(Tipp City, Ohio)

On Saturday, former members of the Ohio State Football team will take on Tipp City Area All Stars in an exhibition basketball game.  All proceeds benefit the Tippecanoe High School baseball program.

“We try to organize fundraisers that have community appeal and promote camaraderie amongst our parents and teammates.  This is one of those events,” says Varsity Baseball Coach Bruce Cahill.  “Sponsorship response has been overwhelming and ticket sales are going well.”

There is a roster of 25 players with others who may commit.  It won’t be known which seven will appear until a couple of days before the event.  Some of the names on the list include Todd Boeckman, Stanley Jackson, Troy Smith, Roy Hall, Kurt Coleman, Derek Combs, and Bobby Carpenter.  Others who may play are Brandon Joe, John Lumpkin, and Mike Doss.  “We are looking forward to seeing who is on the final roster, “ says Cahill.

All players appearing for the exhibition game will be available at half time for a FREE autograph session.

Tickets are $5.00 in advance and are available at all city schools, from any baseball player, and at Clark’s Pharmacy in Tipp City.  Tickets are $7.00 at the door.  Refreshments will be available for purchase.

The game will take place on March 2 at the Tipp High School gym.  Doors will open at 6:00.  Game time is 7:00.

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Record Herald Writer

Courtesy of the Weekly Record Herald; Printed on 2/24/2012

TIPP CITY – In the near future Tipp City, Monroe Township and the Tipp City Schools may be collaborating on a new construction project, pending funding from the state of Ohio’s new Local Government Innovation Fund.
The council approved a resolution allowing the city manager to apply for a feasibility study grant from the fund. This would allow the city to explore the pros and cons of constructing a joint vehicle fueling station to service the city, the school district and Monroe Township.
“This is a new program put together by the state of Ohio as part of the governor’s budget. They’re providing financial assistance to plan and implement projects for local governments to be more efficient and effective,” said City Manager Jon Crusey.
The fund is meant to encourage collaboration between local governments, promoting efficiency and shared services. It was created last summer when the state set aside $45 million in funding, $9 million for feasibility study grants and $36 million to go towards loans for the implementation of approved projects.
“It’s going to be a very, very competitive process. Just about every local government out there, every school district is going to be putting in an application,” said Assistant City Manager Brad Vath.
If the grant is awarded, the feasibility study will consider the costs and benefits of the project and possible locations. Once the study is complete, the city, township, and school district will determine whether or not to move on with the project.
Currently, both Tipp and Monroe purchase their fuel atSpeedway, but buying gas in bulk would be significantly less expensive than purchasing from retailers, said Crusey. The joint fueling station would be expected to save the City approximately $25 thousand a year.
The school district already has a fueling station and the feasibility study will consider if that site can be used for the joint station or if another location would be better.
This project was chosen because of its possible benefits to the City, the schools and the Township and also because the City cannot apply for help with projects already in the works.
The applications are due by March 1 and the recipients will be notified in June.
A grant that has already been awarded and was officially approved Tuesday is Tipp’s portion of the Miami County Community Development Block Grant. The $27,000 award comes via the Miami County Commissioners and will be used for outdoor renovations to the old Municipal building. Renovations included replacing bricks, repainting the exterior and possibly replacing windows.
The Council also approved the final plan for the Fieldstone Place Senior Living Campus. The new subdivision will be located at the northwest corner ofCounty Road 25A andEvanston Road. The subdivision is divided into two lots, an assisted living facility on the first lot with the second lot to be developed in the future.
A second ordinance authorized a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) agreement to reimburse the Granger Group $1,070,000 for constructing the public improvements needed to developFieldstone Place. These improvements include extending the water and sewer mains, which would make future developments in that area easier.
“We’re going to trade one and a half million dollars in property tax forgiveness to get lines out there to benefit this development and possible future developments,” said Councilmember Bryan Budding, who cast the sole “nay” vote. “When the developer comes and says it’s not feasible unless they get a million dollars, I wonder how great the business plan is.”
The assisted living center is expected to bring 80 jobs to the area and the income taxes associated with those jobs.
“The benefit is those are added public improvements that will not just serve us, but will serve future developments down the road. We could just as easily have moved to another community that already has those developments in place, but we saw the need here,” said Jason Granger of the Granger Group.
The council also approved a resolution that will start the next phase of the Franklin Street reconstruction project. The resolution authorized the City to assess the costs of the project.
Construction onFranklin is expected to begin this spring and be finished by August. It will focus on a 316 foot stretch of the street from North Third to North Second. The proposed road work includes replacing the street base and asphalt pavement, installing a storm sewer and new curbs and sidewalks.
The project is funded in the Capital Improvement Fund and the Sewer Fund and is expected to cost $15,563.50.

