06/06/12 by I-75 Newspaper Group

Wednesday LOCAL

SPORTS

Taxes a hot topic at Tipp Council meeting

Reds square off against Pirates

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June 6, 2012 It’s Where You Live! Volume 104, No. 134

INSIDE

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TSF the talk of council Festival receives rave reviews from city officials BY NATALIE KNOTH Staff Writer nknoth@tdnpublishing.com

Check out this week’s iN75 See what’s in store for the Troy Streets Alive event coming up this month. Also, Ginghamsburg Church presents its Concert on the Lawn, and a Vandalia security company talks about protecting your home or business.

TROY

As expected, the Strawberry Festival was a hot topic of discussion at Monday’s Troy City Council meeting, though a discussion was not slated on the agenda. Councilman John Schweser, whose wife Corie was the festival general chairperson, admitted

that he had a change of heart this weekend regarding the downtown location. “As many of you know, I was very opposed to having it downtown and wanted it on the fairgrounds,” Schweser said. “But I have to tell you, it was absolutely seamless … I’m all for it. I like the

festival downtown.” Corie Schweser spoke at the end of the meeting, thanking the city of Troy and all participants for their help in arranging the Strawberry Festival, which was held downtown for the first time due to the Adams Street bridge construction. “I thought it only appropriate that I thank the city of Troy,” Schweser said, adding that she felt

humbled by the overwhelming success of the non-profits’ fundraising efforts. Mayor Michael Beamish thanked the city staff, Strawberry Festival Committee and volunteers for their work in the festivities. He particularly applauded the city for its fast cleanup of the downtown area. “I don’t know if you’ve driven down Main Street today, but you

TROY

Tough budget woes ahead

Hydrants to be flushed The Troy Fire Department has began flushing fire hydrants in the water plant area and going east on State Route 55. They will then head into the Heritage Hills, Skylark and Stonyridge areas. Residents in the area may see a slight discoloration of their tap water at this time, however, the water is safe to drink. Residents may want to refrain from laundry at this time as it could cause discoloration to clothing.

Report by Lincoln doctor discovered The first doctor to reach President Abraham Lincoln after he was shot in a Washington theater rushed to the presidential box and found him paralyzed, comatose and leaning against his wife. Dr. Charles Leale ordered brandy and water to be brought immediately. See Page 4.

INSIDE TODAY Advice ............................7 Calendar.........................3 Classified......................10 Comics ...........................8 Deaths ............................6 John Carpenter Earnest Crabtree James Layman Mary Carlson June Curtis Bernell Jackson Ted R. Scarff Horoscopes ....................8 Opinion ...........................5 Sports...........................13 TV...................................7

OUTLOOK

• See TSF on Page 2

City has lost $975,000 in state funding BY NATALIE KNOTH Staff Writer nknoth@tdnpublishing.com

OCM PHOTO/MIKE ULLERY

Emergency personnel carry a crash victim to a CareFlight helicopter on Peterson Road Monday afternoon. The victim was the lone occupant of a car traveling west in the 2800 block of Peterson Road when the vehicle left the roadway, striking a utility pole.

Man fair following crash Remains in Miami Valley Hospital BY MELANIE YINGST Staff Writer myingst@tdnpublishing.com Devan Powell, 20, of New Carlisle, is listed in fair condition at Miami Valley Hospital after being transported by CareFlight Monday after his vehicle struck a utility pole in the 2800 block of Peterson Road, near Fletcher, Monday.

FLETCHER

Powell, the driver of the 2004 Dodge Stratus, was the only person in the vehicle at the time of the accident, which was reported at approximately 1 p.m. According to reports, Powell was traveling eastbound at approximately 55 miles per hour on Peterson Road when it veered off the right side of the roadway striking the utility pole, snapping it in half.

Powell was unconscious at the scene before being transported to Miami Valley Hospital by CareFlight. The accident remains under investigation, but officials believe the 20 year-old may have had a seizure prior to the accident. Hospital officials said Powell is expected to be transferred out of intensive care Tuesday.

Council members met in city hall Tuesday to discuss the city of Troy’s budget in the face of significant state cuts and other financial hardships. Mayor Michael Beamish, director of public service and safety Patrick Titterington, council president Marty Baker and auditor John Stickel gave a presentation outlining the realities of Troy’s budget. The difference between forecasted revenue and needed revenue is estimated at $4 million for 2013. The city has lost $975,000 from the state of Ohio, on top of lost revenue from wage inflation, health care premium increases and an investment decline of 74.5 percent, along with other financial challenges. To be in a comfortable position in future years, Troy needs to close the budget gap by at least half, equaling $2 million. Two choices remain, Titterington said — find a new revenue stream or make changes that potentially diminish the quality of life for Troy residents.

• See BUDGET on Page 6

Smooth sailing Strawberry Festival went ‘better than expected’ for local law enforcement

BY JOYELL NEVINS Ohio Community Media jnevins@tcnewsnet.com

BY MELANIE YINGST Staff Writer myingst@tdnpublishing.com

The Troy Police Department prepared for the worst for last Today weekend’s Strawberry Festival, Partly cloudy High: 73° yet, to their Low: 50° own surprise, TROY they found the downtown location was a Thursday Partly cloudy “berry” sweet success in terms High: 77° of law enforcement. Low: 53° City of Troy Police Department’s Captain Joe Long Complete weather said this year’s festival “went information on Page 9. better than expected.” “It was one of the least busy Home Delivery: festivals in terms of law 335-5634 enforcement I’ve been involved Classified Advertising: in as a police officer,” Long said. (877) 844-8385 Long said calls to the department were down considerably during the festival weekend. According to Long, the station 6 74825 22406 6 fielded 103 calls Strawberry

Farmers’ market volunteer arrested on theft charge

Festival weekend compared to 124 calls during May 19 and 20th. “We just didn’t have the issues,” Long said. “I’m very surprised how well it went.” Long said the mild weather kept medic responses to the festival site down to only one Saturday afternoon. Long also said he didn’t have an exact crowd count, but he believed crowds were as large, if not larger, than in years past.

TIPP CITY

Chris Graham said. “Instead, that On the cusp of opening week- money was used for personal gain.” end, Tippecanoe Farmers’ Market The arrest followed several volunteer and Tipp City resident weeks of internal investigation by Rebecca Woodward was the Farmers’ Market arrested for the theft of Committee, according to $3,409 from market market president Frank funds. Scenna. Last week, The theft, a fifth committee members degree felony, occurred met with Graham to over the last eight discuss the missing months, according to funds. Woodward was Tipp City Police. subsequently quesWoodward was arrested tioned and confessed to June 4. taking the money for “Woodward was a personal use. WOODWARD trusted volunteer that Scenna noted that at had unprecedented access and this time, the matter has been offiopportunity to funds that should cially turned over to city attorney have been paid to local businesses David Caldwell for prosecution and manufacturers to insure a suc• See THEFT on Page 2 cessful season,” Detective Sergeant

• See FESTIVAL on Page 2

For Home Delivery, call 335-5634 • For Classified Advertising, call (877) 844-8385

