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THURSDAY, JULY 24, 2014
188TH YEAR
SWEET RIDE
ISSUE NO. 30 $1
Aurora Westside residents seek answers
By Chandra L. Mattingly Staff Reporter cmattingly@registerpublications.com
Above: Bill Rowling sits behind the Memphis Belle’s pilot as they pass over the Ohio River near Lunken Airport.
Flying Fortress
Above: Seventy years ago Bill Rowling was shot down over Germany while on a bombing run in a B-17 Flying Fortress. He relived his flying days July 21. Rowling stands at a narrow catwalk over the bomb bay. He said part of his job was arming the bombs once the plane was over the English Channel. Below: Veterans, media and others gather at Lunken Airport.
Above: Rowling enjoys the view from a gunner hatch. Below right: Rowling next to the ball gun turret, where he was assigned. Then a mere 20 years old, Rowling notes “I was a little smaller then... it is a very tight fit.”
World War II veteran Bill Rowling, 90, took a ride on a B-17 Bomber Monday, July 21, at Lunken Airport, Cincinnati. Rowling was a guest of Register Publications during media flights. The last time Rowling was in a B-17, he was shot down over Germany in February 1944. He was a prisoner of war until the camp was liberated in 1945. The public has a chance to check out the Memphis Belle, B-17, at Lunken this weekend, Saturday, July 26, and Sunday, July 27. Flights are $450 per person, but tours are free. The flights are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and tours start generally at 3:30 p.m. For more information go to www. libertyfoundation.org.
Photos by Bruce McLeaster
A special Aurora meeting expected to focus on tree removal instead garnered more questions about the rest of the upcoming street and sidewalk project on Westside Drive and Hanover Avenue. Eighteen residents of those streets and their side streets attended the Monday, July 21, meeting, with city attorney Jeff Stratman explaining the project. Plans are to repave all the streets in the neighborhood, including the side streets. Most are torn up now because the city just replaced the water lines, he said. Originally, plans included replacing all the curbs and sidewalks on Westside Drive and Hanover Avenue, but cost concerns led Aurora Utility Board members, who also are councilmen, to decide just to replace sidewalks that are in bad shape, he said. To do so will require some tree removal. “Some of the trees are actually growing over the curb and into the sidewalk,” said Stratman. “... Those trees have got to come down. If you want to save the trees, the project can't happen.” Since so many residents are upset about the tree removal, another option might be just to pave the streets and not do curbs and sidewalks, he added, turning to public comments. The city has not yet put the project out for bids. Ollie Willoughby, 700 Hanover Ave., spoke first. A resident at the far end of Hanover since 1982, Willoughby said at that time the east side of the street sported no-parking signs. Now only one remains and folks park on both sides of the street. He'd like to see no-parking signs on the one side all the way to the end, he said. Stratman said that would be something to consider after the repaving project. Daphne Spears, 76 Westside Drive, did ask about the trees. “Is it a requirement that they remove
See AURORA, Page 5A
Making a difference runs in the family in a BIG way L’burg gears up for downtown action plan Staff Report City redevelopment director Grant Hughes told Lawrenceburg City council members Monday, July 21, that two copy boxes full of information has been collected ahead of a planned site visit by national downtown experts HyettPalma scheduled for the week of Aug. 11. The information is helping lay the groundwork for a Downtown Action Agenda, which will be defined by the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns and HyettPalma as part of IACT’s Indiana Downtown® program. The plan for a Downtown Action Agenda, was first announced at Lawrenceburg Main Street’s annual meeting in late April.
