bookkeeping. More sponsors are being added daily.

Players will enjoy the rolling fairways on the former Shearbrook Farm. The 7200-yard course feature wide bent grass fairways enjoyed by players of all levels. Moss Creek is truly Dayton's hidden gem.

Entry forms are available on the chamber's web site http://trotwoodchamber.org/ENTRY_FORM_2009.pdf or call 837-1484. Businesses interested in becoming a sponsor should contact Marie Battle at the same number.

Kids Triathlon August 8

2009-07-27T14:41:00.001-04:00

Kids age 5-12 are invited to compete in the Kids Triathlon at 8am on August 8th at the United Thological Seminary 4501 Denlinger Road. Kids will have a chance to test their skills by age group in swimming, biking and running. The courses get longer for the older kids. Organizers encourage the participants to train before the event to improve their times.

Entry forms are available at the Trotwood Government Center (3035 N Olive) and the Trotwood YMCA (506 E Main). Entry fees are $25 for the first child and $20 for each additional sibling in a family. Paid entrants get a T-shirt, finisher's medal and refreshments. Top three finishers in each age group will receive a trophy. The event is being provided through a partnership between the City of Trotwood, Dayton YMCA, and United Theological Seminary. For more info call 361-6825.

For pictures and results visit http://www.speedy-feet.com/

Bumper Crop At Farmers Market

2009-07-27T14:20:00.000-04:00

By Bruce Kettelle

Rain, Rain, Rain. It delayed planting of some crops this spring but for produce growers it means good looking bumper crops on Trotwood vegetable stands.

“These are some of the best looking green beans we’ve ever had,” said local farmer Donny Rowe from behind his stand in Olde Town on Saturday morning. Despite the morning rain there is a steady stream of shoppers pulling in for sweet corn, squash, pickles, and the green beans.

Not everyone just buys a pound or two as evidenced by one woman carting off two bushels of the crisp green legumes. Rowe watched her pulling out and said that load will keep her busy this weekend putting them up for winter.

Cool rainy weather has persisted this summer. If the temperatures remain cool this week it may qualify this July as the coolest July on record.

The larger field crops in the area seem to be benefiting from the weather as well with corn going to tassel along most area roads. Residents will notice some corn fields look a little shorter, Rowe says those fields were planted late because of the wet spring and are still trying to catch up.

The Trotwood Farmers Market is open Wednesdays from 3-6 pm and Saturdays from 9 am to 4 pm. The farmers market is located in the parking lot of the former Dolly Madison bread store at 21 E. Main St across from the Depot in Trotwood Olde Town. The market continues rain or shine through October 24.

Developer Wanted For Old High School

2009-07-27T09:04:00.000-04:00

By Bruce Kettelle

Built in 1913, the last remaining building on the former high school site is heading for the wrecking claw unless an entrepreneur is found in time.

Trotwood Madison City Schools will vacate the landmark brick structure when they relocate their board offices to the former middle school next year. The board then plans to give the building the same fate as all their other vacated buildings.

The districts ambitious building construction program over the last six years has delivered a new high school, middle school, two elementary buildings and a pre-k.

But there are some in the community that would rather not see this building torn down. The Trotwood Madison Historical Society took a hard look at acquiring the building three years ago. Their analysis showed the building to be rehab-able but as a small organization they lacked the needed funding.

Since then the city has tried to identify possible takers and brought several prospects out for a tour. None of those have blossomed into a solution.

The district is willing to talk to anyone interested said assistant superintendent Rexann Wagner. “We do not want to be held responsible for another vacant building,” said Beverly explaining why they have budgeted to have it demolished.

She said the district does not have a recommendation for what the building could become, that would be up to the new owner. Presently the site is zoned residential and abuts an area zoned neighborhood business.

Former school buildings have been successfully redeveloped in other areas into apartments, condominiums and office space. Their unique architectural character has made them ongoing assets in those communities. One local success story occurred with West Milton’s high school, it is now senior apartments.

“I would like to see the building saved with an appropriate use,” said Regina Kleinhenz of the historical society. “It’s a piece of Trotwood history.”

She encouraged anyone in the community that may have contacts with any developers to let them know there is a great opportunity right here in Trotwood.

Trotwood Seeks Pay Cuts To Balance Budget

2009-07-26T19:22:00.000-04:00

By Bruce Kettelle

On Monday July 20 Trotwood City Council approved a new contract for the city manager and authorized him to negotiate with the city employees to seek deep cuts to mitigate a $557,000 budget shortfall.

The 2009 budget developed last fall included conservative revenue expectations but the deepening recession and growing unemployment have taken a toll on the city’s income taxes. Trotwood’s unemployment rate in June rose to 15.3% according to the state department of jobs and family services. That’s the highest rate in Montgomery County where the average is 12.4%.

“The shortfall is a reflection of the nine month downturn which no one fully predicted in Trotwood, Montgomery County, the state, or the nation,” said Trotwood city council member Rap Hankins.

Besides income taxes, which the city monitors on a month-to-month basis, Trotwood city manager Mike Lucking said property taxes are declining too. “The county projected a 2% decline last fall, our budget projections were even more conservative than that,” he said. “We will know in about a week what the second half numbers show.” Property taxes are due every six months.

