We have been busy out here on the farm which has delayed our latest issue of Totally Trotwood. The wet weather in April and early May and some related mechanical repairs delayed this year's planting activities and we hope to wrap it up and get back to work on covering our hometown news stories.
In the meantime here is a little entertainment for you featuring a tractor percussion section in a rousing rendition of Sweet Georgia Brown.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Chrysler Pulling Out Of Trotwood
By Bruce Kettelle
Trotwood’s Salem Chrysler Jeep was told Thursday they have been recommended for termination from their Chrysler franchise agreement. The Zappia Family owned dealer is one of 47 in the state on the company’s closure list submitted to the bankruptcy court.
Mary Kay Zappia said Thursday afternoon that calling it a closure list is actually deceiving. “The list is a recommendation to Bankruptcy Judge Gonzales to terminate franchise agreements.” The list contained the names of 789 dealers out of the nation’s 3,200 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep outlets.
The Zappia’a own their 43-year-old dealership and have vowed to fight the recommendation even if it means testifying in court. Sensing they may be on the list they have already joined the Committee of Affected Dealers. A Cincinnati law firm is helping the committee fight the termination requests.
Zappia said they cannot be told to close but they may lose their ability to sell Chrysler products. The dealership also boasts a robust service department that will work on more than
just Chrysler products. “We will be open as usual,” said Zappia.
“The Zappias have been extremely good corporate citizens in Trotwood,” said Trotwood City Manager Mike Lucking. Over the years the dealership has made significant donations to the city’s fire and rescue department and other charity support. “We’ve been in contact with her and she is determined to fight this recommendation.”
The list was published on Thursday morning. With 53, Pennsylvania has the most dealerships on the list. Other states near the top of the list besides Ohio are Texas with 50, Illinois 44, Michigan 39, Florida 35, New Jersey and California with 30 each, 28 in New York, Missouri 26 and 24 in nearby Indiana.
Dealers will be allowed to argue against Chrysler’s action in the bankruptcy proceedings. Chrysler reasons the reduction will allow the remaining dealers to return to a higher level of profitability.
Last year about 1,000 dealerships closed nationally on their own, mostly due to economic pressures.
Next it will be General Motors turn. As many as 2,600 GM dealers across the country are expected to be phased out as that company tries to deal with their own financial challenges. GM has indicated the reductions will have the largest impact in urban and suburban districts. Nearby officials will be holding their breath in neighboring Brookville home to the nearest GM dealership, Boose Chevrolet.
Trotwood’s Salem Chrysler Jeep was told Thursday they have been recommended for termination from their Chrysler franchise agreement. The Zappia Family owned dealer is one of 47 in the state on the company’s closure list submitted to the bankruptcy court.
Mary Kay Zappia said Thursday afternoon that calling it a closure list is actually deceiving. “The list is a recommendation to Bankruptcy Judge Gonzales to terminate franchise agreements.” The list contained the names of 789 dealers out of the nation’s 3,200 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep outlets.
The Zappia’a own their 43-year-old dealership and have vowed to fight the recommendation even if it means testifying in court. Sensing they may be on the list they have already joined the Committee of Affected Dealers. A Cincinnati law firm is helping the committee fight the termination requests.
Zappia said they cannot be told to close but they may lose their ability to sell Chrysler products. The dealership also boasts a robust service department that will work on more than
just Chrysler products. “We will be open as usual,” said Zappia.
“The Zappias have been extremely good corporate citizens in Trotwood,” said Trotwood City Manager Mike Lucking. Over the years the dealership has made significant donations to the city’s fire and rescue department and other charity support. “We’ve been in contact with her and she is determined to fight this recommendation.”
The list was published on Thursday morning. With 53, Pennsylvania has the most dealerships on the list. Other states near the top of the list besides Ohio are Texas with 50, Illinois 44, Michigan 39, Florida 35, New Jersey and California with 30 each, 28 in New York, Missouri 26 and 24 in nearby Indiana.
