WestChesterBuzz.com

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.

Photo is of phase 1 of the MetroParks of Butler County’s enhancement plan for Voice of America Park. As part of that phase, there will be 22 multipurpose athletic fields (click to enlarge) at the park in West Chester.

Voice of America Park to add 22 multipurpose athletic fields- MetroParks of Butler County and The Butler County Visitors Bureau announced last Tuesday that they will celebrate an official ground breaking Oct. 17 at 10 a.m. for the new athletic complex at West Chester’s Voice of America Park. The athletic complex will feature 22 multipurpose natural grass fields, which are projected to be open for use by the fall of 2014.

Total Quality Logistics announces West Chester office – Total Quality Logistics announced last Monday it will open a West Chester office in November. It will be TQL’s fourth office in the region, and is expected to eventually employ up to 100 people. The office will be located at 8610 Jacquemin Drive.

School report card date set for Oct. 17 – Ohio will be handing out state report card ratings for districts and schools Oct. 17, state officials said last Tuesday, now that State Auditor Dave Yost’s investigations into enrollment and attendance manipulation is winding down for 100 schools around the state.

Lakota West (8-0 overall, 5-0 in the Greater Miami Conference) is off to its best start in history and will face Colerain (8-0 overall, 5-0 in the GMC) this week.

Lakota West improves to 8-0 with win against Middletown – After defeating Greater Miami Conference opponent Middletown Friday night, the 2012 Lakota West football team became the first in school history to begin a season with an 8-0 record. In the latest win, the Firebirds took a 27-0 lead late into the third quarter before holding onto to a 27-14 win at home.

Community has open conversation about Lakota’s present and future – Roughly 40 parent council members of the state’s seventh-largest school district met at Lakota West High School Wednesday to talk about concerns with the type of education their children currently receive and will receive in the future at Lakota schools. The discussion was part of Lakota’s new “Community Conversation” program, which began in late September and involves various community members hosting forums to help inform the school district on how to better serve its students.

Weekly farmers’ market schedule wraps up – The weekly West Chester farmers’ market schedule ended this past Saturday, along with the art market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Square at Union Centre. The farmers’ market will return to The Square in 2012 on Nov. 17 and Dec. 15.

Posted in: Business, News, Sports |

Tags: Tags: athletic complex, MetroParks, MetroParks of Butler County, Total Quality Logistics, Total Quality Logistics West Chester, TQL, TQL West Chester, Voice of America, Voice of America Park, Voice of America Park athletic complex

MetroParks of Butler County and The Butler County Visitors Bureau announced Tuesday that they will celebrate an official ground breaking Oct. 17 at 10 a.m. for the new athletic complex at West Chester’s Voice of America Park.

Photo is of phase 1 of the MetroParks of Butler County’s enhancement plan for Voice of America Park. As part of that phase, there will be 22 multipurpose athletic fields (click to enlarge) at the park in West Chester.

“Not only will these new fields expand recreational opportunities for local residents, but the project will begin the transformation of the park into a premier athletic venue that can attract visitors from throughout the Midwest,” said Jonathan Granville, MetroParks executive director.

According to The Butler County Visitors Bureau (BCVB), VOA Park is less than a day’s drive from 65 percent of the entire U.S. population and will be able to host sizeable tournaments with more than 2,000 hotel rooms nearby.

“We are pleased to collaborate with MetroParks on this project and excited about the economic benefit it will bring to Butler County,” said Mark Hecquet, BCVB executive director.

According to MetroParks officials, the current work is the latest effort to implement the Voice of America Park enhancement plan developed with community input in 2009.

The 22 fields are just phase 1 of that enhancement plan for the entire park. This phase will cost approximately $3 million.

Originally, the athletic complex was to consist of 24 multipurpose fields, for soccer, lacrosse, football and other sports, as well as five baseball fields and four softball fields and was projected to cost roughly between $15-to-$25 million ($15 million for grass fields and $25 for artificial turf fields).

According to an economic impact study conducted in 2010 by AECOM Technical Services in Chicago, the original plan could have drawn about 204,000 people annually for tournaments, practices, games and leagues.

MetroParks could add to the athletic complex and provide additional enhancements to VOA Park, but has no timetable in place for other phases of construction at the moment.

Posted in: Business, News, Sports |

Tags: Tags: athletic complex, MetroParks, MetroParks of Butler County, Voice of America, Voice of America Park, Voice of America Park athletic complex

Photographs from 31 members of the West Chester Photo Club will be on display at Miami University’s Voice of America Learning Center through Nov. 14, beginning with a free public reception from 2 to 5 p.m. this Sunday.

The exhibition, Looking Out Looking In, is a collection of more than 60 works by photo club members. The display is a unique opportunity to see the world and our corner of it through their eyes and lenses.

