WestChesterBuzz.com

The West Chester Township Fire Department’s Cincinnati-Dayton Road fire station has begun its 2012 fire hydrant flushing program.

Hydrants will be flushed weekdays through June 4, with makeup days scheduled for Saturdays and Sundays.

The following locations are scheduled this week

• Tuesday – Beaverbrook, Ashley Oaks, Fox Hill, Leopard, Foxview, Paddington, Coyote, Grey Fox
• Wednesday – Squirrel Hollow, Zebra, Timberwolf, Miranda, Todd Creek, Fountains Boulevard (Cinti Dayton to Squirrel Hollow), DeSoto Drive.
• Thursday – Meeting Street., N. & S. Legare, Founder’s Row (Union Station Apartments)
• Friday – Cincinnati-Dayton (Fountains Boulevard to I-75), Lakeside Drive (Woodbridge on the Lake Apartments), Ridgetop

On the day your street is due to have hydrants flushed, water from faucets may become cloudy or brownish. Should that occur, run cold water for 2-3 minutes from a faucet at the lowest area of your home – basement laundry tub, if possible.

Cloudy or milky water is usually caused by dissolved air bubbles coming out of the water, is harmless and should clear in a few minutes. Rusty or yellow water occurs when rust deposits are stirred up by flushing the hydrant. It will usually clear 2-3 hours after the fire hydrant is closed.

Rusty water can stain laundry. Residents are encouraged not to do laundry on the day hydrants are being flushed on their street. If clothes are stained keep them moist and use a rust remover or call 513-887-3066 for assistance.

Questions or concerns may also be directed to the West Chester Fire Department at 513-777-1133 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Posted in: Government, News |

Tags: Tags: fire department, fire hydrants, flushing schedule, West Chester Fire Department

Sue Kiesewetter reports

Liberty Township residents will get their first chance to tell township officials how they would like to see the community develop during a Vision Plan open house.

Members of the township’s Vision Plan committee will seek input during a Wednesday, April 25, gathering at the township administration building, 6400 Princeton Road.

The 25-member Vision Plan Steering Committee is working to update the township’s 2006 comprehensive plan. Besides development issues, the plan will address the preservation of environmental features, greenways, parks, trails and economic development.

“It’s critical we properly plan for the future of our community so this is a priority project,’’ said Christine Matacic, president of the Liberty Township Board of Trustees.

“The Vision Plan update will help us best direct our efforts to promote the growth of our commercial tax base with minimal impact on existing residents while preserving the character of Liberty Township.”

Anytime from 5-8 p.m. residents and business owners can visit a series of panels that will be set up in trustees’ meeting space. Members of the steering committee will be available to answer questions.

There will be spots at each station where people can place color coded dots to show agreement with new or existing goals on several topics, said Jonathan West, the township’s director of planning and zoning.

There will also be places where the public can add goals or make suggestions on several topics.

“We want to know what the public’s vision is for how the community should develop,” West said. “We’re looking at where we’ve gone and where we’re headed.”

Input gathered from the public hearing will be used to develop a draft plan by the end of the year.

The public can view the committee’s progress and follow along through a new tab under the ‘planning/zoning’ section of the township’s website, www.liberty-township.com

There, the steering committee has posted PowerPoint presentations, the 2006 comprehensive plan, meeting minutes, demographic information and several land use and other maps.

For more information, call 513-759-7500.

Posted in: Government, News |

Tags: Tags: board of trustees, Christine Matacic, Jonathan West, Liberty Township board of trustees, Liberty Township Director of Planning and Zoning Jonathan West, Liberty Township Trustee Christine Matacic, Liberty Township Vision Plan, Liberty Township Vision Plan committee

To let West Chester and Liberty Township residents catch up with the news that they need to know, WestChesterBuzz.com will list and link to all of last week’s top local stories every Monday.

Lakota West senior Zak Farmer pitches during a 9-2 loss against Mason Monday, March 26, 2012. Photo by Adam Kiefaber.

High school baseball begins – Last Monday, both Lakota West and Lakota East began the 2012 baseball season with a loss during the inaugural Reds Future High School Showcase at Prasco Park Legacy Field in Mason. Lakota West lost by the score of 9-2 against rival Mason, while Lakota East lost to Hamilton 4-2.