Lucking said the third area is a reduction in money from the state’s local government fund. Yesterday the state budget office notified cities to expect a 14.4% decrease in this year’s allocation. That’s about what the city expected and is already included in the $557,000.

“This budget is a moving target and impossible to know how it will turn out,” said Lucking.

To keep from draining the city’s already small reserve fund Lucking has been negotiating with the city’s four unions and non-union employees.

“We’ve proposed to the entire organization, in order to reduce the projected deficit, to take a 7 ½% wage rollback and 80 hours furlough, (unpaid time off) that will result in an 18% reduction in wage cost through the end of the year.”

The unions are expected to respond next week and Lucking met with the non-union city employees Friday. Lucking does not want to use layoffs authorized by the city council but fears that less desirable solution would be necessary if the unions do not agree to the wage reductions.

“Layoffs are not a good solution, they adversely effect service delivery, increase unemployment liabilities and health insurance liabilities (cobra), and the city will have to pay for unused leave which uses up more cash flow.” “We are a thin organization right now with no excess spending or personnel.”

Lucking’s new contract includes the same cuts that employees will bear. But that was not enough for two city council members who voted against his new 3-year agreement.

Council member Mary McDonald read a long list of criticisms. She said she didn’t believe the city should continue with Lucking. She cited the lack of economic development, poor communication with council members, excessive spending on the Salem Mall site, and for not expecting the city’s recent shortfall. She was joined in the 5-2 vote by council member Bettye Gales.

Hankins defended the manager for the council majority. “You have to look at what is happening in the entire region and how this effects Trotwood . . .what isn’t clear is if the manager should be held accountable for things beyond his control.”

Mayor Darreyl Davis also supported the manager. “We must hold ourselves as well as the city manager accountable for a new direction,” he said. “Our region has suffered 10-12,000 jobs lost in the past two years, this effects us.

Hankins attended a presentation by University of Dayton Economist Richard Stock Wednesday. Stock’s economic forecast for the region doesn’t show signs of recovery until 2011. He also suggests that Trotwood, Harrison Twp and Jefferson Twp could be the slowest to recover because of the higher age of their respective workforces. These communities also have a higher percentage of African-American population which has seen greater impact from the elimination of manufacturing jobs.

Trotwood Pre-Teen Scores in Pageant and Poetry

2009-07-26T10:34:00.000-04:00

By Teri Barker

“I want to be a mathematics professor when I grow up,” says Teryn Barker when asked about her future career goals. “Because I like solving problems.” At just 10 years old, the A-student already has an impressive resume. An avid lover of the arts, she has performed in local productions of Charlotte’s Web, Jungle Book, Jr. High School Musical, and Stuart Little. She has also had some of her art on display at the University of Dayton, plays French horn in the band at her school, and loves to write poetry. The Trotwood, Ohio native will begin 6th grade in the fall of 2009.

As an Ohio state finalist for the National American Miss Pageant, Teryn competed for the 2009 Miss Ohio Pre-Teen title during Father’s Day weekend in Columbus, Ohio. There were 138 girls between the ages of 10 and 13 vying for the coveted title. As Contestant #4, Teryn didn’t win, but as a newcomer to the pageant circuit, she did extremely well and walked away with six trophies and a monetary award. She placed as 3rd runner-up in the Spokesmodel category, a competition for which she wrote and recited a speech about things we can do to help conserve the earth’s diminishing fresh water supply. She was 1st runner-up in the Top Model Contest. In the Top Model category, the girls were required to participate in a photo shoot, where the pictures were judged on modeling technique and how well they photographed. She won other trophies for participating in optional contests and selling ads for the pageant program book.

“This was a learning experience for me, and I had a great time competing,” explains Teryn. “But I look forward to competing next year with more confidence because I’ll know what to expect.” Teryn was particularly drawn to this pageant because it is not a beauty pageant and does not have a swim suit competition. In the National American Miss Pageant, the contestants are judged on poise, self-confidence, and communication skills. “I think that every little girl should experience this type of pageant at least once in her life because it helps you feel good about yourself,” expressed Teryn. “I felt like a princess when my dad escorted me across the stage in front of all those people.”

Until the next pageant, Teryn says she will stay focused in school, enjoy performing in plays, and continue writing poetry. One of her poems will appear in the book, Free to Fly: Wisdom for the Seasons in a Woman’s Life, when it is released this year, in late August. Edited by Penda L. James, Free to Fly is a collection of poetry and prose written by and about women in various stages in life. The book, which reflects on the strength, beauty, wisdom, and perseverance of women, will be available on Amazon.com for $14.95. With her poem, Lonely, Teryn is the youngest contributor to the book.

New Sidewalk To Save $70,000

2009-07-21T22:49:00.000-04:00

By Bruce Kettelle

A new sidewalk to connect the new Trotwood Madison High School campus to the Olde Town area will save the district $70,000 a year. The move supported by the school board will allow 160 more students to walk to school allowing the district to eliminate two busses from their fleet.