Founded ten years ago, the West Chester Photo Club today has 50 members.

During their monthly meetings a photo activity is presented and reviewed, a process the club calls OPUS (Our Photos Under Scrutiny), an opportunity for sharing ideas and perspectives on members’ work.

In addition, the club hosts weekly “Scoot N Shoot” activities every Thursday where members meet and travel to a predetermined location for group shooting.

The club’s exhibition at the VOALC will be available for viewing from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday.

Miami’s VOA Learning Center is located at 7847 VOA Park Drive, at the corner of Cox Road and VOA Park Drive in West Chester. For more information call the Learning Center at 895-8862 or visit www.MiamiOH.edu/voalc.

Posted in: Events, News |

Tags: Tags: Miami University, Miami University Regional Campuses, Miami University Voice of America Learning Center, Voice of America, Voice of America Learning Center, West Chester Photo Club

Photographs from 31 members of the West Chester Photo Club will be on display at Miami University’s Voice of America Learning Center from Sept. 9 through Nov. 14, beginning with a free public reception from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 9.

The exhibition, Looking Out Looking In, is a collection of more than 60 works by photo club members. The display is a unique opportunity to see the world and our corner of it through their eyes and lenses.

Founded ten years ago, the West Chester Photo Club today has 50 members.

During their monthly meetings a photo activity is presented and reviewed, a process the club calls OPUS (Our Photos Under Scrutiny), an opportunity for sharing ideas and perspectives on members’ work.

In addition, the club hosts weekly “Scoot N Shoot” activities every Thursday where members meet and travel to a predetermined location for group shooting.

The club’s exhibition at the VOALC will be available for viewing from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday.

Miami’s VOA Learning Center is located at 7847 VOA Park Drive, at the corner of Cox Road and VOA Park Drive in West Chester. For more information call the Learning Center at 895-8862 or visit www.MiamiOH.edu/voalc.

Posted in: Events, News |

Tags: Tags: Miami University, Miami University Regional Campuses, Miami University Voice of America Learning Center, Voice of America, Voice of America Learning Center, West Chester Photo Club

Sue Kiesewetter reports

The 35-acre lake at Voice of America Park will stay open late Friday for fishing.

Instead of closing at 8 p.m., the lake will remain open until 1 a.m., Saturday morning, as part of the park’s monthly late night summer fishing events during the summer.

Those fishing will find a variety of fish including bluegill, large-mouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, hybrid striped bass and shovelhead catfish.

Admission is free but a motor vehicle permit is required to enter the park and a MetroParks of Butler County fishing permit is needed.

Annual hangtags are free to Butler County residents who bring proof of residency. Non-residents can purchase a $10 hangtag or $5 single day permit.

A single day fishing ticket ranges from $4-$18 depending on age and residency. Children six and under don’t need a fishing ticket.

Annual fishing permits are also available for individuals or families. The cost varies between $50-$100 for residents and $75-$125 for non-residents.

An Ohio fishing license is not required.

The final late night fishing event will be held Sept. 7.

For more information, call 513-755-4402.

Posted in: Events, Recreational events |

Tags: Tags: late-night fishing, MetroParks, MetroParks of Butler County, Voice of America, Voice of America Park, Voice of America Park fishing

According to MetroParks of Butler County officials, the third annual Crazy Cardboard Regatta at Voice of America Park on Saturday attracted thousands for the second straight year.

“It was another great year,” MetroParks spokesperson Susan Stretch said. “It couldn’t be possible without the complete support of the community. It’s exciting to see this kind of support and even more amazing to see what the builders dream up and then build and race each year.”

New to the event this year was the “Paddle with a Purpose” fundraiser that went toward the adding of a handicapped accessible area to the VOA Park playground.

The total amount of raised funds will not be known for a few weeks. However, early estimates by MetroParks show that the event may have collected close to $10,000 for the cause.

• Photos: 2011 Crazy Cardboard Regatta
• Story: Crazy Cardboard Regatta to ‘Paddle with a Purpose’

The fundraiser itself was inspired by the event’s grand marshal Scott Stricker, who uses a wheelchair and requires assistance with the most basic of needs.

Last year, Stricker led a team of nurses, family members and friends with the building of a boat that ended up winning the event’s People’s Choice Award. His boat won the award again on Saturday.

Below is the list of all the winning boats from the event.