LOCAL

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

LOTTERY CLEVELAND (AP) — Here are the winning numbers drawn Tuesday by the Ohio Lottery: • Ten OH Midday: 08-12-21-2728-30-33-40-42-45-46-50-54-5556-57-59-68-77-79 • Pick 3 Midday: 0-1-3 • Pick 4 Midday: 4-9-0-1 • Ten OH Evening: 06-17-21-2224-41-43-48-53-59-62-64-67-6870-71-75-78-79-80 • Rolling Cash 5: 04-11-12-34-39 Estimated jackpot: $430,000 • Pick 4 Evening: 6-5-0-4 • Pick 3 Evening: 9-2-0

BUSINESS ROUNDUP • The Troy Elevator The grain prices listed below are the closing prices of Tuesday. Corn Month Bid Change May 6.0300 - 0.0025 N/C 12 4.7900 - 0.1050 J/F/M 13 4.9700 - 0.1325 Soybeans Month Bid Change May 13.2750 + 0.1250 N/C 12 12.1900 + 0.0575 J/F/M 13 12.3750 + 0.0575 Wheat Month Bid Change May 6.2250 - 0.1525 N/C 12 6.2250 - 0.1525 N/C 13 6.4800 - 0.1775 You can find more information online at www.troyelevator.com.

• Stocks of local interest Values reflect closing prices from Tuesday. Symbol Price Change AA 8.45 +0.06 CAG 24.60 +0.24 CSCO 16.12 +0.01 EMR 44.81 -0.26 F 10.19 +0.15 FITB 12.23 +0.14 FLS 102.47 +2.31 GM 21.25 +0.14 125.42 +0.04 GR ITW 54.19 -0.22 JCP 24.27 -1.00 KMB 79.25 +0.39 KO 73.24 -0.40 KR 21.86 -0.05 29.08 +0.39 LLTC 87.08 +0.76 MCD MSFG 10.96 +0.09 PEP 67.00 -0.48 PMI 0.31 0.00 SYX 11.87 -0.25 TUP 52.70 +0.84 USB 29.22 +0.43 VZ 41.20 -0.14 WEN 4.47 -0.04 WMT 65.50 -0.49

TROY DAILY NEWS • WWW.TDN-NET.COM

Covington hires new administrator BY TOM MILLHOUSE Ohio Community Media tmillhouse@dailycall.com

COVINGTON

Members of Covington Village Council made history Monday night by hiring Mike Busse as the community’s first-ever village administrator. Busse, 47, currently serves as village administrator in nearby Russia. He was selected from a field of 31 applicants. A Ft. Loramie native, Busse has worked for Russia for the past 11 years, the last three years as administrator. He also serves as Russia police BUSSE chief and head of the utility operations. “I am just thrilled to have someone with Mike’s experience,” said Covington Mayor Ed McCord. “He has experience in all

the areas we were looking for,” McCord said, noting Busse has “hands-on” experience in village operations as well as supervisory experience. Village council has been interviewing applicants for several weeks after making a decision several months ago that the village government has grown to the point where a full-time administrator was needed. “The mayor and council members are part-time. For the village to operate efficiently, we need day-to-day supervision,” McCord said. Contacted Tuesday, Busse said he is looking forward to his new position.

“I am excited about working in Covington. It seems to be a great community,” Busse said. “I’m looking forward to getting started and meeting the people.” With experience in utility operation, Busse said he will be working on assessments of the village water and sewer systems. “Most of the utilities are underground, so nobody sees and or thinks about them,” Busse said, adding that it is critical that a community make plans for the sustainability of its utilities. Busse also plans to work on an economic development plan for the village. Busse’s first day on the job will be July 9. His salary was set at $69,000. He and his wife, Beckie, have two grown children and live in Russia. Prior to working for the village of Russia, Busse served as security operations manager for Crown Equipment in New

Bremen. In other action taken at Monday night’s meeting, council approved an insurance settlement of $86,000 for hail damage sustained during a storm a year ago. Council also approved payment of $16,000 to JOS Contracting (John Schilling) of Covington for handling the claim. McCord said the payment will come from insurance monies, not from village funds. Council also approved a property maintenance ordinance dealing with property owners who don’t mow their lawns. The ordinance provides for assessments to cover the cost of village employees mowing lawns that have tall grass. It was noted during the meeting last month that the problem primarily involves foreclosed homes now owned by banks. Council decided to move the second meeting in July from July 16 to July 23.

TSF

Festival • CONTINUED FROM 1 “There were no trips, no falls and one of the few medic calls we had was for chest pains, and came at noon on Saturday,” Long said. Long also said the mild temperatures helped provide relief for all that visited or worked downtown. “It was a very nice weekend,” Long said. “If it was the weekend before, it could have been very different.” Long also said there was only one lost child report during the festival, which was resolved in less than five minutes on Saturday. Long said a typical day for missing children at the levee site during the festival is more than five reports a day. Long said if the festival was to continue to be held downtown, festival and city officials would have to investigate hosting a parade carefully. “If the festival was to stay downtown and people still wanted to have a

parade, more planning and thought would have to occur between the city and the festival committee,” Long said. The Ohio Department of Transportation is the govauthority on erning whether or not state routes and throughways can be closed off for events such as the Strawberry Festival. In terms of traffic issues and parking, the only accident involving a collision was more than two hours after the festival site had closed. “The traffic issues were what we were worried about,” Long said. “It went better than we had expected especially on the Square. It was running fairly smoothly.” Congestion mainly was contained to the Water Street and Market Street intersection, but Long said it wasn’t anything close to what the police department had anticipated. Long said there were a few minor issues prior to the festival, including a res-

HEAR... What you Have Been Missing!

• CONTINUED FROM 1

ident of Monroe Street moving barricades illegally to gain access to her home on Thursday morning. According to Long, only one issue was in regards to unauthorized people in a vendor’s tent, although Long said that report was still under investigation. Only three cars were towed from the festival site throughout the entire weekend and Long said he would not have exact numbers of parking tickets issued until Friday. Long said tear-down of the downtown festival site also was quick and took less than two hours to open traffic up to the public after the festival closed Sunday at 6 p.m. “It was much easier to get the vendors off the streets this year,” Long said. In regards to downtown residents being affected by foot traffic, Long said “I’ve not heard a complaint from anybody.” Long said he has heard nothing but positive remarks considering the downtown location. According to Long, the Troy Police Department had 13 officers at the downtown festival site, four officers on quads north of the festival site with a total of at least 17 officers working the festival throughout the weekend at any time. “It was a long weekend for us,” Long said. “I talked to a number of people from out of state who treat this weekend much like a vacation so people still came despite the change in location.”

wouldn’t know there was a festival here yesterday,” he said. After giving a presentation on new Troy Main Street initiatives, executive director Karin Manovich fielded questions about downtown businesses’ reactions to the downtown location. Manovich said many business owners were thrilled to have the festival downtown and would like to have it permanently moved. She will be conducting a survey of local businesses to gauge their views on having it downtown. Near the end of the meeting, director of public service and safety Patrick Titterington reminded attendees that a “riveting,” “exciting” and “dynamic” event would be taking place soon. “I’m not talking about the Strawberry Festival — I’m talking about our workshop tomorrow night,” Titterington said of the revenue discussion that was held the following day at 4 p.m. in the basement of city hall.