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February 2012:  Process Equipment Company (PECo) and their employees increased their gift by $10,444.00 from last year, pledging $13,196.00 during this year’s campaign.  “PECo matches their employees’ contributions dollar for dollar, so when their employees generously give to our campaign, PECo doubles it,” said Deb Carr, Executive Director of the Tipp City Area United Way.

“This is especially needed due to the economy and cuts being made in the government.  More local folks need temporary assistance and less funding is available.  It is so heartwarming to see local people, helping local people,” concluded Carr.

“We (PECo) credit the single most important factor in our successful United Way campaign this year to the positive spirit and leadership provided by Lisa Bratton, PECo’s United Way Ambassador, who met personally with every PECo employee to encourage their participation,” explained Bill Rosenberg, PECo’s CEO.

“Another element to our successful campaign drive this year was the support of our CEO Bill Rosenberg.  Bill pledged to take a pie in the face if we achieved 100% participation this year.  Although we missed it slightly, we are looking forward to working toward 100% next year, and we’ll even let Bill pick the pie,” explained Bratton.

“PECo achieved 85% employee participation in the program, its best ever,” said Bratton.  “PECo’s employees are what make us a great Company and a rewarding place to work.  We all feel positive about our achievements of the past year and PECo’s bright future.  I could not be more proud of the generosity of my fellow PECo associates in sharing their prosperity with our community via the United Way,” concluded Bratton.

“Meeting our goal has been difficult again this year and we are still not there,” stated Carr.  “Our local United Way is honored to have partnerships such as PECo’s who know the importance of community, and make a difference through their investment in their local United Way,” expressed Carr.

We encourage all our local companies, businesses, and individuals to get involved in making lasting changes through your local United Way campaign.  It’s not too late; please send your contribution to Tipp City Area United Way, PO Box 95, Tipp City, OH, 45371.  You can also check with your employer to see if donating by payroll deduction is available.  Additionally, you may give a credit card contribution through our website, www.tippcityauw.org or to find more information.  If you are going through a difficult time and need help or want to find out more, please contact Deb Carr at 669-3863 or email her at deb.carr@tippcityauw.org.

Larry Lokai (left) with Darlene Ruzicka

Local chapter presidents from the eight county areas including Greene, Clark, Champaign, Shelby, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, Darke Counties Ohio Retired Teachers Association chapters selected Larry Lokai of Urbana, Ohio as the new District III Director for Ohio Retired Teachers Association. Darlene Ruzicka, past District III Director and newly elected Western Ohio Vice President will serve as a mentor for Lokai.

Larry Lokai is a graduate of The Ohio State University and taught in Clark County for 33 years at Northwestern Clark High School and finished his 30 year career at Keystone High School in Lagrange, Ohio 1996. Currently he is serving his second term as president ofr Champaign County Retired Teachers and in his third term as Urbana City Council-at Large.

March 28, 2012 Ohio Retired Teachers Association will be hosting the 2012 Area Conference at the Dayton Sinclair Community Center for all local retired teacher officers in the 24 county area of western Ohio.

What: 

Where & When: Saturday, April 21, 2012, 11:30 am – 2 pm, at the Concord Room, Club 55, 845 West Market Street, Troy, OH 45373.

 Who we are: Soroptimist International of Tipp City & the Upper Miami Valley is part of Soroptimist International of the Americas, headquartered in Philadelphia, Pa. The club joins Soroptimists in more than 120 countries and territories worldwide who offer programs that improve the lives of women and girls.  For more information on how Soroptimist improves the lives of women and girls, visit Soroptimist.org. For more information about Soroptimist International of Tipp City & the Upper Miami Valley, call 667-3377 or email the club at sitcumv@gmail.com.