Dealers will be allowed to argue against Chrysler’s action in the bankruptcy proceedings. Chrysler reasons the reduction will allow the remaining dealers to return to a higher level of profitability.
Last year about 1,000 dealerships closed nationally on their own, mostly due to economic pressures.
Next it will be General Motors turn. As many as 2,600 GM dealers across the country are expected to be phased out as that company tries to deal with their own financial challenges. GM has indicated the reductions will have the largest impact in urban and suburban districts. Nearby officials will be holding their breath in neighboring Brookville home to the nearest GM dealership, Boose Chevrolet.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Hamvention Countdown To May 15
By Bruce KettellePreparation activity in and around Hara Arena is already visible in anticipation of 20,000 ham radio enthusiasts descending on Trotwood May 15-17. Since 1952 Hamvention has become the world's largest gathering for radios, antennas, and associated gear.
This year's theme is Dream, 'Digital Radio Enabling Amateurs to do More.' In addition to the 500 inside vendor exhibits and 2,500 flea market exhibits outside, participants can attend a multitude of forums covering everything from the basics of soldering to advanced digital transmissions.
Local businesses are also gearing up as the surge of visitors brings new customers to area restaurants and retailers. This is the largest weekend event hosted in Trotwood. Residents
are advised to adjust for increased travel times on Shiloh Springs Rd during the three-day event. And if you happen to see some cars with out of state plates be sure to wave a warm welcome to our visitors.
Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. See picture of Hamvention Button at
http://www.totallytrotwood.com/home_5-1-09.htm
Did You Know?
On May 2, 1934 WLW in nearby Warren County became the most powerful radio station in the world with 500,000 watts of transmission power. Broadcasting at 700 kilohertz AM, it could be heard clearly coast-to-coast in North American and as far away as England. It had begun in 1921, broadcasting at only 20 watts. In 1922 it increased to 500 watts, 50,000 watts in 1928, then 500,000 watts in 1934. Due to complaints, its power was reduced after 5 years back to 50,000 watts, the highest wattage allowed today. At its highest level the signal was so strong that broadcasts could often be heard over wire fences and wood-burning stoves. (Courtesy of
Trotwood Madison Historical Society)
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Trotwood Reacts To Swine Flu Reports
Montgomery County Combined Health
District officials conducted a pandemic
outbreak response practice at Hara Arena
in 2006 by offering drive through
flu shots. (Photo by Totally Trotwood)
By Bruce Kettelle
Trotwood Fire and Rescue Chief Gene Lutz said Trotwood residents needn’t be overly anxious about the Swine Flu reports inundating the news this week. Currently there is only one case confirmed in Ohio.
Nonetheless he encouraged residents to understand what symptoms to look for. “I’m a little worried that local emergency rooms may get overwhelmed by common cold symptoms which might make it difficult for them to handle other emergencies such as accident victims,” said Lutz. Residents are encouraged to visit the city's web site for a list of precautions and local contacts.
All the US cases surfacing this week are related to recent travel to infected areas in places like Mexico. Residents that have traveled to Mexico or have been in contact with friends and coworkers that have traveled there should vigilantly monitor any health changes. See our Swine Flu symptoms page for more.
Lutz is watching the situation closely. As a precaution he is adding some respiratory distress treatments to the area’s ambulances and updating the training for those personnel.
The Combined Health District of Montgomery County coordinates disease outbreak response locally. Their web site contains regular updates and background information. http://www.chdmc.org/
Health district staff has conducted several practice responses to pandemic disease outbreaks during the past several years including one at Hara Arena in Trotwood. If this disease were to spread to Trotwood and Montgomery County they have several plans that can be put into action.
Trotwood Fire and Rescue Chief Gene Lutz said Trotwood residents needn’t be overly anxious about the Swine Flu reports inundating the news this week. Currently there is only one case confirmed in Ohio.
Nonetheless he encouraged residents to understand what symptoms to look for. “I’m a little worried that local emergency rooms may get overwhelmed by common cold symptoms which might make it difficult for them to handle other emergencies such as accident victims,” said Lutz. Residents are encouraged to visit the city's web site for a list of precautions and local contacts.