In scheduled council business: • Council agreed to have a fourth reading of the street lighting assessment resolution, in which the city would charge $42.12 per year per parcel, which equals $3.51 a month, for the lighting of city streets, alleys and other public places. • The allocation of $84,000 in CDBG Formula Grant Funds for fiscal year 2012-13 was OK’d by council. Benefiting from the funds are the Fair Housing Program, program administration, Buckeye House improvements and Lincoln Community Center improvements. • The rezoning of three lots on West Stanfield Road from light industrial businesses to general businesses was approved. The ordinance had been amended to exclude a fourth lot at the request of its owner, Legacy Medical Equipment. • Council also adopted an ordinance for selling two surplus city items, a Jeep Cherokee and Progressive mower.

Theft • CONTINUED FROM 1 and full restitution will be sought. Woodward also has been released from her volunteer position at the market. “We want our vendors and patrons to know that this year’s market will be better than ever,” Scenna said. Committee member

Greg Enslen added that “the market is revisiting all procedures related to the handling of funds to ensure appropriate oversight.” The market is moving from Third Street to Fourth Street, and will open Saturday with a record number of vendors. For more information, visit www.tippecanoefarmersmarket.com.

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TROY DAILY NEWS • WWW.TROYDAILYNEWS.COM

meet the center’s wildlife ambassadors. Bring your curiosity as participants • COFFEE AND escape the heat and enter DOUGHNUTS: The Miami the cool, dark forest on a Valley Veterans Museum, C o m m u n i t y treasure hunt for “life under 107 W. Main St., will hold that log.” Pre-registration is its monthly veterans cofCalendar requested, but not required. fee from 9-11:20 a.m. in The event is free for BNC the dining hall on the secCONTACT US members, entrance admisond floor. An elevator will sion applies for non-membe available. Ed Ball will bers. return, this time talking • DAR MEETING: The about veterans’ benefits Call Melody Piqua-Lewis Boyer Chapter that are available to older Daughters of the American Vallieu at veterans. Revolution will meet at10:30 440-5265 to • PERI MEETING: The a.m. at Buffalo Jacks in Miami County chapter of list your free Covington. Participants will Ohio Public Employee be ordering from the breakcalendar Retirees will meet at fast menu. Make a reservaitems.You 11:30 a.m. at St. John’s tion to Kathy Thompson if Lutheran Church, 248 can send attending. The speaker will Wood St., Piqua. Lunch is your news by e-mail to be Tonia Edwards, state $10, payable at the door. vallieu@tdnpublishing.com. corresponding secretary, on Reservations are needed “Indian Removal of the Five no later than May 31, by Civilized Tribes.” calling Beth at 335-2771. • BLOOD DRIVE: A The scheduled speaker is blood drive will be offered from 8 a.m. to Ohio House Representative Richard noon at Ginghamsburg Church, 7695 S. Adams. Any area public employee or County Road 25-A, Tipp City. Anyone public employee retiree is invited to who registers to give will receive an attend. “iFocus, iChange Local Lives, the Power • MEETING CHANGED: Due to some is in Your Hands” T-shirt and be registered scheduling conflicts, the Concord Township Board of Trustees will postpone to win a Ford Focus. Individuals with eligibility questions are invited to email their next meeting by one day. Instead of canidonate@cbccts.org or call (800) 388meeting on Tuesday, they will meet at 10 GIVE or make an appointment at a.m. today. • BLOOD DRIVE: A blood drive will be www.DonorTime.com. • CAMPERS SPAGHETTI: A campers offered from noon to 4 p.m. at the Miami spaghetti supper and silent auction will County Courthouse, 215 W. Main St., be offered from 4-7:30 p.m. at the First Troy. Anyone who registers to give will United Church of Christ, 120 S. Market receive an “iFocus, iChange Local Lives, St., Troy, sponsored by the youth the Power is in Your Hands” T-shirt and campers. The meal will consist of be registered to win a Ford Focus. spaghetti, sauce or alfredo sauce, bread, Individuals with eligibility questions are applesauce, brownies and a drink. The invited to email canidonate@cbccts.org meal is a free will offering and all proor call (800) 388-GIVE or make an ceeds go to help cover the cost of camp. appointment at www.DonorTime.com. • TENDERLION DINNER: The VFW • SUPPORT GROUP: The MiamiNo. 5436, 2220 LeFevre Road, Troy, will Shelby Ostomy Support Group will meet offer a Big T tenderloin for $5 beginning at 7 p.m. at Conference Room A on the at $2. lower level of the Upper Valley Medical • BAT CHAT: “A Chat About Bats” Center, 3130 N. County Road 25-A, Troy. workshop will be offered from 10-11:30 Programs provide information and supa.m. at the Marie S. Aull Education port to ostomates and their families, and are beneficial to health care professionals Center, 1000 Aullwood Road, Dayton. Call Aullwood at 890-7360 to register and as well. Please note the location of the for fee information. meetings has been changed. For more

FYI

• LEADERSHIP CONNECTION: The Troy Area Chamber of Commerce Women’s Leadership Connection luncheon will be from noon to 1 p.m. at the Crystal Room, 845 W. Marke St., Troy. The guest speaker will be Luke Schlumpf, owner of The Olive Oasis, speaking on “It’s all about the EVOO!” Chamber members are $10 and non-members are $12.50, payable at the door. The deadline is Wednesday by calling 339-8769. • ICE CREAM SOCIAL: A homemade ice cream social will be from 5-7 p.m. at Greenville Creek Christian Church, 5110 Buckneck Road, Bradford. The menu will include vanilla, pineapple, strawberry and chocolate ice cream, sandwiches, cake, pie and drinks.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY • GARDEN SHOW: The Lost Creek and Antique Show will be from 6-8:30 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at 1058 Knoop Road, Troy. The event will include flowers, herbs, plants, antiques, vintage garden accessories, artisans and more. Food alo will be available. Admission is $5. For more information, call (37) 335-1904 or email acornstudio1@frontier.com.

FRIDAY • FRIDAY DINNER: The Covington VFW Post No. 4235, 173 N. High St., Covington, will offer dinner from 5-8 p.m. For more information, call 753-1108. • DINNER OFFERED: The Pleasant Hill VFW Post No. 6557, 7578 W. Fenner Road, Ludlow Falls will offer dinner from 6-7:30 p.m. for $7-$8 For more information, call (937) 698-6727. • BLOOD DRIVE: A blood drive will be offered from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Miami County YMCA, 3060 S. County Road 25-A, Troy. Anyone who registers to give will receive an “iFocus, iChange Local Lives, the Power is in Your Hands” T-shirt and be registered to win a Ford Focus. Individuals with eligibility questions are invited to email canidonate@cbccts.org or call (800) 388GIVE or make an appointment at www.DonorTime.com.