Youth (ages 10-14) Show Boat category:

• 1st- Swamp People from West Chester
• 2nd- Torpedo from Liberty Twp
• 3rd-FriendShip from Liberty Twp

Open (ages 10 and over) Show Boat Category:

• 1st-Still in Da Nile from Liberty Twp
• 2nd-Unhandled Exception from Montgomery
• 3rd-Sea Alice from Amelia

Youth Need for Speed Category:

• 1st-Koi from Maineville
• 2nd-Nemo from Monroe
• 3rd-Flip from West Chester

Open Need for Speed Category:

• 1st-Lemonator from Maineville
• 2nd-War Hawk from Monroe

People’s Choice Award- Viking Invasion from Cincinnati

A panel of local celebrity judges awarded the following:

• Judge’s Choice-Still in Da Nile from Liberty Twp
• Best Theme-Water Kings from Liberty Twp
• Best Team Spirit-Miss Demeanor from Monroe
• The Titanic Award (best sinking)- FriendShip from Liberty Twp
• Most Entertaining-Sea Pickle from Springboro
• Craziest-Lola III from Liberty Twp

“It was a lot of fun craziness packed into one day,” Stretch said. “MetroParks is grateful to the committee, volunteers, builders, fans and everyone who made this day such a success. Planning has already begun for next year.”

The date for the Regatta in 2013 is scheduled Saturday, July 20. For information on how to get involved, contact MetroParks at 513-867-5835.

Additional photos from the community will be posted on WestChesterBuzz.com later this week.

Posted in: Events, News, Recreational events |

Tags: Tags: Crazy Cardboard Regatta, Crazy Cardboard Regatta photos, Crazy Cardboard Regatta West Chester, MetroParks, MetroParks of Butler County, Ronald Reagan Lodge, Voice of America, Voice of America Park, West Chester photos

Cincinnati Enquirer’s Tony Jones provided the photos:

One of West Chester biggest outdoor events took place on Saturday.

The third annual Crazy Cardboard Boat Regatta set sail Saturday afternoon at Voice of America Park.

• Photos: 2011 Crazy Cardboard Regatta
• Story: Crazy Cardboard Regatta to ‘Paddle with a Purpose’

For more West Chester and Liberty Township photos, there are many other events captured on our Flickr photostream and more West Chester and Liberty Township related photo galleries on our Photos page.

Also, remember to share your photos through the Photos page.

Posted in: Events, News, Recreational events |

Tags: Tags: Crazy Cardboard Regatta, Crazy Cardboard Regatta photos, Crazy Cardboard Regatta West Chester, MetroParks, MetroParks of Butler County, Ronald Reagan Lodge, Voice of America, Voice of America Park, West Chester photos

Scott Strickler in front of his boat, the “SS Scooter,” that won the Regatta’s People’s Choice Award in 2011. Photo taken by Adam Kiefaber in July of 2011.

The third annual Crazy Cardboard Boat Regatta, which will take place from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. Saturday in West Chester, will raise money for the addition of a handicapped accessible area to the Voice of America Park playground.

The Regatta’s grand marshal Scott Strickler inspired the fundraiser, dubbed “Paddle with a Purpose” by MetroParks of Butler County. Strickler, who uses a wheelchair and requires assistance with the most basic of needs, won the People’s Choice Award at last year’s Regatta with his boat, the “SS Scooter.”

The award-winning boat was designed by Strickler, who coached a team of nurses, family members and friends with its construction at his home in Liberty Township.

The activity helped a family, who has seen tragedy strike multiple times.

Tragedy struck Scott and his family in 2003 when he was a passenger in a car accident that left him with severe brain damage. He was 18 at the time and his memory was severely impaired.

On the night of the accident, his stepfather Steve and mother Ellen Strickler-Bacon received a phone call in the middle of the night. The voice on the other end was from University Hospital and it wanted to know if the parents knew where Scott was.

The line then disconnected.

Ellen wondered why the hospital called asking about their son. Steve, on the other hand, had an idea because he had been through this before.

“The first thing that entered my head was air care, because this has already happened to me once,” Steve said.

The phone rings again, Steve answers, hangs up and drives down to University Hospital to see his stepson, who he helped raise. Scott was in critical condition.

Only a part of the team of nurses, family members and friends that built Scott Strickler’s award-winning boat for the Crazy Cardboard Regatta last year. Photo taken by Adam Kiefaber in July of 2011.

“I can’t begin to tell you what it felt like,” Steve said.

• Photos: 2011 Crazy Cardboard Regatta

Seven years prior to the accident that left Scott permanently injured, Steve and Christy Bacon’s daughter, Stacey, was involved in a car accident when she was 18 that also left her severe brain damage. Currently, she doesn’t have any communication skills, takes 19 different medications daily and suffers uncontrollable seizure disorders.

Scott, now 26, and Stacey, now 33, are permanently dependent for all of their daily needs.

“To what avail could there be good out of this. They were both great kids,” Steve said in an interview last July. “Maybe they could help others with the knowledge we have learned or maybe they could bring more attention to the parks and help with their funding because it brings families together.”

This Saturday, the family will do just that at the Regatta.