John Smith, the district’s business manager, made the recommendation after an internal study by the transportation staff. “The only section of sidewalk not complete along North Broadway is in front of the North Broadway Park,” said Smith. He said the work is estimated to cost about $36,500.

He said the work will not be completed in time for this school year which begins August 17. Beginning in the fall 2010 thirty elementary students, forty middles school students, and ninety high school students will be able to walk up to a mile to school.

Board member Vanessa Jeter Freeman asked about connecting the Broadm0or subdivision to the rear of the campus. “When we built the high school we had some parents asking for that connection.,” said Freeman.

Assistant Superintendent Rexanne Beverley said that even though some supported the Broadmoor connection some residents that live near that possible walkway are concerned about students trespassing in their yards.

Smith agreed to revisit the additional Broadmoor sidewalk and bring more information to the board at a future meeting.

Pirsch Fire Engine, Genoa Ohio

2009-07-11T12:41:00.000-04:00

Every once in awhile we get out of Trotwood and explore.

Here's an interesting find parked in an overgrown alley in Genoa Ohio. The red and white paint caught our eye from a block away and it turned out to be an antique fire engine in pretty good shape. This Pirsch fire engine is ready to respond to something, maybe a parade.

If you know anything about this truck such as the year built or any other history please add it in our comments.

United Breaks Guitars

2009-07-11T09:59:00.000-04:00

When United Airlines broke a Canadian songwriter's guitar during a recent trip they never expected it to make headlines. Thanks to a whimsical song and video about the incident Dave Carroll has now received an official apology from United and reimbursement offer.

Hopefully United has learned from this that customer service is even more important in the age of You Tube. After 6 days on the web the video shows over 2 million views. That's a lot of potential air travellers United.

But this message is not just for United. Companies from here in Trotwood Ohio to Taiwan China should learn from this customer service lesson and treat every customer as they themselves would expect to be treated.

So the next time you have a problem with a company put on your own creative hat and make a You Tube video. After a couple million views maybe you will get an apology too.

Save Libraries With Tax on "Food To Go"

2009-07-05T13:49:00.000-04:00

By Bruce Kettelle

There is a solution to Ohio’s budget crisis without invoking slot machines or draconian cuts to necessary services such as libraries. The solution even provides an upside response to the state’s recent revelation that it is in the top ten for obesity.

The answer is a revision to the sales tax code that would bring the state in step with all of its neighbors and most of the country. The revenues from taxing food to go could even be great enough to allow for a slight reduction in the other revenue generators such as the state’s income tax.

The National Restaurant Association estimates Ohio restaurants will gross $16 billion this year. If half of that is food to go it would translate into $440 million in sales taxes. Not included in that estimate is prepared food sold at non-traditional restaurants such as convenience stores.

No politician likes to be the one to suggest raising a specific tax but these are trying times for physical and fiscal health in the state. Making fast food a little more expensive can help raise the awareness of one of the problems leading to obesity and its resulting increase on healthcare costs.

No stone should be left unturned in Columbus this week as the debate over the state’s budget reaches a crescendo. The echoing refrain in the State Capital halls for a sales tax on prepared food to go should be given much deserved public discussion and consideration.

Dragons, Fireworks Make Perfect Fourth

2009-07-04T11:49:00.000-04:00

5th/3rd Field crowd on July 3

Fireworks fans are illuminated near the Patterson St bridge in Dayton

There is nothing like a ball game on the Fourth of July followed by the best fireworks in western Ohio. The Dayton Dragons are in a slump so it was no surprise they couldn't keep up with the big bats from Ft Wayne. But the fans in 5th/3rd field didn't seem to mind in the perfect 70-degree evening with clear skies begging for their annual fireworks paint that was coming at dark. Everyone's a winner on the 4th of July.

We estimated 30,000 people witnessed the fireworks. The best vantage points were from the Patterson St bridge and the banks of the Little Miami River. The fireworks are launched from Deeds Point. More revellers were spotted north of the river as far away as the McDonalds parking lot on N. Dixie.

The lights from the ballpark illuimate the street and nearby buildings.

The best part of the day was seeing downtown Dayton come alive. With the adjacent Cityfolk Festival there was a bigger crowd than usual on the streets outside the stadium watching the game through the fence.

List of Fireworks Displays Around Miami Valley

2009-07-01T10:01:00.000-04:00

There will be plenty of options this weekend to see fireworks in Dayton, Englewood, Kettering and in over 40 more communities in western Ohio and we have all the dates time and places on our Totally Trotwood Fireworks Calendar. It is the most popular page on our web site this week.
http://www.totallytrotwood.com/fireworksCalendar2.htm

Horses Like Camping Too

2009-06-24T17:27:00.000-04:00

By Karyn Temple

The beautiful weather June 5th - 7th, heralded in the Montgomery County Ohio Horseman Council’s Annual Sycamore Campout. This is the twelfth year for this annual event to enjoy the wonderful and ever changing park.

With the addition of the silver trail, Sycamore can now boast over twenty miles of horseback pleasure. Traversing through the various creeks, ravines, forest, old farm sites and Ohio prairie the rider can pick from a short two-hour ride to an all day event.