SATURDAY • FISH FRY: The Pleasant Hill VFW Post No. 6557, 7578 W. Fenner Road, Ludlow Falls, will offer an all-you-can-eat fish fry and smelt dinner with french fries, baked beans and applesauce for $8 from 5-7 p.m. • DISCOVERY DAYS: Outdoor fun for the family will be from 2-4 p.m. at Brukner Nature Center. Participants will explore the woods, stomp in the streams and

More comments and questions about taxes owed by Council President John Kessler were raised at Monday’s Tipp City Council meeting. Scott Brownlee and Mike Woody, who have spoken out at previous meetings, returned Monday to ask why council has not taken action on their requests. “I would like to ask members of council why you feel a tax issue should not be investigated and why it should be swept under the carpet and forgotten about?” Woody said. At earlier meetings, Brownlee drew attention to Kessler’s owed taxes and called for an investigation under chapter 4.10 of the city charter. Woody, a former employee of Kessler’s publication, has said that he is owed six months’ pay. “I want to know how Mr. Kessler can owe the city, the state, the feds, lots of money and he sits on council and passes laws that tax me. I want you all to get backbones and tell me how that happens,” said Brownlee. A retired resident of Tipp City, Brownlee was fined $25 for failing to fill out a form saying he had SUNDAY no taxable income — a • BUTTERFLY RELEASE: A memorial notice he says he received a month after the fine was butterfly release will be at 7 p.m. at the Troy-Hayner Cultural Center. The memori- due. Brownlee asked council al service will include the reading of if there was some sort of names, followed by the release of live butterflies. Contact Hospice of Miami “collusion” that exempted County’s Generations of Life Center at Kessler from paying his (937) 573-2100 to make a reservation taxes, but not himself. and to purchase butterflies, which are “Just for your informa$10 each. tion, last year the tax department made me pay MONDAY the same fine for failing to provide that same paper• DISCOVER SOUTH AFRICA: South work for my retirement Africa is one of the most exotic and capti- income,” Kessler said. vating places in the world. Its stunning Kessler has been quiet

combinations of culture, history, people and landscapes have made it a dream place to visit for large numbers of tourists. For birders and wildlife enthusiasts, this unquestionably gorgeous country at the most southern point of the dark and mysterious African continent offers a once-ina-lifetime experience. • BLOOD DRIVE: A blood drive will be offered from 3-7 p.m. at the Covington Eagles, 715 E. Broadway, Covington. Anyone who registers to give will receive an “iFocus, iChange Local Lives, the Power is in Your Hands” T-shirt and be registered to win a Ford Focus. Individuals with eligibility questions are invited to email canidonate@cbccts.org or call (800) 388-GIVE or make an appointment at www.DonorTime.com. • SOCIETY TO MEET: The Covington Newberry Historical Society will meet Monday at 7:30 p.m. at the Fort Rowdy Museum, 101 Pearl St. For more information, call (937) 473-2270. The public is always invited.

JUNE 12 • BOOK SWAP: Come join others at 6 p.m. at the Milton-Union Public Library and swap books from your collection for free. A limit of three books may be swapped per class. • WELL OF HOPE: A Well of Hope Ministries meeting will be from 7:30-9 p.m. at the Pleasant Hill United Church of Christ, fellowship hall, 10 W. Monument St., Plesant Hill. The meeting will be for information and conversation with Zipporah and Nathaniel from Kenya regarding the program’s shoe donations. Refreshments will be provided. • PHOTOGRAPHY CLASS: A six week photography class will begin at the A.B. Graham Memorial Center, 8025 E. U.S. Route 36, Conover. Classes will be on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. Call the center at 368-3700 or Carol Laughman at 368-3982 for details.

JUNE 13 • STAUNTON LUNCHEON: The Staunton School Luncheon will be at 11:30 a.m. at Friendly’s in Troy. All graduates and anyone who has attended the school is invited to bring a friend and attend. For more information, call Shirley at (937) 335-2859.

TIPP CITY about the issue, saying at the last meeting that he had been advised not to talk about it, though he did say at the April 16 meeting that he owes the city nothing and that “those taxes are paid.” Councilman Pat Hale also responded to Brownlee saying that he did not believe that there is any collusion or conspiracy happening in the tax department. Councilman Joe Gibson, who announced at the last council meeting his support of an investigation, repeated his intention to place an item on the next agenda concerning the issue. “If there is a question of whether or not the city is doing its job to the best of its ability to do so, then I think it is certainly within our rights as a council, it’s within our duty and our obligation, to either investigate or at least to look into the issue,” Gibson said. At the last council meeting, Councilman Joe Gibson called for a formal investigation into the issue, citing Chapter 4.10 of the Tipp City Charter as a basis for investigation. According to Law Director David Caldwell, Chapter 4.10 does not authorize an investigation on an individual member of council, but does permit the investigation of an entire department. “In terms of our ability or our authority to do so, I believe chapter 4.10 of the charter is very clear. It specifically allows for council to conduct investigations on matters of city business, whether that is an individual council member or whether it’s the performance of a department,” Gibson said. Councilman Mike

McDermott restated his opinion that an investigation into the private business of a council member isn’t within the rights of the council, saying that such an investigation shouldn’t be carried out in the legislative field but in the judicial field. “If we’re going to be doing an investigation on anyone, whether it be a council member or a resident, we need to make sure we have laws to back up what we are doing. We currently do not have that,” he said. “This is something that is a private issue, it’s a tax issue. And I don’t believe that any of the residents of Tipp City would appreciate the council being given such broad authority with which to investigate their private tax issues.” Other members of council also weighed in on the issue. Councilwoman Katelyn Black said she thought that it was just an investigation of the tax department, not an individual. “I’m not saying that we should audit any personal council member, but I think that it is important for the city of Tipp City to be auditing themselves and us auditing our tax department might be something crucial,” Black said. Hale echoed Caldwell’s comments that nothing in the charter allows for personal investigations, but said that he would be willing to discuss investigating the tax department. “I’m all in favor of having that discussion; I don’t have any problem with it whatsoever. But as far as specifically singling out any particular citizen of our community or council member, that is not allowed within our own ordinances. I think that’s pretty black and white,” Hale said.

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information, call (937) 440-4706. • KIWANIS MEETING: The Kiwanis Club of Troy will meet from noon to 1 p.m. at the Troy Country Club. The speaker is to be announced. For more information, contact Kim Riber, vice president, at 3398935.