2012 Crazy Cardboard Regatta schedule

10 a.m. to noon

• Food vendors open
• Vote for your favorite boat
• Children’s area opens
• Fly fishing demonstrations

Noon

• West Chester Color Guard starts the event
• Eliot Sloan sings the National Anthem
• Honorary grand marshal Scott Strickler and Sheriff Jones start the races

2:30 p.m. (approximately)

• Crash Derby-last boat floating wins

3 p.m. (approximately)

• Awards presentation

3:15 p.m. (approximately)

• Paddle boat races with local celebrities

3:30 p.m. (approximately)

• Rover’s Regatta-amateur dock diving for dogs (bring your own dog on a 6′ leash)

5 to 9 p.m.

• Jack Trigger Band performs on the gazebo overlooking the lake

Rain could delay schedule.

For more information about the event, visit www.yourmetroparks.net. The event is being held at Voice of America Park, 7850 VOA Park Drive.

Posted in: Events, News, Recreational events |

Tags: Tags: Christy Bacon, Crazy Cardboard Regatta, Crazy Cardboard Regatta photos, Crazy Cardboard Regatta West Chester, Ellen Strickler-Bacon, MetroParks, MetroParks of Butler County, Ronald Reagan Lodge, Scott Strickler, Stacey Bacon, Steve Bacon, Voice of America, Voice of America Park

For students of Miami University’s regional campuses to attend classes when they begin Aug. 20, they must have all of their paperwork turned in by Aug. 1.

According to Michael Pratt, associate provost and dean of the regional campuses, the deadline is designed to allow incoming students to work with Miami regional staff to complete the process of admission, financial aid, transferring credits from other institutions, academic advising and course registration before classes begin.

“That time between the deadline and the start of classes allows us to work individually with incoming students to ensure everything is in place, and to help give them the best possible start to their Miami experience,” Pratt said.

Miami University’s regional locations include Miami University Hamilton, Miami University Middletown, Voice of America Learning Center in West Chester and Greentree Health Science Academy in Middletown.

For more information or to apply to Miami’s regional campuses online visit www.regionals.muohio.edu/admission.

To speak with an admission representative, call 785-3111 (Hamilton), 727-3216 (Middletown), or 895-8862 (Voice of America Learning Center in West Chester).

Miami’s Voice of America Learning Center is located at 7847 VOA Park Drive, at the Corner of Cox Road and VOA Park Drive.

Posted in: Uncategorized |

Tags: Tags: Miami University, Miami University Regional Campuses, Miami University Voice of America Learning Center, Voice of America, Voice of America Learning Center

One of West Chester Township’s biggest events is scheduled to take place this Saturday.

The third annual Crazy Cardboard Boat Regatta is scheduled to set sail once again at Voice of America Park in West Chester Township this Saturday. The event will take place from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. with racing beginning at noon.

Participants of the event can enter their boats into two different categories – “Need for Speed” or “Show Boat.” Various awards will be given to its participants including the Titanic (best sinking) award.

After the race is over, there will be new competition this year when remaining boats face off in a demolition derby to determine the last boat floating.

To cap off the night, the Jack Trigger band will perform from 5-to-9 p.m.

• Story: Crazy Cardboard Regatta brings local family closer
• Photos: 2011 Crazy Cardboard Regatta

This year, all the profits from the event will go towards adding a handicapped accessible area to the VOA playground. MetroParks of Butler County is calling the fundraiser “Paddle with a Purpose.”

“MetroParks is excited to have this popular community event back for a third year. This is a great event whether you are building and paddling or watching and laughing from shore. ‘Paddle with a Purpose’ only adds to the excitement of this event,” said Susan Stretch, community relations chair for MetroParks.

“We hope to raise enough funds to add a section to the new playground that allows handicapped visitors the opportunity to have a great time at the park too.”

Inspiring “Paddle with a Purpose” is the event’s honorary grand marshal Scott Strickler, who won the People’s Choice Award at last year’s Regatta with his boat – the “SS Scooter.”

Strickler, who uses a wheelchair and requires assistance with the most basic of needs, was a passenger in a car accident that left him with severe brain damage in 2003.

Last summer, Strickler led a team of nurses, family and friends to build his boat.

For more information on how to register a boat and guidelines on boat building, or to be a sponsor, vendor or volunteer, visit www.yourmetroparks.net.

Posted in: Events, News, Recreational events |

Tags: Tags: Crazy Cardboard Regatta, Crazy Cardboard Regatta photos, Crazy Cardboard Regatta West Chester, Ellen Strickler-Bacon, MetroParks, MetroParks of Butler County, Ronald Reagan Lodge, Scott Strickler, Stacey Bacon, Steve Bacon, Voice of America, Voice of America Park, West Chester photos