The campground filled with approximately nine rigs with horses and 45 additional day riders showed up throughout the 3-day event to enjoy the horse trails, wildlife, campfire, food and camaraderie. A special thanks goes to the club’s Jerry Basham for mowing the trails for their enjoyment.

Some of the highlights of the weekend were Montgomery County’s OHC member Tom Pompei’ gave pony rides on Sunday to some small children that were camped in the same area. On Friday night, the hungry riders and campers thoroughly enjoyed the pizza from our local Broadway Café. On Saturday, six riders and trusty steeds enjoyed the full moon ride. Even with the aversion of a potential disaster of forbidden ATV riders screaming up on them, the ride was an appreciation of the night in our park. For safety, Please remember ATV’s are never allowed on the horse or hiking trails.

For additional pictures and information on this wonderful Local Park and the events shared by the over one hundred and thirty equine families that belong to our OHC Club, please visit www.MontgomeryCountyOHC.com .

See pictures at http://www.totallytrotwood.com/home_6-18-09.htm

Find A Federal Job Workshop

2009-06-24T17:26:00.000-04:00

Find A Federal Job Workshop

In an effort to address the unemployment situation in Trotwood, Trotwood Mayor Darreyl D. Davis is sponsoring a free Community Workshop about how to find and apply for federal jobs on Tuesday, June 30th from 6:00-8:00pm at the former Moto Photo building in Sycamore Woods, 4444 Lake Center Drive. All Trotwood citizens are invited to attend.

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Human Resources Department employees Alma Greathouse and Lakeisha Reed will be conducting this Community Workshop. By attending citizens will learn all about the federal jobs application and hiring process and how they can get started.

For more information please contact Clerk of Council Lois Singleton at (937) 854-7212 or lsingleton@trotwood.org

RTA, Greyhound Reach Agreement

2009-06-19T16:06:00.000-04:00

By Bruce Kettelle

RTA has reached agreement with Greyhound on bringing their Dayton terminal operation to the Northwest Hub in Trotwood. Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority executive director Mark Donaghy said the signed agreement was mailed to Greyhound June 19.

“We have reached agreement on the wording of the final document,” said Donaghy. He said that based on conversations with Greyhound they will countersign and return it promptly.

Donaghy said the agreement does not have defined timelines for Greyhounds relocation to Trotwood.

He said the next step is a public meeting with residents. “We will set a date to discuss our plans at the Northwest Hub. That meeting should occur within 30-days.”

RTA’s plan to become the terminal agent for Greyhound has drawn fire from some Trotwood residents that fear additional crime and street wear and tear will result. Organizers of petitions circulating to recall the Trotwood Mayor have said it was partially brought on by RTA’s move, which he did not oppose.

“We recognize there are some fears in the community,” said Donaghy. I think people will be pleasantly surprised when they discover their fears are unfounded.”

Trotwood-Madison - That 70's Reunion

2009-06-19T00:01:00.000-04:00

Trotwood-Madison - That 70's Reunion

Join Trotwood-Madison alumnae for a weekend of fun during the first T-M That 70’s Reunion! Classmates from every class between 1970-1979 are invited..

The main event is Saturday, July 11, 2009 at the Irish Club, 6555 Dog Leg Road (½ mile east of Main St./SR 48). Doors open at 6:00 p.m.
$10 per person in advance (by June 30), $15 at the door Cost includes music, cookout, and non-alcoholic beverages! Cash bar available.

Kick-off parties are also being planned for Friday night July 10 by most classes at Grill’s Tavern, Little York Tavern and the Irish Club. At this time, the classes of 75-79 will be meeting at Grill's, and the class of 74 at Little York.

For More Information E-mail: trotwoodreunion@yahoo.com or phone: 937.531.1543 Websites: www.classmates.com or www.alumniclass.com/trotwoodmadison Advanced Registration checks may be sent to: T-M 70s Class Reunion, 4511 South Rangeline Road
West Milton, OH 45383.

Farm Market Vendors Wanted

2009-06-18T22:35:00.000-04:00

Farm Market Vendors Wanted

It's time to plan for the Trotwood Farmers Market. The annual market in the parking lot at 21 E Main St starts Saturday July 11th. It will be open every Wednesday from 3-6 pm and Saturdays from 9am-4pm through October 24 rain or shine.

The city welcomes vendors to participate after paying a small permit fee and registering with the city. They are looking for farm market vendors that sell fruits, vegetables, cheese, baked goods, honey, cider, jams and similar items. They do not allow crafts or grilling on site.

To obtain a permit call 854-7227 or stop by the 2nd floor of the city government center at 3035 N Olive Rd.

Petition Circulating To Recall Mayor

2009-06-16T20:48:00.000-04:00

By Bruce Kettelle

Eighteen months after winning the mayor’s seat a group of residents are calling for his removal. The Progressive Citizens of Trotwood are circulating a petition to recall Mayor Darreyl Davis in a special election.

Trotwood Resident Brendalee Roseman, the apparent originator of the petition contacted the city clerk’s office recently to get information about the recall process. The city charter states a recall petition must be signed by 25% of the total number of voters voting in the most recent at-large city council election. Roseman said they have already gathered over 400 signatures.