All the US cases surfacing this week are related to recent travel to infected areas in places like Mexico. Residents that have traveled to Mexico or have been in contact with friends and coworkers that have traveled there should vigilantly monitor any health changes. See our Swine Flu symptoms page for more.
Lutz is watching the situation closely. As a precaution he is adding some respiratory distress treatments to the area’s ambulances and updating the training for those personnel.
The Combined Health District of Montgomery County coordinates disease outbreak response locally. Their web site contains regular updates and background information. http://www.chdmc.org/
Health district staff has conducted several practice responses to pandemic disease outbreaks during the past several years including one at Hara Arena in Trotwood. If this disease were to spread to Trotwood and Montgomery County they have several plans that can be put into action.
Swine Flu Symptoms
With the first case of Swine Flu reported here in Ohio, Trotwood residents should be aware of what to look out for. If you know anyone that has recently travelled to Mexico or another infected area be especially watchful for these symptoms.
This information is directly from the Center for Disease Control (CDC)
What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
How does swine flu spread?
Spread of this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
How can someone with the flu infect someone else?
Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
What should I do to keep from getting the flu?
First and most important: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Are there medicines to treat swine flu?
Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).
How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?
People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.
How long can viruses live outside the body?
We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent handwashing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
-- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
-- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
-- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
-- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
-- If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?
If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.
What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water. or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. we recommend that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.
What should I do if I get sick?
If you live in areas where swine influenza cases have been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.
-- If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.
-- If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
-- In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
Fast breathing or trouble breathing
Bluish skin color
Not drinking enough fluids
Not waking up or not interacting
Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
-- Fever with a rash In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting
How serious is swine flu infection?
Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Between 2005 until January 2009, 12 human cases of swine flu were detected in the U.S. with no deaths occurring. However, swine flu infection can be serious. In September 1988, a previously healthy 32-year-old pregnant woman in Wisconsin was hospitalized for pneumonia after being infected with swine flu and died 8 days later. A swine flu outbreak in Fort Dix, New Jersey occurred in 1976 that caused more than 200 cases with serious illness in several people and one death.
Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?
No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.
This information is directly from the Center for Disease Control (CDC)
What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
How does swine flu spread?
Spread of this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
How can someone with the flu infect someone else?
Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
What should I do to keep from getting the flu?
First and most important: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Are there medicines to treat swine flu?
Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).
How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?
People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.
How long can viruses live outside the body?
We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent handwashing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
-- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
-- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
-- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
-- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
-- If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?
If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not go to work or school if ill. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.
What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water. or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. we recommend that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.
What should I do if I get sick?
If you live in areas where swine influenza cases have been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.
-- If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.
-- If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
-- In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
Fast breathing or trouble breathing
Bluish skin color
Not drinking enough fluids
Not waking up or not interacting
Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
-- Fever with a rash In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting
How serious is swine flu infection?
Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Between 2005 until January 2009, 12 human cases of swine flu were detected in the U.S. with no deaths occurring. However, swine flu infection can be serious. In September 1988, a previously healthy 32-year-old pregnant woman in Wisconsin was hospitalized for pneumonia after being infected with swine flu and died 8 days later. A swine flu outbreak in Fort Dix, New Jersey occurred in 1976 that caused more than 200 cases with serious illness in several people and one death.
Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?
No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
New Signs Dot Bike Trails
By Bruce Kettelle
Brand new color coded signs have been installed this spring on most of the area’s bike trails. Each trail has it’s own color code to make it easier to get around. Soon every trail in the region will be outfitted with the signs as the unique wayfinding initiative gets all the trail districts to adopt the new plan.
The Wolf Creek Rail Trail signs between Trotwood and Verona bear a distinctive bright purple. Each sign provides the name of the trail and lists a few points of interest ahead with the mileage to each.
“There are six signs between Trotwood and Verona,” said Jeff Green. Green is the dedicated Wolf Creek Rail Trail Technician that keeps the bikeway maintained. He is also responsible for many of the little improvements like several new benches installed along the trail recently.