Scholarship created to honor student involved in fatal wreck – The Community Foundation of West Chester/Liberty announced last Monday that it has established a scholarship fund to honor a Lakota West student, who died after being involved in a fatal car wreck March 16. The Ezekiel “Zeke” Stepaniak Memorial Scholarship will be awarded annually to a student at Lakota West High School that exhibits Stepaniak’s qualities.

Lakota Superintendent Karen Mantia. Photo taken by Tony Jones.

Lakota seeks students’ input on cuts – Cincinnati Enquirer Michael D. Clark reported that Lakota Superintendent Karen Mantia is reaching out to some of those hardest hit by Lakota’s recent $10.5 million in budget cuts – students. Mantia said during Monday evening’s Lakota school board meeting that she will invite students in May to discuss in person the sweeping changes.

Jack in the Box could open in mid-July – A spokesperson with Jack in the Box said last week that it is “only a matter of days” before the company breaks ground on its first restaurant in Ohio. The location, off Tylersville Road near I-75 in West Chester, is expected to be open by mid-July. The target date of the opening could be changed to due weather.

Rogers declared winner after recount – Last week’s recount in the Butler County commission race confirmed that T.C. Rogers of West Chester Township won the Republican primary for Butler County commissioner. Rogers finished 13 votes ahead of former commissioner and State Rep. Courtney Combs. Rogers will face Democratic candidate Jodi Billerman of Liberty Township and Libertarian Daryl Olthaus of Somerville in the November election.

Lakota West pitcher Ashley Sharp pitches in a 6-2 win against Lakota East Friday, March 30, 2012. Photo by Joseph Fuqua II.

Amylin shares soar on takeover bid – Cincinnati Enquirer’s Mike Boyer reported that shares of drug-maker Amylin Pharmaceuticals Inc. in West Chester Township soared 54 percent Wednesday after a report that the company rejected a $3.5 billion unsolicited takeover bid from Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. Shares of the San Diego-based company closed at $23.77 – up $8.38 in more than 10 times normal trading – after Bloomberg News reported the company had rejected the $22-a-share offer.

Lakota West defeated Lakota East in softball – On Friday, Lakota West won its fourth straight against its school district rival. The latest coming by way of a 6-2 victory over the Thunderhawks. Last season, Lakota East was ranked No. 1 in the state for most of the spring and lost only three of its 31 games. All three losses came at the hand of the Firebirds, including one that eliminated Lakota East in the state quarterfinals.

Posted in: Board of Education, Business, Election, Government, Levy news, News, Schools, Sports, Spring sports |

Tags: Tags: Amylin, Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Amylin Pharmaceuticals Inc., Butler County Board of Elections, Butler County commission race, Butler County Election 2012, Chuck Furmon, Community Foundation, Community Foundation WCL, Community Foundation West Chester/Liberty, Courtney Combs, Ezekieal Stephaniak, Ezekieal Zeke Stepaniak, jack in the box, Jack in the Box Cincinnati, Jack in the Box midwest, Jack in the Box Ohio, Jack in the Box West Chester, Karen Manita, Karen Mantia, Lakota, Lakota cuts, Lakota East, Lakota East baseball, Lakota East softball, Lakota East Sports, Lakota Local Schools, Lakota Superintendent Dr. Karen Mantia, Lakota Superintendent Karen Mantia, Lakota West, Lakota West High School, Lakota West softball, Lakota West sports, Lakota West student death, Liberty Township election, Ohio election 2012, reductions, school levy, Superintendent Dr. Karen Mantia, superintendent Karen Mantia, T.C. Rogers, WCL Community Foundation, West Chester election, West Chester McDonalds, West Chester restaurant opening, West Chester restaurants, Zeke Stepaniak

Sheila McLaughlin reports

Monday’s recount in the Butler County commission race confirmed political newcomer T.C. Rogers as the Republican candidate for November’s general election.

Rogers, a home builder and real estate agent from West Chester Township, remained 13 votes ahead of Courtney Combs. Rogers had 11,571 votes to Combs’ 11,558.

A recount in the Butler County commission race confirmed T.C. Rogers as the Republican candidate for November’s general election. Photo taken by Joseph Fuqua II.