During Monday’s council meeting Roseman said, “Mayor Davis, you have let us down…it hurts.”

Among the eleven reasons on the recall petition are complaints about his arrogance during city council meetings and lack of new development he promised while campaigning for the office.

The recall effort also comes after several close 4 to 3 council votes and increased citizen turnout to city council meetings; last fall over a proposed housing project on East Main St and this spring over RTA’s desire to locate a Greyhound bus terminal in their Trotwood hub.

Another item in the petition is the council travel budget, a point raised during year-end budget workshops by councilwoman Mary McDonald who read the entire petition to the council during the meeting. She also read a letter from a resident who condemned the recall and supported the mayor.

The mayor responded to some of the items in the petition and tried to assure the community that his heart is in the right place. “I understand people are hurt about the Salem Mall,” he said about the slow effort to attract new uses to the site.

Former Vice Mayor Michael Sprague said he has recently seen some of the new preliminary development plans for the Salem Mall site. “For the first time in years I’m excited about the prospects for real development there.”

Sprague is serving on a committee with the city’s consulting developer who began devising a new strategy for the site late last year. He also teaches political science at Sinclair and is surprised the group feels a recall is necessary.

“What we need as a community is not reasons why we can’t, we need ideas of how we can,” said Sprague. He believes Davis is one of the latter.

“Change is inevitable, but I have no disrespect for those that want our city to be perfect,” said Davis.

“This is a tough time to be a mayor anywhere,” said Davis.

A quick search around the state revealed there are several recall efforts underway including a recall election next week against the Mayor of Akron.

When a submitted recall petition is found to be sufficient the city charter calls for an election within 60 to 75 days. Council clerk Lois Singleton said that a special election would cost the city about $20,000.

----Update 6-18-09 --------

As of today the actual number of signatures required is unclear. Summary repots from the election do not contain the necessary subtotal. The city has requested the Board of Elections to research the voter count and expects an answer next week.

City Council, School Board Elections This Fall

2009-06-16T20:14:00.000-04:00

By Bruce Kettelle

Election season will begin this summer as candidates begin to register for several open seats on the Trotwood City Council and the Trotwood-Madison School Board. It appears that all the existing seat holders plan to run for re-election. Some competition is brewing as a few residents have already taken out petitions at the board of elections to qualify for the November ballot.

There is still time for more to enter the fray with the deadline for filing petitions still several months away on August 20.

The four Ward or district seats on the city council expire at the end of this year. Currently holding those seats are Joyce Sutton-Cameron (Ward 1), Rap Hankins (Ward 2), Ronald Vaughn (Ward 3), and Mary McDonald (Ward 4.) To run for any of these seats residents must live in the ward they wish to represent.

So far two challengers have signed out ballot petitions for the city council race. Mattie Clay in Ward 1 and Janice Chinn in Ward 2 are currently collecting signatures. All four incumbents have also taken petitions.

Candidates for school board can live anywhere inside the district’s boundaries. The terms are up this year for Deborah Daniel, Teena Davis, and Denise Moore. So far they do not have any challengers.

Residents interested in getting more information on how to run for office can contact the Clerk of Council at 854-7212 or the Secretary to the Superintendent of Schools at 854-3050 x212.

ED Solution: Attract People Instead Of Companies

2009-06-14T10:59:00.000-04:00

This is a letter to the editor I submitted to the Dayton City Paper.

Dear Editor,

It’s always nice to see different opinions from your columnists. Mark Luedtke got my interest in his ‘Dayton Dies A Little More’ when he suggested government policies are the reason we lost NCR. Intrigued I read on hoping to see him address a variety of policies that may be crippling our region but all I found was a typical dump on the supposed high taxes of Ohio.

Emblematic of most that cite high taxes as a problem he offered no viable solutions. “Dramatically reduce the city budget…contract out all the services we can” sound good but our leaders are already doing this every day.

Dayton, Trotwood and many area communities are faced with revenue shortfalls and all I keep hearing is cut our tax rates. It’s a great sound bite.

If you compare the state budgets in 2007 by spending per capita, Ohio ranks about 27th. All those states with no income tax, are finding money through other tax sources. State and local budget funding has to come from somewhere, you just can’t will away the costs needed to provide roads, police, fire, and other important services.

I was hoping Luedtke’s column would dig a little deeper into specific ideas that could improve our ability to compete against other states. There are ways to save by identifying and combining redundant services and their associated payrolls. But more importantly we need to also look at the way outsiders see us and strategically enhance those areas they view as positive.

Those enhancements come in two categories, physically nurturing these assets and marketing them better.

Every state has shovel ready sites for development. Instead of dumping more investment into new Greenfield development why not invest more in our attraction assets such as the Air Force Museum, Riverscape, beautification projects, arts, entertainment and other quality of life projects. Instead of trying to attract companies concentrate on attracting people and doing things that make them advocates for the region. Then the companies will come.

Sincerely,
Bruce Kettelle

New Restaurants With Local Roots

2009-06-12T20:31:00.000-04:00

By Bruce Kettelle

Two Trotwood restaurant entrepreneurs are branching out.