Blauser, Michael K. 66 of Bradford, Ohio, formerly of Tipp City passed away Saturday February 18, 2012 at Wayne Hospital, Greenville, Ohio. Born September 15, 1945 in Troy, Ohio to the late Robert and Betty {Brooks} Blauser. Survived by his loving wife Aldora {Butcher} Blauser, daughters; Brenda and her husband Richard Alvarez, Troy, Ohio, Kristine and her husband John Scalzi, Bradford, Ohio, , sisters; Karen (Ron) Long, Marysville, Ohio, Barbara Cox, Lebanon, Ohio, Linda (Tom) Louis, Tipp City, Ohio, brother; Bart (Jacoline) Blauser, Tipp City, Ohio and 3 grandchildren; Andrea and Cecilia Alvarez and Athena Scalzi. Michael attended Tippecanoe High School, served his country proudly in the United States Navy during Vietnam. He was a brick layer for many years with Rick Stum and Tom Gostomsky and a member of the National Rifle Association. He was an all-around good guy. His grandchildren were very special to him as was his best pal “Sammie”. Service 10:30 AM Thursday February 23, 2012 at FRINGS AND BAYLIFF FUNERAL HOME 327 W. Main St. Tipp City, Ohio 45371. Visitation 5 to 8 PM on Wednesday at the funeral home. Contributions may be made in memory of Michael to the NRA, 11250 Waples Mill Rd., Fairfax, VA 22030 www.fringsandbayliff.com

Cowan, Charles. H. Sr. “Digger” age 87 of Tipp City, OH passed away Friday, February 17, 2012 at his home after a brief illness. Charlie is survived by his loving wife of 48 years Pat (Lewis) Cowan, sons Chuck (Becky) Cowan, Phillipsburg; Mike (Conni) Turben, Columbus: Mark Cowan, Dayton: Jim Turben, Las Vegas; daughter Jo Ann Gabel, Tipp City; sisters Roberta Gates, South Carolina; Janet McDermott, Dayton; Elizabeth Pursley, Lebanon. 14 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by one beloved grandson Daniel Gabel and five brothers. Charlie was a member of Zion Lutheran Church,Tipp City; retired from City of Dayton Street Department after 27 years; volunteer Tipp City EMS, caretaker Maple Hill Cemetery, avid Dayton Dragons fan and Tipp City Sports fan where he could be seen routing on the home team in the stands with a big smile on his face. Funeral services will be held 10:00 am Wednesday, February 22, 2010 at Zion Lutheran Church, corner 3rd and Main St, Tipp City. Visitation 5 – 8 pm Tuesday at Frings and Bayliff Funeral Home, Tipp City. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Hospice of Miami Co. or Zion Lutheran Church in memory of Charlie. www.fringsandbayliff

            On Thursday, February 16, 2012, the Tipp City Schools held their 8th Annual Science Fair for students in grades 6-12.  This event offered students a venue that promotes the development of creative thinking, research and writing skills and career motivation toward the sciences, all in one program.  Students from Tippecanoe Middle School and Tippecanoe High School completed and exhibited projects in biology, chemistry, botany, space & earth sciences, computers, zoology, microbiology, biochemistry, physics, engineering, mathematics, medicine & health and behavioral & social science.

The 2012 Tippecanoe Science Fair was held at TippecanoeHigh School where 19 students received a “Superior” rating on their project and are eligible to go to the District contest held at Central State Universityon March 17^th.  Students receiving a superior at District may go on to the State contest held at The Ohio State University in May.

Students receiving “superior” ratings were: Alexandra Abboud,Abby Allen, Brandon Bischoff, Megan Bruening, Adam Buynak, Thomas Chaney, Allison Chitwood, Thomas Gaier, Emily Gootzeit, Emily Hodge, Jessica Miller, Tia Miller, Zach Robbins, Erin Rogers, Samantha Rowland, Nathan Schall, Abby Walker, Elizabeth Walker, and Faithe Walker.

Students receiving “excellent” ratings were Sarah Bradley, Lauren Brackman, Jennel Chumney, Kyle Demers, Sydney Flora, Katie Glover, Joey Hodge, Taylor Merrick, Stephanie Mizer, Kase Vyas, and Maya Vyas.

Among those students receiving “superior” ratings, eight were given special awards for their high scores; from Tippecanoe Middle School: Brandon Bischoff, Emily Hodge, Jessica Miller, Samantha Rowland, and Abby Walker; from Tippecanoe High School:  Megan Bruening, Zach Robbins, and Erin Rogers; with Samantha Rowland receiving perfect scores of 40/40 points from each judge.