Taxes a hot topic at council meeting

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TROY DAILY NEWS • WWW.TDN-NET.COM

Report of first doctor to reach shot Lincoln found SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The first doctor to reach President Abraham Lincoln after he was shot in a Washington theater rushed to the presidential box and found him paralyzed, comatose and leaning against his wife. Dr. Charles Leale ordered brandy and water to be brought immediately. Leale’s long-lost report of his efforts to help the mortally wounded president, written just hours after his death, was discovered in a box at the National Archives late last month. The doctor, who sat 40 feet from Lincoln at Ford’s Theater that night in April 1865, saw John Wilkes Booth jump to the stage, brandishing a dagger, and heard the cry that the “President has been murdered” before pushing his way through the crowd. Thinking Lincoln had been stabbed, Leale ordered men to cut off the president’s coat. “I commenced to examine his head (as no wound near the shoulder was found) and soon passed my fingers over a large firm clot of blood situated about one inch below the superior curved line of the occipital bone,” Leale reported. “The coagula I easily removed and passed the little finger of my left hand

This undated photo provided by the Library of Congress shows Dr. Charles A. Leale, who was the first doctor to treat President Abraham Lincoln after he was shot at a Washington theater on the night of April 14, 1865. through the perfectly smooth opening made by the ball, and found that it had entered the encephalon.” The historians who discovered the report believe it was filed, packed in a box, stored at the archives and not seen for 147 years. A researcher for the Papers of Abraham Lincoln, Helena Iles Papaioannou, found it among correspondence of the U.S. surgeon general

from April 1865, filed under “L” for Leale. “What’s fascinating about this report is its immediacy and its clinical, just-the-facts approach,” said Daniel Stowell, director of the Papers of Abraham Lincoln. “There’s not a lot of flowery language, not a lot of emotion.” Physicians have long debated whether Lincoln could have lived with modern medicine. Trauma

treatment was virtually unknown in 1865, and Leale’s report illustrates “the helplessness of the doctors,” Stowell said. “He doesn’t say that but you can feel it.” Leale wrote a report for an 1867 congressional committee investigating the assassination that referenced the earlier account, but no one had ever seen it, said Stowell, whose group’s goal is to find every document written by or to Abraham Lincoln during his lifetime. At least four researchers have been painstakingly scouring boxes of documents at the National Archives for more than six years. They methodically pull boxes of paper there are millions of

This undated photo of a document from the National Archives provided June 5, by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum in Springfield, Ill., shows the last page of an original copy of a 21-page clinical report by Dr. Charles A. Leale. documents packed away and never catalogued, Stowell said and look for “Lincoln docs,” as Papaioannou called them. She was assigned the surgeon general’s documents and was leafing through letters pitching inventions for better ambulances and advice about feeding soldiers onions to ward off disease when she hit Leale’s report. “I knew it was interesting. What we didn’t know was this was novel,” Papaioannou said. “We didn’t know that this was new,

that this was an 1865 report and that it likely hadn’t been seen before.” Leale, a 23-year-old Army surgeon just six weeks into his medical practice, never spoke or wrote about his experiences again until 1909 in a speech commemorating the centennial of Lincoln’s birth. The Papers of Abraham Lincoln, administered by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, has found and is digitizing 90,000 documents, Stowell said.

NATIONAL BRIEFS

Rhode Island lawmakers vote to change pot law

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Minors caught with pot would also have to complete a drug awareness program and community service. PROVIDENCE, R.I. Current law makes (AP) — Rhode Island law- possession of small makers have voted to amounts of marijuana a decriminalize the posses- misdemeanor. Violators sion of an ounce or less of face possible jail time and marijuana. fines up to $500. The House passed the Gov. Lincoln Chafee legislation 50-to-24 has not said whether he Tuesday. Minutes later would sign the legislation. the Senate passed the bill Chafee, an independent, 28-to-6. said he will review the Under the legislation, bill once it reaches his adults caught with an office. ounce or less of marijuaFourteen states have na would face a $150 civil decriminalized possession fine and would have to of limited amounts of give up the marijuana. marijuana.

Francis FURNITURE BEDDING GALLERY

Tuesday morning, and jurors had a verdict in Adam Kaufman’s seconddegree murder trial by that evening. The Miami-Herald reports that Kaufman called 911 in November 2007, saying he found his wife collapsed on the bathroom floor. Paramedics rushed Eleonora Kaufman to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Prosecutors said Adam Kaufman strangled his wife, leaving pronounced markings on her neck, burst blood vessels in her eyes and bruises on her body. No evidence for a Florida murder motive was presented. Defense attorneys said suspect acquitted evidence was overlooked MIAMI — Miami-Dade by the homicide detective and medical examiner. jurors have acquitted a South Florida real estate They said Kaufman’s wife died of an undiagnosed executive accused of heart disease and a fall on strangling his wife. a magazine rack. Deliberations began

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OPINION

Contact us David Fong is the executive editor of the Troy Daily News. You can reach him at 440-5228 or send him e-mail at fong@tdn publishing.com.

XXXday, 2010 Wednesday, June 6,XX, 2012 •5

TROY DAILY NEWS • WWW.TROYDAILYNEWS.COM

In Our View Troy Daily News Editorial Board FRANK BEESON / Group Publisher DAVID FONG / Executive Editor

ONLINE POLL

(WWW.TROYDAILYNEWS.COM)

Question: Did you attend the Troy Strawberry Festival this year?

Watch for final poll results in Sunday’s Miami Valley Sunday News.

Watch for a new poll question in Sunday’s Miami Valley Sunday News.

PERSPECTIVE

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” — First Amendment, U.S. Constitution

EDITORIAL ROUNDUP The Augusta (Ga.) Chronicle on U.S. education: America has tried everything to improve its educational system, and has failed. Everything. Except what works best. We have thrown money at the problem, to no avail. Our education spending is among the highest in the world, but test scores still lag behind other industrialized nations. Says the University of Southern California: “The U.S. is the clear leader in total annual spending, but ranks ninth in science performance and 10th in math.” We’ve also tried leveling the full weight and strength of the leviathan United States bureaucracy against the problem: The No Child Left Behind Act — this nation’s most sweeping education reform in several generations — has been an unprecedented reach of the federal government down into local schools. Yet, again, to little or no gain. And perhaps, even, to our detriment: Arne Duncan, President Barack Obama’s secretary of education, candidly noted that No Child Left Behind “inadvertently encourages states to lower” learning standards, in order to be in “compliance.” As I True school choice would allow parents to See It shop for the best schools. That would put ■ The Troy instant pressure on school officials to perform Daily News at a higher level. At the same time, most welcomes schools could, and should, be empowered to toss columns from non-performing, non-complying, disruptive stuour readers. To dents out on their stumps. There can always be submit an “As I alternative schools for them. That would See It” send empower schools to set and enforce strict guideyour type-writlines for entry — putting instant pressure on ten column to: parents and students to perform at a higher ■ “As I See It” level. c/o Troy Daily In addition, we believe — as presidential News, 224 S. candidate Mitt Romney said recently — that Market St., school choice is actually “the civil rights issue of Troy, OH 45373 our time.” … ■ You can also We Googled the phrase “competition makes e-mail us at you better.” We instantly found numerous editorial@tdnpu examples of sports figures saying it. blishing.com. When is academia going to learn it? ■ Please include your full Chattanooga (Tenn.) Free Press name and teleon summer jobs: phone number. After final exams, most can remember heading to that summer job. Landscaping, umpiring at the local recreation league fields, working retail at the mall, and any number of temporary jobs kept us occupied with a bit of income for the summer and one more bullet point on our resumes. So, how’s the job market for the student population? It depends. If you’re a white teen 16 to 19 years old, the April unemployment rate for your age group was 22.8 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you’re a black teen of the same age bracket, the ranks of the unemployed swell to a rate of 38.2 percent. That’s the economic impact of uncertainties out of Washington, D.C., directed by the political class who are pressing businesses on every side with regulation, looming mandatory health care, tax increases that are proposed at year’s end, and non-existent lines of credit that are the lifeblood of small businesses. The consequences of reckless policy and meddling are evident yet again. The months of discontent are no longer just for a season, but now years. Will the summer of our discontent yield progress in November?