Residents Pam and Joe Heintz operate Artisan’s Café in nearby Clayton in the Randolf Plaza. Last week Miamisburg Mayor Dick Church welcomed them to their new second location across from the Dayton Mall.

This week Ramen Ispakhev opened the doors to the second New York Pizzeria in the St. Anne’s district of Dayton. He will offer the same menu available at the successful Trotwood location on East Main St near Olde Town.

The Heintz family operated their original restaurant on Union Rd across from the Englewood Kroger until a pharmacy chain bought out the property. They relocated to Randolf Plaza at 8351 N. Main St last fall. Their successful healthy menu is now being offered at their second location in the International Plaza, 47 S Springboro Pike.

The owner of the International Village, at the corner of State Routes 725 and 741 wanted an Artisans Café in his center. Pam said, “he approached us with a novel idea to team up with an existing restaurant and provide their healthy food concept to the southern Miami Valley.”

After meeting with Akram Fadel, the owner of the Taste of the Mediterranean restaurant, everyone agreed it would be a great fit. The Taste of the Mediterranean already offers many vegetarian dishes as well as all natural Halal meats. They even have a patio hookah bar.

Pam said the new location is already becoming a hit. “The addition of our American style healthy food makes the new Artisans Café a dining “Mecca” for meat eaters as well as vegetarians and vegans.” See their menu at www.artisanscafe.net or call Clayton 890-5250 and Miamisburg 434-9140.

New York Pizzeria arrived on the Trotwood scene a few years ago when a few other restaurants had failed in the plaza shared by the YMCA, License Bureau, a church, Higgins Station and other shops. They have thrived, building a strong local reputation with great pizza and subs at 498 E Main.

Most patrons will recognize Kemal Tirak behind the Trotwood counter spinning pizza’s. But you may not realize his brother Raman Ispakhev has been working on rehabbing a building in Dayton at 1430 E 5th St.

The efforts of the family partnership paid off this week as the new location opened to rave reviews.

The only difference in menus at the new location is Raman’s passion as a baker. In addition to the famous pizza, calzone and sub items he will offer fresh baked Turkish bread for $2 a loaf.

Eat in or call for delivery in Dayton 222-0321 and Trotwood 837-3333.

Free Health and Wellness Event in Trotwood

2009-06-10T22:07:00.000-04:00

Community Health and Wellness Event to Be Held in Trotwood
Free event to provide health screenings and information

A community event designed to encourage Trotwood residents and those from the surrounding areas to learn about health and wellness will be held on Saturday, June 20 from 12:00 - 4:00. The event, to be held at Trotwood High School, 4440 N. Union Road, is hosted by Helping Hands Community Outreach Center and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Tau Lambda Omega Chapter.

The event is free of charge and will offer a variety of health screenings, including diabetes and prostate cancer testing, cholesterol and blood pressure checks and vision testing. In addition, informational sessions will be offered throughout the day, including seminars on preventing home foreclosure, will and estate planning and staying mentally fit in today's challenging times. Attendees may also learn about smoking cessation programs and may even ensure they are wearing properly fitting shoes.

"In order to deal with the total body, we believe it is necessary to offer information that deals with both physical and mental fitness," said Alice O. McCollum, President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Tau Lambda Omega Chapter. The group has a goal of reaching 250-300 citizens through this event. "Good health can be the launching pad for great things," said Neldra AaronGlasper, Executive Director of Helping Hands Community Outreach Center. "It is hard to stay on track and consistent with your goals when your body isn't up to the challenge."

This special event will feature a Premier Health Partners mobile unit that will be open throughout the day for tours, testing and questions. Door prizes, including bike helmets and a bicycle will be awarded during the event and the first 50 people to walk through the doors will receive a free t-shirt courtesy ofthe Kettering Health Network.

Free Lunch For Kids Under 18 in June

2009-06-10T17:47:00.000-04:00

The Trotwood-Madison City Schools announces the sponsorship of the 2009 Summer Food Service Program for Children. Free meals will be made available to all children 18 years of age and under or persons over 18 who are determined by a state or local public educational agency to be mentally or physically disabled. The meals will be provided without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability, and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service. Any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against in any USDA –related activity should write or call immediately to the U. S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th & Independence Ave. S. W., Washington DC 20250-9410; (202) 720-5964 (voice or TDD).

Meals will be provided at the site(s) listed below from June 15-July 31, 2009:

Woodland Hills/Castlebrook Apartments 5900 Macduff DriveTrotwood, Ohio 45426 837-3394 June 15 – July 31, 2009 Lunch 11:45 a.m. -12:15 p.m.

Christ Temple Apostolic Church 3241 Denlinger Road Trotwood, Ohio 45426 276-3774
June 22 - June 26, 2009 Breakfast 8:30 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. Lunch 12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Deer Creek Apartments 700 Keswick Circle Trotwood, Ohio 45426 854-1555
June 15 – July 31, 2009 Lunch 11:45 a.m. -12:15 p.m.

Grace Baptist Church 142 Olive Road Dayton, Ohio 45427 268-4095
June 15 – July 31, 2009 Lunch 11:45 a.m. -12:15 p.m.