Samantha Rowland was awarded the Grand Prize of a Kindle Fire.  Megan Bruening received second place and $50, and in a tie for third place were Brandon Bischoff and Abby Walker.

This year Special Awards & Topic Category Awards were presented to students. These included:

Erin Rogers, Fielder Award for Animal Sciences, $50

Emily Gootzeit, Bash Foo’s Newtonian Award of Discovery in Behavioral Studies, $100

Tia Miller, Royal Crest Award in Behavioral & Social Sciences, $50

FaithWalker, Goody Award for Chemistry, $50

Taylor Merrick, Fielder Award for Chemistry, $50

Allison Chitwood, Duckro Award for Engineering, $50

Samantha Rowland, Aptalis Award for Engineering, $100

Adam Buynak, Kanalas Award for Engineering, $50

Allison Chitwood, Energy Optimizers’ Excellence in Energy Science, $100

Allison Chitwood, Eiffert Award for Energy & Transportation, $25

Nathan Schall,BoltonAward for Energy & Transportation, $20

Adam Buynak, Award for Outstanding Research in Environmental Management, $50

Thomas Chaney, Mayor’s Award for Environmental Sciences, $50

Samantha Rowland, Venkatesh Award for Medicine, $50

Megan Bruening, Aptalis R&D Analytical Award for Medicine & Health, $100

Megan Bruening, Aptalis R&D Formulations Award for Microbiology, $75

Joey Hodge, 1^st Place, Good Samaritan Award for Physics, $100

Nathan Schall, 2^nd Place, Good Samaritan Award for Physics, $50

Brandon Bischoff, 3^rd Place, Good Samaritan Award for Physics, $50

            Thomas Gaier, Aptalis R&D Analytical Award for Physics, $100

            Elizabeth Walker, Stevens Educational Foundation Award for Plant Sciences, $50

Megan Bruening, Best Presentation of Data, any category,John Skolnickisponsor, $50

Thomas Chaney, Best Presentation of Data, any category,John Skolnickisponsor, $50

Emily Gootzeit, Tipp-Monroe Optimists Award for Best Abstract, $50

             Event sponsors donated awards and gift certificates in an amount totaling over $2,000, not including $500 donated by the Tipp City Rotary Club to pay for the District Science Fair registration fees.  Other sponsors included:  DARE Electronics –Karen Beagle President, The Researchers at Aptalis of Vandalia,Ohio, Tipp Monroe Optimists Club, Tipp City Frisch’s, Dave Werts, Georgia Bayman, Bob & Jackie Wahl, Pete & Rebecca Schinaman, Charles & Kathy Allen,Carrie Rowland, Len Kenyon, and Tipp Computer Doctors.

            Thirty area professionals and community members volunteered to judge the projects, aided by several Tipp City Schools teachers.  Parents and members of Tipp City Optimists provided refreshments and aided in set up and clean up of the event.

            The students, Tippecanoe STEAM Boosters, Inc. and the Tipp City Schools Science Department wishes to thank all of the sponsors and volunteers for making the 2012 Tipp City Science Fair a successful event.  Anyone with questions about the science fair program or Tippecanoe STEAM Boosters, Inc. should contact Scott Snyder at the TippecanoeHigh School, 667-8448 or Dr. Martin English, 1470 W. Main Street, Tipp City, OH  45371, 667-3217, or email steamboosters@swohio.twcbc.com

By CECILIA FOX
Record Herald Writer

Courtesy of the Weekly Record Herald; Printed on 2/17/12

TIPP CITY – The first meeting of the zoning code review steering committee on Tuesday night kicked off the yearlong code update process.

Last November, Tipp City entered into a contract with Compass Point Planning for assistance with the comprehensive zoning and subdivision code update, the first comprehensive update since 1993.

The update is intended to clean up inconsistencies in the current code and eliminate any contradiction. It will also streamline and modernize regulations, making them easier for residents and businesses to understand.

Wendy Moeller from Compass Point Planning led the meeting, presenting feedback from local boards and businesses and urging the steering committee to think about the changes they would like to see made.

Key problems with the current code have been parking and signage. Last fall, the Tipp City Church of the Nazarene ran into difficulties with the sign code and appealed to council to change the code so they could install a new LED sign. Council overturned the planning board’s decision and enabled the church to get their sign. Before that, the new Holiday Inn and Warrior Racing ran into code conflict.