LETTERS

Wrong team won bed races

a total joke! Anybody who was there knows who truly won! For one team to be allowed to switch To the Editor: beds in between races was a Wow! And I thought the total joke. I'm not sure how Strawberry Festival messed up they can even look themselves when they decided to have the in the mirror knowing what festival downtown instead at they did. Shame on you, ladies! the fairgrounds! Little did I But an even bigger shame know how bad they would on you to the people running manage to mess up the bed the show who let it happen. If races! What happened Friday something went wrong and night in the women’s race was another race needed to be run,

I understand that. But at least make all the teams use the same bed they used in the first race. If the winning team has any class, they should realize what they did and hand the trophy over to the rightful winners! And the Strawberry Festival should issue an apology to the rightful winners!

WRITE TO US: The Troy Daily News welcomes signed letters to the editor. Letters must contain your home address and a telephone number where you can be reached during the day. Letters must be shorter than 500 words as a courtesy to other writers.We reserve the right to edit for length and clarity. MAIL: 224 S. Market, Troy, Ohio, 45373; E-MAIL: editorial@tdnpublishing.com; FAX (937) 440-5286; ONLINE: www.troydailynews.com (“Letters To The Editor” link on left side).

DOONESBURY

Troy Strawberry Festival was a complete success I have a confession. I am guilty, ashamed and a little bit embarrassed to admit that I was a “Negative Nancy” on a recent issue that involved Troy City Council and the Troy Area Chamber of Commerce. Back at the beginning of the year, council was faced with a decision of where to have the annual Troy Strawberry Festival because of the Adams Street Bridge being closed. Well, as the options were posed, I thought the fairgrounds was a much more logical decision. I thought the change in location would shut our town down to have it downtown. “That’s just silly,” I thought. I was one of those that griped about the traffic, the lack of parking and the congestion. Now, I realize it would have been silly to have it anywhere else. Having it downtown was the best decision everyone involved could have made. It made our town come alive, it rejuvenated us and it made us realize how important it is to get people downtown. In my opinion, not only did it feel more roomy and calm, but it felt bigger and more involved. It felt like it was destined to be downtown. It gave business to our local downtown establishments

Katie Yantis Troy Daily News Columnist and kept everyone extremely busy. From the stories I have heard, vendors sold out of product the first day and scrambled to get more for the rest of the weekend. As the weekend continued I kept hearing more and more success stories, like those of people who are handicapped. Numerous times did I and other people downtown hear stories of how those in wheelchairs and those who cannot walk well were pleased with it being downtown because they were able to attend, whereas they were not when it is on the levee. The air was filled with excitement and movement, and from what I hear, there were more people than ever that attended our festival this year. Yes, I called it “our” festival because that is what it is. It is all of ours. It’s the city’s

— Jason Thompson Troy

festival to help those in the city. Yes, the big worry was the traffic, but it was great. The traffic was not an issue, the parking was not an issue and the flow was directed incredibly well. I applaud our officers, security staff and all involved on the committee for a terrific job of making this festival flawless despite all the apprehension preceding it. All of you believed in yourselves, the town and the charm of our city to make it successful — and it was beyond measurably successful. Please pat yourselves on your backs, because it was great. After saying I was going to participate in nothing as a way of illustrating my frustration, I walked around town twice. I couldn’t NOT be a part of such a great event. I walked around, talked with folks and witnessed some really great vendors with top-notch crafts. Some folks around me probably would have even guessed I wasn’t a local resident and instead a tourist as I took a picture with a friend in front of our famous pink fountain in the middle of the square and took pictures of the crowd. And once again, I ran the 10K classic. Last year was my first 10K

during the Strawberry Festival. I set out this year to just beat my time last year and prove to myself that I am slowly improving on my physical fitness. I did just that. I ran alongside my running buddy Tiffany, but I also had fellow Team (G)racers running with me as well as my UAR folk! Everyone did such a fantastic job and I can’t express enough how awesome it was to be a part of it. We ran past Duke Park and once again I was floored with the amazing feeling I had as the road ahead of me and behind me was filled with runners. Tiff and I just did our best; we kept ourselves at a comfortable pace for the first half then picked it up the second. We ran into the stadium and kicked it up another notch. I crossed the finish line at 58:35 when I didn’t cross the line last year until 1:01:53. I would say a three minute improvement is good in my book. Once again I applaud everyone. It was so great having downtown busy. I promise I won’t be a “Negative Nancy” if we did it there again next year. (Hint Hint.) Katie Yantis’ column appears every Wednesday in the Troy Daily News.

Troy Troy Daily News

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LOCAL & STATE

TROY DAILY NEWS • WWW.TROYDAILYNEWS.COM

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

OBITUARIES

MARY SUZANNE ‘SUE’ CARLSON

JAMES ‘JIM’ J. LAYMAN SIDNEY — James “Jim” J. Layman of Sidney, formerly of Piqua, died Thursday, May 31, 2012, at the VA Medical Center in Dayton. He was born May 20, 1938, to J. Edward Layman and M. Rita Francis Layman in Piqua. He was married to Veronica Ann Owens on Nov. 10, 1989; and she survives. Jim also is survived by a son, James J. Layman Jr. of Covington; a granddaughter, Kyle Layman, and a great-granddaughter of Troy; a step daughter, Belinda Conners; and a step

granddaughter, Jennifer Johnson of Sidney; two sisters, Mrs. Richard (Nancy) Schnippel of Union, Ohio, and Mrs. Kenneth (Sandy) Dowty of Troy. Jim attended Piqua schools. In 1961, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served until 1964. Before his retirement due to his health, he worked for Wagner Heating and Plumbing in Troy. Arrangements were handled by Cromes Funeral Home, Sidney. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cromesfuneralhome.com.

Stabbing suspect arraigned BY WILL E SANDERS Ohio Community Media wsanders@dailycall.com The alleged assailant in a Saturday night knife assault at a Piqua bar faced a judge at his arraignment Monday, but police remain unclear regarding what caused the argument that led to the attacker stabbing another man in the throat. The suspect, Jeffrey S. Joyner, 48, of Sidney, was taken into custody by Piqua police officers Saturday after responding to the Piqua Sports Grille, 1254 E. Ash St., on the report of a violent attack involving a knife. Joyner was charged and

TROY subsequently arraigned in Miami County Municipal Court on Monday on one count of felonious assault, a second-degree felony that carries a possible prison sentence of between two to eight years in prison. His bond was set at $100,000. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled in the case for June 13. The victim, Josh Allen, 28, of Piqua, sustained a serious wound to the neck during the assault but has since been released from the Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton following surgery.

When officers arrived at the scene they found Allen profusely bleeding from the neck and learned that Joyner allegedly stabbed the victim in the neck with a pocket knife following an argument at the bar, according to the Piqua Police Department. At this point investigators are still uncertain what caused the argument that resulted in the knife assault, but authorites said “these guys were not getting along in the bar for some reason.” “At this point we do not know,” said Piqua police Deputy Chief Tom Steiner. “We will be talking to more people later on this week.”