Kids Come First4 444 Lake Center Drive Trotwood, Ohio 45426 837-0560 Ms. Romon Clark
June 15 – July 31, 2009 Breakfast 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Lunch 12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Lord of Life Christian Fellowship 802 West Main Street Trotwood, Ohio 45426 854-967
June 15 – July 31, 2009 Lunch 12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m. Snack 3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Madison Park Elementary School 301 S Broadway Street Trotwood, Ohio 45426 854-0878 ext. 1618
June 15 -July 31, 2009 Breakfast 8:45 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.Lunch 11:45 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Maranatha Christian Church 4501 Wolf Road Dayton, Ohio 45416 279-0913
June 15 – July 31, 2009 Breakfast 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Lunch 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Meadowlark Apartments 4900 Biddison Avenue Trotwood, Ohio 45426 275-2131
June 15 – July 31, 2009Lunch 11:45 p.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Olive Hill Apartments 7505 Bronson Liberty Dayton, Ohio 45418DMHA 835-5688
June 15 – July 31, 2009 Lunch 11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Phillips Temple Church Summer Camp Cassandra Greenman 3620 Shiloh Springs Road Trotwood, Ohio 45426 313-7011
June 22 – June 26, 2009 Lunch 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church 5301 Olive Road Trotwood, Ohio 45426 854-8810
June 15 – July 31, 2009 Lunch 11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Residence Praise Fine Arts Center 5 Stuckhardt Road Trotwood, Ohio 45426 854-3500
June 15 – July 31, 2009 Lunch 11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Snack 2:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

Squirrel Run Apartments 4943 Bloomfield Drive Trotwood, Ohio 45426 837-3554
June 15 – July 31, 2009 Lunch 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

St. Margaret Episcopal Church 5301 Free Pike Trotwood, Ohio 45426 837-7741 Elva Carden
July 13 - July 17, 2009 Breakfast 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Lunch 11:00 – 12:00 p.m.

Summit Christian Church 4021 Denlinger RoadDayton, Ohio 45426 854-1920
June 22 – June 26, 2009 Lunch 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.

Summit Square Apartments 616 Summit Square Drive Dayton, Ohio 45427 262-9290
June 15 – July 31, 2009Lunch 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Trotwood High School 4440 North Union Road Trotwood, Ohio 45426 854-0878 ext. 1302
June 15 – July 31, 2009 Breakfast 7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Lunch 10:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Trotwood Madison Middle School 4420 North Union Road Trotwood, Ohio 45426 854-0878 ext. 1978
June 15 – July 31, 2009 Breakfast 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Lunch 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Westbrooke Village Elementary 6500 Westford Road Trotwood, Ohio 45426 854-0878 ext. 1537
June 15 – July 31, 2009 Breakfast 8:45 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. Lunch 11:45 p.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Winston Woods Apartments 1820 Winston Woods Dayton, Ohio 45415DMHA 222-4515
Lunch 11:45 a.m. -12:15 p.m.

Wolf Creek Apartments 20 Park ManorTrotwood, Ohio 45426DMHA 910-7670
June 15 – July 31, 2009 Lunch 11:45 p.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against in any USDA –related activity should write or call immediately to the U. S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th & Independence Ave. S. W., Washington DC 20250-9410; (202) 720-5964 (voice or TDD).

Dollars Fall With Trotwood’s 13.7% Unemployment

2009-06-09T19:23:00.000-04:00

By Bruce Kettelle

The news this month on the job front is stark. Trotwood reached a 13.7% unemployment rate in the state’s April report, the highest rate in the region.

“A lot of our residents work in places like GM which has downsized dramatically,” said Catherine Armocida Trotwood’s income tax administrator. “Our income tax collections are down about 1.5% from last year.”

She said the collections would be worse if it weren’t for her department’s efforts to improve collections from non-filers and delinquent taxpayers. Employers pay 80% of the city’s income tax payments through withholdings. Those collections are down about 7%.

To make matters worse for the city, budget projections developed last fall predicted a modest increase in income taxes this year to $5.2 million. This could lead to an alarming shortfall in the city budget by the end of the year.

Armocida said they we’re still completing estimates

Mayor Darreyl Davis said some cuts in this year’s budget will be necessary. “We are looking at a mid-year budget process in July to look at adjustments that need to be made,” said Davis. “We are going to have to make some tough choices.”

Trotwood is not alone with recent cuts announced in the City of Dayton and at the Montgomery County offices. “Let’s face it, we’ve lost a lot of businesses regionally,” said Armocida. “It’s not just a problem here, others are impacted even more.”

Davis is hearing the same thing from most of the local Mayors he has spoken with. But for Davis it is not just about accepting the numbers, he and city council are looking for ways to help get Trotwood’s job economy turned around.

“We are working on jobs, training and collaboration,” said Davis. “There are some upcoming workshops hosted by EMTEC to assist Trotwood in business and job creation in new technologies.”

And he has not lost sight of the regions number one employer. “I am also working on hosting an employment workshop in Trotwood with Wright-Patterson Air Force Base on the federal hiring process.”