Many other downtown businesses have had issues with the city’s parking regulations, especially off street parking.

Members of the steering committee stressed that the new code needs to be more business friendly, for both local businesses and larger chains, and more efficient.

“The biggest thing is to be more business friendly,” said Mayor Dee Gillis.

Councilman and steering committee member Joe Gibson said that the new code should not be a burden to businesses and residents.

“Existing businesses approach us often about limitations and restrictions that are either inconsistent or outdated,” Gibson said.

The code update is expected to be a yearlong process consisting of four stages. The first stage, initiation, was completed when the contract with Compass Point Planning was signed.

The second stage, evaluation, is expected to be completed by the end of next month. This stage involves reviewing the existing code and evaluating the issues and problems with the existing regulations. The consulting team will then propose solutions to the issues and build a blueprint for the new code.

During stage three, the consulting team will draft the new regulations section by section and gather feedback from the steering committee, the boards, and the public.

This phase should be complete by November of this year. By next February, the newly revised code should be ready for adoption, the final stage.

The community can keep track of the revision process by attending public meetings and checking the city’s website at http://www.tippcityohio.gov/CodeUpdate.cfm.

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80,000-Square-Foot Store to Open in Spring 2013

SIDNEY, Neb. (Feb.16, 2012) – Cabela’s Incorporated, the World’s Foremost Outfitter® of hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, announced today plans to open a store in Columbus, Ohio, bringing Cabela’s extraordinary retail experience to customers in Columbus and the surrounding area.

Cabela’s expects to open the store in spring 2013. The 80,000-square-foot store will be located in the Polaris Centers development at Gemini Parkway and Interstate 71. It will be Cabela’s first store in Ohio.

The store is expected to employ up to 175 full- and part-time employees, and most will come from Columbus and the surrounding area. Cabela’s typically attracts as staffers experienced outdoor recreationalists, who join the Cabela’s family of employees known for their passion for and knowledge of the outdoors as well as excellent customer service skills.

“We have so many great customers in the Buckeye State who share our passion for the outdoors, who live the Cabela’s lifestyle, we wanted to build this store to better serve them,” said Cabela’s Chief Executive Officer Tommy Millner. “Generations of Ohioans have been loyal Cabela’s customers and now, with this store, they will be able to really share in the Cabela’s shopping experience.”

The building’s exterior will reflect Cabela’s popular store model with log construction, stonework, wood siding and metal roofing. A large glass storefront will allow customers to view much of the store’s interior as they approach the building. The inside will feature the company’s next-generation layout, designed to surround customers in an outdoor experience, including conservation-themed wildlife displays and trophy animal mounts displayed on a mountain. Additionally, the store will feature a 5,575-gallon aquarium. The store will also feature a Gun Library, Bargain Cave and Fudge Shop. Construction is expected to start in spring 2012.

Cabela’s has announced plans to build stores in Wichita, Kan.; Tulalip, Wash.; Charleston, W.Va.; Rogers, Ark.; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada; and Union Gap, Wash., all expected to open in 2012. Cabela’s also plans to open stores in Grandville, Mich., and Louisville, Ky., in 2013.

Cabela’s stores showcase thousands of products, including hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, boating and wildlife-watching gear, as well as clothing and outdoor-themed gifts and furnishings. The company is famous for its strong brand and world-renowned reputation for delivering quality merchandise, value and legendary customer service.

The Polaris Centers development also includes Costco, Cambria Suites, Toys R Us, Babies R Us, Hobby Lobby as well as the Polaris Business Park, and is conveniently located near numerous hotels, restaurants and other national retailers, including Polaris Fashion Place.
About Cabela’s Incorporated

Cabela’s Incorporated, headquartered in Sidney, Nebraska, is a leading specialty retailer, and the world’s largest direct marketer, of hunting, fishing, camping and related outdoor merchandise. Since the Company’s founding in 1961, Cabela’s® has grown to become one of the most well-known outdoor recreation brands in the world, and has long been recognized as the World’s Foremost Outfitter®. Through Cabela’s growing number of retail stores and its well-established direct business, it offers a wide and distinctive selection of high-quality outdoor products at competitive prices while providing superior customer service. Cabela’s also issues the Cabela’s CLUB® Visa credit card, which serves as its primary customer loyalty rewards program. Cabela’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “CAB”.