Earlier this month, Rogers appeared to have defeated two longtime politicos: Combs, a longtime state representative and former county commissioner, and current commissioner Chuck Furmon. Rogers kept his edge last week when absentee and provisional ballots were counted.

The race between Rogers and Combs was so close, the automatic recount was required by law.

But the numbers stayed the same after the 11-hour recount process at the Butler County Board of Elections, Director Lynn Edward Kinkaid said.

Neither Rogers nor Combs could be reached for comment.

Furmon still brought up the rear with 9,392 total votes in the primary race, so he’s out of a job next year.

The votes will be certified today.

Combs also loses his job in Ohio’s Statehouse in January because of term limits. He had hoped to return to Butler County as a commissioner, a job he held for 17 years before heading to Columbus in 2004.

Combs had said earlier that Rogers’ win signaled a change in Republican politics in Butler County.

Rogers subscribes to the tea party movement, and Combs is seen as part of the GOP establishment.

Rogers will face Democratic candidate Jodi Billerman, of Liberty Township, and Libertarian Daryl Olthaus, a registered nurse from Somerville, in the November election.

Posted in: Election, Government, News |

Tags: Tags: Butler County Board of Elections, Butler County commission race, Butler County Election 2012, Chuck Furmon, Courtney Combs, Liberty Township election, Ohio election 2012, T.C. Rogers, West Chester election

The Enquirer

The Republican nominee for the Butler County Commissioner race this fall finally should be decided by day’s end.

T.C. Rogers is only 13 votes up on unofficial runner-up Courtney Combs in the Butler County Commission Republican primary - voting took place, March 6, 2012. In photo, Roger speaks at a voter forum in February. Photo taken by Joseph Fuqua II.

The final recount is expected to begin at the county’s board of elections at 8:30 am.

Earlier this month, political newcomer T.C. Rogers defeated two longtime politicos: current commissioner Chuck Furmon and longtime state representative Courtney Combs. He kept his edge last week when absentee and provisional ballots were counted.

The race was so close, however, today’s automatic recount was required by law.

Rogers, a home builder and real estate agent from West Chester Township, came in 13 votes ahead of Combs. Rogers now has 11,571 votes to Combs’ 11,558.

Furmon gained 82 votes, but still brought up the rear with 9,392 total votes in the primary race.

Today’s recount is not expected the change things.

Rogers subscribes to the tea party movement and Combs is seen as part of the GOP establishment.

Rogers will face Democratic candidate Jodi Billerman of Liberty Township and Libertarian Daryl Olthaus, a registered nurse from Somerville, in the November election.

Posted in: Election, Government, News |

Tags: Tags: Butler County Board of Elections, Butler County commission race, Butler County Election 2012, Chuck Furmon, Courtney Combs, Liberty Township election, Ohio election 2012, T.C. Rogers, West Chester election

The West Chester Police Department will offer a free self-defense class for women this Saturday.

The self-defense class will take place from 10 a.m. until noon. According to a press release from the township, the class is designed to encourage women to be prepared and confident when faced with a potentially dangerous confrontation.

Classes are for women age 16 and older and are taught by West Chester Police Officer Michael Bruce. The class is offered at the police department on Beckett Road.

Participants should dress comfortably in order to participate fully in the class.

To register for the free class, call 513-759-7254.

Posted in: Events, Government, News |

Tags: Tags: Michael Bruce, officer Michael Bruce, self-defense training, West Chester Police, West Chester Police Department, West Chester police self-defense training

Sheila McLaughlin reports

Political newcomer T.C. Rogers kept his edge over Courtney Combs as the Republican nominee for Butler County Commissioner Tuesday when absentee and provisional ballots were counted.

T.C. Rogers is only 13 votes up on unofficial runner-up Courtney Combs in the Butler County Commission Republican primary - voting took place, March 6, 2012. In photo, Roger speaks at a voter forum in February. Photo taken by Joseph Fuqua II.

But the race is destined for an automatic recount by law because the margin is less than half of 1 percent.

Rogers, a home builder and real estate agent from West Chester Township, came in 13 votes ahead of Combs in Tuesday’s count at the Butler County Board of Elections.