Broadway Café Gets a Makeover

2009-06-09T19:20:00.000-04:00

By Bruce Kettelle

Broadway Café was looking a little tired, relatively unchanged since it was Copperfields in the 90’s and Deb and Rick’s before that. After buying the Olde Town restaurant in 2005 owners Alex and Donna Kup have been saving up for a makeover.

This spring the gradual effort has paid off with oohs and aahs from customers.

Even with the slow economy Donna said it “it needed it” and the couple plunged into the work. A little here, a little there done after hours at night and the new look took shape.

“First thing we did was get rid of the partition wall in the center of the dining room,” said Donna, “It opened everything up, made it a brighter restaurant.” A few weeks later new carpet appeared and then the walls were painted.

“We hired our customers to do the work,” stressed Donna about the importance of supporting the local community.

The finishing touches came from Jim Foster. He operates his national branding and design firm from Olde Town.

Jim tackled the bathrooms and selected a theme for the art displayed in the dining room.

Covering the walls is a photo history of Trotwood. Many photos are on loan from the Trotwood Historical Society. “The customers really like the pictures on the walls, they start a lot of conversations and we’re learning more about Trotwood history all the time,” says Donna.

Donna says so far the improvements haven’t resulted in many more customers but now it feels more like a home.

“I think of our customers as family.”

Broadway café is open from 6:30am to 10:00pm every day. There’s a steady crowd for breakfast specials and their popular wings and pizza. They even deliver.

Donna has a few more plans for the restaurant but wouldn’t let the cat out of the bag just yet. “If the good Lords willin and the creek don’t rise we’ll be in Trotwood for a long time.”

Broadway Café is located at 203 N. Broadway. Give them a call at 837-6555.
See pictures at http://www.totallytrotwood.com/home_6-8-09.htm

Salem Av Construction Started Monday

2009-06-09T19:18:00.000-04:00

By Bruce Kettelle

Orange barrels will engulf Salem Avenue all summer as two big projects got underway this week in Trotwood. Both projects are being done at the same time by different contractors and should be complete in 120 days.

The last phase of sidewalks and curbs for Salem Avenue are being installed from Route 49 to Turner Road. This project includes storm drainage improvements and resurfacing of the roadway.

The realignment of the Salem Av and Shiloh Springs intersection is the second project. When complete Shiloh Springs will take a little jog just before reaching Salem Avenue to get the angle of the intersecting streets closer to 90-degrees. Currently the roads meet at a more severe angle, which has caused safety concerns over the years.

The realignment is also designed to provide a new access road onto the former Salem Mall property to make it more accessible for new development. Both projects are funded by state and federal grants.

Tom Long of the city's public works department said the city and contractors plan to meet monthly with the affected businesses to try and minimize the impact on their customers. There has already been one such meeting.

For more information about the construction contact public works at 854-1702.

Youth Soccer Sign Up

2009-06-09T19:16:00.000-04:00

Trotwood Say Soccer Registration continues on Sunday June 7th and 14th at the Madison Park Pavilion from 4-6pm. The teams are open to boys and girls aged 4-18 (age as of July 31, 2009).

Every child gets to play and learn the rules of soccer under the guidance of certified coaches and referees.

Organizers are always on the lookout for new volunteer coaches to help with the soccer program. They are looking for people who love to work with youth, be positive role models and assist in developing good character and sportsmanship. Training is available.

Most importantly they need sponsors. They are accepting business and individual team sponsors.

For more information call Ilona Benson 854-5388 or email her at TrotwoodSoccer@aol.com

Trotwood Night At the Dayton Dragons July 3

2009-06-09T19:15:00.000-04:00

Come join your neighbors and community members at Fifth/Third Field in the Trotwood Section near third base. This once a season event has been growing each year. Fans will be cheering as the Dragons take on the Ft Wayne Tin Caps.

The game will end with a fireworks display.

Trotwood Night is Friday July 3rd at 7pm. Tickets are available for $11 on the second floor of the Trotwood Government Center at 3035 Olive Rd. For more information call 854-7227.

Swing For Handivan

2009-06-09T19:14:00.000-04:00

You don’t have to be a great golfer to have a great time for a great cause.

The Trotwood Area Handivan is sponsoring a golf tournament to raise funds for a new van. The tournament will be held at Larch Tree Golf Course in Trotwood on June 16, 2009, at 12:00 noon. It will be a 4-person best ball format, and there will be two divisions: "A" - Men's, "B" - Mixed. There will be cash prizes for winners of first, second, and third place in each division.

There will be prizes for closest to the pin, long drive, and hole-in-one. There will be a meal following the tournament. The cost is $75 per person, $300 per foursome. For more information, or to register, please call George Ford, 837-4851, or Norm Bassett, 837-7042.

The Trotwood Area Handivan is a non-profit transportation service serving Trotwood and the surrounding area. The Handivan has been providing their service since 1984, and does not receive funding from any federal, state, or local government agency. They operate three vans, two of which have excessive mileage, and should be replaced.

If you are not a golfer, but would still like to support this service, you can mail a tax deductible contribution to Trotwood Area Handivan Ministry, Inc., 18 N. Broadway, Trotwood, OH 45426.