Piqua man injured in crash Staff report A Piqua man involved in a roll-over car crash on Washington Road early Monday morning was transported to the Upper Valley Medical Center. The driver, identified by sheriff ’s deputies as Elijah J. Pack, 22, was later released from the UVMC later in the day Monday, a hospital spokesperson said. Pack was traveling southbound on

Washington Road at approximately 4 a.m. south of Piqua when Pack lost control, left the roadway, went airborne and flipped his vehicle on to its top, authorities said. Pack, who was wearing his seatbelt, was initially transported by medics to the hospital for a possible back and neck injury. Deputies continue to investigate the crash.

Inmate gets 2-week reprieve COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Republican Gov. John Kasich on Tuesday issued a rare last-minute reprieve for a condemned killer, sparing Abdul Awkal for two weeks to allow a judge to hold a hearing on his mental competency. Kasich ordered the delay to allow a Cuyahoga County judge to conduct a hearing on whether Awkal is too mentally ill to be put to death. Judge Stuart Friedman ruled Monday there was evidence to believe Awkal was not competent to be executed, but his ruling was not enough to stop the execution. Kasich’s decision came shortly after the Ohio Supreme Court had refused to delay the execu-

tion to allow the hearing. Governors in Ohio have the ultimate say on executions. Former death row inmate John Spirko received reprieves from two governors before he was spared, but such interventions by governors have been infrequent since Ohio resumed executions in 1999. Awkal was sentenced to death for killing his estranged wife, Latife Awkal, and brother-in-law Mahmoud Abdul-Aziz in January 1992 in a room where the Awkals were to take up divorce and custody issues. In the months before the shooting, Awkal bought a pistol and threatened to kill his wife and her family

if they didn’t dismiss the divorce proceedings. Prosecutors said Awkal also changed his address and wrote his brother a check for most of his assets before heading to court on the day of the shooting. Awkal was in the state death house at the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility in Lucasville when the decision was announced. He arrived at Lucasville earlier Tuesday and had been in good spirits during his stay. If put to death this month, Abdul Awkal would be the second man Ohio executes this year since the end of an unofficial moratorium on capital punishment that lasted six months.

Budget • CONTINUED FROM 1

JOHN T. CARPENTER and Historical Society where he served PIQUA — John T. Carpenter, 89, of 1400 Severs Drive, Piqua, died at 4:25 as its president for two terms, served p.m. Sunday June 3, 2012, at the Piqua as the president of the Miami County Home Builders Association, and a forManor Nursing Home. He was born Nov. 29, 1922, in Shelby mer 35-year member of the Piqua Western Square Dance County, to the late George E. Club where he served as its and Anna Mae (Eidemiller) president. Carpenter. He and his wife enjoyed 35 He married Clarice Conover years of dancing at local on June 15, 1948, in West dance clubs, and a yearly Carrolton; and she survives. visit to Fontana Lake, N.C., Other survivors include a for dance holidays. One of daughter, Jo Etta (Thomas) Mr. Carpenters award winArgabright of Hardin; and a ning projects was his threesister, Mary Margaret year restoration of the (Howard) Denman of Tucson, Johnston Farm at the Piqua Ariz.; several nieces and CARPENTER Historical Area now known as nephews including, Pamela the Johnston Farm and Indian Fitzpatrick, Paula-Kay Robinson, Agency. Bill (Marlene) Paulus and John He was a prolific reader, (Michelle Lavoie) Paulus. interested in history and He was preceded in death by a genealogy. sister, Alberta Paulus; and a great His warm and gracious spirit nephew, Anthony Butterfield. will be greatly missed by family Mr. Carpenter was a 1940 graduate of Houston High School, founded in and friends. A graveside service will begin at 1948 owned John Carpenter 10:30 a.m. Thursday June 7, 2012, at Construction Co. for 30 years here in Beechwood Cemetery, Lockington, with Piqua, owned Carpenter Construction the Rev. Larry Grunden officiating folCo. in Arizona for 14 years and was a lowed by full military honors provided sales representative for the American Lab’s Tiffany Roof Division for 20 years by the Veterans Elite Tribute Squad. Memorial contributions may be made before retiring in 1997. He was a United States Navy veteran to Greenview United Church of Christ, 3041 Leatherwood Creek Road, aboard the USS Halford from June 1943 to 1945 in the Asiatic-Pacific and Sidney, OH 45365; or the Piqua Public Philippines Liberation during World War Library, 116 W. High St., Piqua, OH 45356. II. Arrangements are being handled He was a member of Greenview through the Jamieson & Yannucci United Church of Christ of Plattsville, Funeral Home. Fletcher Lions Club, Warren Masonic Condolences to the family also may Lodge No. 24 of Piqua, Scottish Rite Valley of Dayton, American Legion Post be expressed through jamiesonandyannucci.com. No. 184, Miami County Genealogical

EARNEST ROGER CRABTREE TROY — Earnest Roger Crabtree, 70, of Troy, Ohio, passed away Saturday, June 2, 2012, at his residence. He was born on June 25, 1941, in Tazwell, Ky., to the late Leonard A. and Vernie (Martin) Crabtree. His wife of 46 years, Barbara (Burns) Crabtree, survives. Other survivors include his two sons, Roger and John Crabtree both of Troy; four grandchildren, Amber Marie and Earnest Roger Crabtree, CRABTREE Ashley Lynn Bryant and John Wayne Crabtree; and one great-grandson, Tyler Bryant; two brothers, Tom Crabtree of Williamsport, Ohio, and Irvin Crabtree of Columbus; and two sisters, Bonnie Ackison of Lancaster, Ohio, and Kathy Williamson of Indiana. In addition to his parents, Earnest

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was preceded in death by one brother, Bob Crabtree; and three sisters, Myrtle Crabtree, Mary JoAnn Crabtree and Nancy Asbury. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1961-1968 during the Cuban Crisis and later worked as a builder with Van Leer Homes in Tipp City. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 7, 2012, at Baird Funeral Home, Troy. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Troy, with military honors at the graveside. Friends may call from 10-11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Miami County, P.O. Box 502, Troy, OH 45373. Friends may express condolences to the family through www.bairdfuneralhome.com.