Green said, “Riders should take a minute on their next ride to inspect the new prairie we installed behind Pete’s Station.” The abandoned station is located between Brookville and Verona. The prairie is one of several nature features accessible to riders from the trail.
The trail is operated by Five Rivers MetroParks. Planning to connect the trail southeast into Dayton and the Miami River trails network is underway but no timetable has been announced.
Hans Landenfeld of the Miami Valley Conservancy District is coordinating the sign initiative. It encompasses Five River Metro Parks, Montgomery County Parks, Green County Parks and Miami County Parks.
“His (Landenfeld’s) concept is to make the signs flow for trail users as they pass from county to county, “ said Greg Brumitt Five River’s Director of Outdoor Recreation. “We have one of the better trail systems in the state and want to make it easier for people to use it.”
The new signs will be found on all 70 miles of trails in the tri-county area. The sign colors will match the trail color on the regional bike maps.
Brand new color coded signs have been installed this spring on most of the area’s bike trails. Each trail has it’s own color code to make it easier to get around. Soon every trail in the region will be outfitted with the signs as the unique wayfinding initiative gets all the trail districts to adopt the new plan.
The Wolf Creek Rail Trail signs between Trotwood and Verona bear a distinctive bright purple. Each sign provides the name of the trail and lists a few points of interest ahead with the mileage to each.
“There are six signs between Trotwood and Verona,” said Jeff Green. Green is the dedicated Wolf Creek Rail Trail Technician that keeps the bikeway maintained. He is also responsible for many of the little improvements like several new benches installed along the trail recently.
Green said, “Riders should take a minute on their next ride to inspect the new prairie we installed behind Pete’s Station.” The abandoned station is located between Brookville and Verona. The prairie is one of several nature features accessible to riders from the trail.
The trail is operated by Five Rivers MetroParks. Planning to connect the trail southeast into Dayton and the Miami River trails network is underway but no timetable has been announced.
Hans Landenfeld of the Miami Valley Conservancy District is coordinating the sign initiative. It encompasses Five River Metro Parks, Montgomery County Parks, Green County Parks and Miami County Parks.
“His (Landenfeld’s) concept is to make the signs flow for trail users as they pass from county to county, “ said Greg Brumitt Five River’s Director of Outdoor Recreation. “We have one of the better trail systems in the state and want to make it easier for people to use it.”
The new signs will be found on all 70 miles of trails in the tri-county area. The sign colors will match the trail color on the regional bike maps.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Salem Av/Shiloh Springs Rd Reconstruction Awarded
By Bruce Kettelle
After considering multiple designs the city of Trotwood recently settled on a more modest modification to realign the sharply angled intersection of Shiloh Springs Rd and Salem Avenue. The construction contract was awarded to RB Jergens for $2,329,277.
Work is expected to begin in June that will get the crossing to be closer to a 90-degree angle. The concept for the realignment arose out of earlier plans to make the former Salem mall site more accessible from Salem Avenue. It should also improve safety at the intersection.
Earlier ambitious plans called for a large traffic circle while another suggested permanently closing Shiloh Spring between Salem Avenue and Denlinger Rd. Those ideas proved to have too many complications and costs, which led to the current configuration.
The plan will create a new road tentatively called Landmark Drive that will intersect with Shiloh Springs Rd about 600 feet east of Salem Av. Planners at the city believe that this new permanent connection with the vacant mall property will help generate new interest from developers.
In addition to the intersection work Jergens also won a $995,560 contract to improve Salem Av from Turner Rd to Salem Bend. That phase includes new sidewalks and stormwater drainage improvements.
Trotwood City Manager Mike Lucking said the construction costs will be paid for through state grants and a federal budget earmark. City leaders worked hard to lobby with US Representative Mike Turner to gain approval of the earmark.
Mayor Darreyl Davis pointed out the council’s travel budget including trips to Washington DC have really paid off.
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