Tuesday’s count gave Rogers 11,571 votes to Combs’ 11,558.

Incumbent Commissioner Chuck Furmon gained 82 votes, but still brought up the rear with 9,392 total votes in the primary race.

“It came down to the last day so I’m the poster boy for every vote counts,” Rogers said. “Elections are not horseshoes.”

The recount is not expected the change things, said Board of Elections Deputy Director Jocelyn Bucaro.

“We’ve never had a recount produce different results,” she said.

If the numbers hold through the recount, Combs is out of a political job after losing his Ohio House seat at the end of the year. He has represented the 54th District since 2004 after serving as a county commissioner.

“Yes, I would have liked to be county commissioner but if it’s not meant to be, it won’t be,” Combs said. “I’m a Realtor by trade so politics is not my whole life. It’s so close and I feel very humbled by the fact that I won, I think, 13 townships and three of the big cities in Butler County. So obviously the support was there.”

Rogers subscribes to the tea party movement and Combs is seen as part of the GOP establishment.

Voters obviously are looking for something new from the county commission, Combs said.

“I wish him the best. It’s a challenge now in Butler County for sure,” he said.

Rogers will face Democratic candidate Jodi Billerman of Liberty Township and Libertarian Daryl Olthaus, a registered nurse from Somerville, in the November election.

Posted in: Election, Government, News |

Tags: Tags: Butler County Board of Elections, Butler County commission race, Butler County Election 2012, Chuck Furmon, Courtney Combs, Liberty Township election, Ohio election 2012, T.C. Rogers, West Chester election

Sue Kiesewetter reports

Those needing records from the West Chester Township Police Department no longer have to go to the department in person to get records.

The department has set up a request phone line and an email address, said Barbara Wilson, township spokeswoman.

Residents can request an incident or accident report by calling 513-759-7261 or by emailing their request to publicrecords@westchesteroh.org.

“We’ve created a couple of ways to make it easier to get records,” Wilson said.

When requesting records, individuals should have the report number if possible; the name, address and telephone number of the person involved in the incident; the date of the accident or incident; a brief description, including where it occurred; and the contact information of the person making the request.

Those needing a background check on themselves for employment or other purposes may also request one using the phone line or email address, Wilson said. Those checks limited to West Chester Township records.

Beginning March 26, the police department’s records division hours will change. New lobby hours will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekdays.

The change is being made as a cost cutting measure following the retirement of a clerk who won’t be replaced.

For more information, call 513-759-7308.

Posted in: Government, News |

Tags: Tags: West Chester Police, West Chester Police Department, West Chester Police Records

West Chester Township Fiscal Officer Patricia Williams visits the West Chester Township Administration Building on Election Day last November. Photo taken by Adam Kiefaber.

The community is encouraged to attend a celebration honoring West Chester Township Fiscal Officer Patricia Williams as she prepares to retire after 36 years of public service.

Williams was first elected in 1976 and will complete her final term in office on Tuesday, March 31. She was the first woman elected to this position (originally named clerk/treasurer) and is now finishing her ninth four-year term.

The celebration will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 20, at the West Chester Library, 9363 Centre Pointe Drive. A formal program will take place at 6:30 p.m.

Williams has served alongside 14 different township trustees and her office has been moved to eight different locations during her tenure.

Williams and her husband Bill have been West Chester residents for more than 40 years and, at one time, owned two local businesses. They have two sons who are graduates of Lakota High School.

Posted in: Board of Trustees, Events, Government, News |

Tags: Tags: board of trustees, Pat Williams, Patricia Williams, West Chester Board of Trustees, West Chester Township Board of Trustees

The West Chester Police Department will offer a free shredding and identity theft information event this Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.

West Chester Police will have the event at The West Chester Activity Center, which is located at 7900 Cox Road. Police will accept personal paperwork for shredding and will answer any questions related to identity theft.

No registration is required. Interested community members can arrive anytime between 9 a.m. and noon.

The West Chester Police Department offers programs on a variety of topics throughout the year. For more information, visit westchesteroh.org.

Posted in: Events, Government, News |

Tags: Tags: class, identity theft, paper shredding, shredding, West Chester Activity Center, West Chester Police, West Chester Police Department