JUNE CURTIS PIQUA — June Curtis, 83, of Piqua, died at 7:45 p.m. Monday, June 4, 2012, at the Upper Valley Medical Center, Troy. She was born June 5, 1928, in Pleasant Hill, to the late Roy and Meda (Wallace) Curtis. Survivors include two brothers, Ivan (Goldie) Curtis of Piqua, Byron Dean (Doris) Curtis of New Madison; a sister, Barbara (Roland) Trissell of Piqua; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in 2287657

Titterington said cutting services could “cause irreversible damage … changing Troy’s culture, perception and reputation.” He added that he understands the resentment some citizens feel for the street light assessment and other possible future costs, but that the city has already exhausted other options. “Their anger should at least be equally directed at the statehouse,” Titterington said. A brainstorming session followed the presentation, in which council members offered solutions to Troy’s budget challenges. City of Troy administrator Sue Knight wrote down the ideas, which council members then voted upon. The no. 1 choice with nine votes was income tax credit reduction, followed by a police/fire levy with eight votes. Tying with six votes each were an income tax increase, health district property tax and street light assessment. Three of the five issues would be voted upon by citizens, councilman Tom Kendall noted. Income tax credit reduction would be a non-ballot issue brought to council through legislation, and street

light assessment legislation had its fourth reading at council Monday. Council member Robin Oda voiced her reluctance to saddle more of the financial burden on citizens, while also acknowledging that Troy has tough decisions to make. “I want to see us live within our means,” she said. “I’m just telling you that if I feel this way, other people feel this way too.” Councilman Alan Clark said that as a longtime Troy resident, former city worker and council member for 10 years, he has never seen the Troy budget as stripped down as it is now. “I can say we are truly bare bones,” Clark said. “We give a high level of services to the community, and I don’t know how much more we can cut. We are not frivolous, not by any stretch of the imagination.” Beamish reminded council members that “Troy is Troy for a reason.” “We are held in high regard in the area for quality of life,” Beamish said. “This has been frustrating for us, too. We sit around the table and talk about how we can keep our heads above the water without cutting services.”

TROY — Mary Suzanne “Sue” Carlson, elementary education major. She was a member of First 78, of Troy, Ohio, passed away Sunday, Presbyterian Church, Troy. June 3, 2012, at her residence. Sue worked on the Miami County She was born Oct. 14, 1933, in Board of Elections and was previously Lansing, Mich. an elementary school teacher in Battle In 1957, she married Roy Everett Creek, Mich. Carlson; and he survives. Services will be at 11 a.m. In addition to her husband, Friday, June 8, 2012, at the Roy, Sue is survived by her First Presbyterian Church, four children and their spousTroy, with the Rev. Dr. Richard es, Kathryn Carlson of Salem, Culp officiating. Interment will Ore., Kristine and Robert follow in Riverside Cemetery, Bowden of Findlay, Richard Troy. Friends may call from 4-7 and Jennifer Carlson of p.m. Thursday at Baird Funeral Odessa, Fla., and James and Home, Troy. Michelle Carlson of Concord, Memorial contributions may N.C.; and six grandchildren, be made to Hospice of Miami Lindsey and Nicholas Bowden, County, P.O. Box 502, Troy, OH and Andrew, Madison, Robert CARLSON 45373; or First Presbyterian and Kate Carlson. Church, 20 S. Walnut St., Troy, OH She was preceded in death by her mother, Maribel Smith; and her adoptive 45373. parents, Lloyd and Bernice (Wells) Kater. Friends may express condolences to the family through www.bairdfuneralShe was a graduate of Western home.com. Michigan University where she was an

death by three brothers, Roy Hunt, Norman Curtis, and Raymond Curtis; and five sisters, Marie Hill, Edna Stricker, Zola Miller, Margaret Jones, and Blanche Cress. Miss Curtis retired from Evenflo after many years of service, and lived most of her life in Piqua. She was an avid fan of the Cincinnati Reds, Bengals and Ohio State Buckeyes. She also enjoyed riding her motorcycle in her younger days. A service to honor her

life will begin at 2 p.m. Friday, June 8, at the Jamieson & Yannucci Funeral Home with Rev. Jack Chalk officiating. Burial will follow in Miami Memorial Park, Covington. Visitation will be from 12-2 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences to the family may also be expressed through jamiesonandyannucci. com.

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1124 W. Main St • Call 335-6161 • Troy, Ohio www.fisher-cheneyfuneralhome.com

• Bernell I. Jackson TROY — Bernell I. Jackson, 91, of Troy, Ohio, passed away at 3:52 a.m. Tuesday, June 5, 2012, at Koester Pavilion, Troy. Services are pending at Baird Funeral Home, Troy.

• Ted R. Scarff KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Ted R. Scarff, 77, of Kalamazoo, Mich., died May 24, 2012, at Borgess Medical Center. Life Story Funeral Home handled arrangements: www.lifestory.com.

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TROY DAILY NEWS • WWW.TROYDAILYNEWS.COM

ANNIE’S MAILBOX

Paternity test should put ‘Alice’ in her place Dear Annie: My brother-in-law and his wife are strange people. "Tom and Alice" live beyond their means and are constantly asking for help. We've given them more than $10,000, and they've never paid back a dime. That's not the worst part. Alice is in love with my husband, "Dean." She giggles and flirts with him and used to send him scantily clad pictures of herself. This made us both horribly uncomfortable. I trust Dean. He would leave the phone on speaker when she'd call. And in order to avoid any hint of impropriety, Dean changed his phone number and email address and got off of all social networks. He now can only be reached through the office. Alice doesn't work and aspires to be on a reality show for rich wives. When she got pregnant four years ago, she told me that Dean should be in the delivery room because "it's his baby." This can't possibly be true. Dean had a vasectomy years ago, and more importantly, we were out of the country when Alice conceived. His father, stepmother and sisters believe her, and she even called our daughter at college to say she has a half-sister. We recently received a petition for child support. My brother-in-law shrugs off his wife's behavior, saying Alice has inadequate boundaries. He says he knows the child isn't my husband's, but "a little extra cash couldn't hurt" because he is out of work. Dean and I spoke to a lawyer. The only reason we stay in touch with his family is because my mother-in-law, a wonderful woman, is battling breast cancer and relies on Alice (who yells at her) for rides to the doctor. My husband is worried that if we take legal action against Alice, his mother will suffer the consequences. I don't know how I ended up in an episode of Jerry Springer. Any ideas? — Beside Myself in Jersey Dear Beside: The first thing you should do is get a paternity test so you have legal proof that Dean is not the father of this child. Then talk to as many family members as you can and urge them to convince Alice to get professional help. This woman has serious mental health issues, and her mercenary husband exploits her. Try to arrange other transportation for your mother-in-law so you are not held hostage to her situation, and then do what you must to protect your own family. Dear Annie: For the third time, my daughter has called to verbally abuse me. The first time, I refused to listen, and she withheld her children from us. We had helped raise our oldest grandchild, and she kept him away for a year. The second time she pulled this stunt, she showed up two years later in need of financial help. She also had a new baby we'd never seen. We forgave her. She is now practicing this vicious tactic for the third time. We have decided we are too old to deal with this. We've redone our will. Our son will inherit the bulk of the estate, and our daughter will be given a pittance so she cannot claim we've overlooked her. No one should have to take abuse in order to see their grandchildren. — Three Strikes You're Out in Pennsylvania Dear Three: We agree. But how heartbreaking for you. Our condolences. Dear Annie: Your response to "Ready To Settle Down" was excellent, but didn't go quite far enough. When I was newly divorced, someone gave me the best advice I've ever received. It has gotten me through some pretty rocky moments, and hopefully, it will inspire "Ready" to rethink her desire to be with the lazy creep now in her life. "The only thing worse than being alone is wishing you were." — Louisville, Ky. Annie's Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column. Please email your questions to anniesmailbox@comcast.net, or write to: Annie's Mailbox, c/o Creators Syndicate, 737 3rd Street, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254.

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