See L’BURG, Page 5A
Umbrellas in the hallway? It could be at South Dearborn By Erika Schmidt Russell Editor erussell@registerpublications.com
South Dearborn School Corporation has a roof problem. In several cases the school corporation has a big problem. At South Dearborn Middle School, built in 2006, the roof was not in-
stalled properly nor is it up to code. The inspector for the warranty allowed changes, including 10 fasteners per board instead of the required 18 per board, said Brennen Baker, president of Moisture Management. South Dearborn school board heard from Baker Monday, July 21. Moisture Managment, Indianapolis,
was hired to inspect the corporation roofs because there are several leaks in some buildings. Besides SDMS, where the roof is leaking in several spots, South Dearborn High School also has leaks. The leaks are so bad Superintendent Dr. John Mehrle and a SDHS
See UMBRELLAS, Page 5A
Fritch named Register Publications’ general manager
April Fritch, 53, Lawrenceburg, circulation, distribution, Internet, has been named general manager and production. of Register Publications, the “I come from a sales largest print media business background, with the last in Dearborn and Ohio coun18 years spent in print ties and in the Greater Harsales,” said Fritch. rison region of Southwest “We will continue to Ohio. ensure that we provide Fritch, named to the poour readers and advertissition by company owner ers with excellent prodMurray Cohen, has been aducts. The team at Regisvertising director for nearly ter Publications is by far two years. She will retain one of the most helpful her responsibilities as ad diand cooperative group April Fritch rector, but also will oversee of employees that I have daily operations of the media com- ever had the pleasure of working pany’s other departments, including with. Our team will continue to
© REGISTER PUBLICATIONS, 2014
INSIDE TODAY
OPINION SPORTS
4A 1-3B,8B
New locatioN Now opeN!
review our newspapers and special sections to provide the community with compelling, interesting, and useful information.” Fritch, who comes from a newspaper family, said she has been an avid reader of and subscriber to the local papers for the 25 years she has lived in Dearborn County. “I feel many years from now there still will be a place for community newspapers,” said Fritch. “But as trends change, I’m aware that providing mobile apps, and constantly improving our websites, gives our readers more options to
Staff Report Sean and Stephanie Lucier, brother and sister from Lawrenceburg, have been named Big Brother and Big Sister of the Year by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati. Stephanie, 22, is paired with Daminica, and Sean, 18, is paired with Matthew. Both of these mentoring friendships are in the Site-Based program with Big Brothers Big Sisters, and meet at the children’s school. Stephanie first learned about Big Brother Big Sisters in high school, when she was paired with a Little Sister, and wanted to continue mentoring other children when that school program ended. Big Brothers Big Sisters paired adult volunteer mentors with children in the community who can benefit from a positive role model. For Stephanie, Daminica, who’s in fourth grade, is the youngest “Little Sister” she’s been paired with. Stephanie Lucier said “Conversations with Daminica, are relaxed and fun and just take you back to that age.” When she told her about the Big Sister of the Year award, Daminica, “lit up like Christmas. The award made her feel like she was contributing to something bigger than herself.” The experience of being a Big Sister helped Stephanie as well. As she finishes her college education at North-
See MANAGER, Page 5A
Contact Register Publications News (812) 537-0063 Classified (812) 537-0063 Sports (812) 537-0063
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See BIG, Page 5A
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THURSDAY, 24, 2014 27, 2012 THURSDAY,JULY SEPTEMBER
AURORA, From Page 1A
all the trees or just some of them? There's a lot of trees that I don't see the need to take them down,” she said. “It's going to be a tree-by-tree basis. … If there's a tree in the way, it's going to have to come down,” replied Stratman. When the rolled curbing is installed, the contractors may go as deep and wide as 12 inches each, and could cut into the root system of trees that otherwise would not appear to need to be cut down, he explained. Council has discussed replacing the trees after the project's completion, he added. Referring to the water line work, Matt Neff, 301 Walker Ave., said his water meter had been moved into his front yard, after which he had a leak. He'd never had a leak before that, but he paid to get it fixed, he said with a shrug. What he wants to know now is if his front yard is going to be fixed after it was dug up and settled. “There's no dirt there. … I can look under my driveway,” he said. Stratman assured him remediation of such problems are be part of the water line project.
Access to be maintained
Ollie Willoughby's wife Betty Willoughby asked about access to their home. “We're not that good of walkers in our 80s,” she said. Stratman said all residents will have vehicular access to their properties throughout. “I can't guarantee you'll have places to walk in your neighborhood,” he said. But the city has lots of parks and the walking trail available. The only time access to their homes might be interrupted would be if a pipe burst or a similar emergency occurred. When will the project start, asked Betty Willoughby. Hopefully this fall, or, if not, next spring, said Stratman. “In the meantime, can they fix some of gigantic holes?” asked Paula Knight, 408 Hanover Ave., referring to holes left from the water line project. Stratman replied the city will fill them with gravel as the area is still settling. Residents should call the utility office to report bad holes, he added. “It's just been ridiculous, one thing after another,” said Emma McPeek, 101 Hanover Ave., referring to the condition of the streets and saying it's taken way too long to fix them. “It's just such a mess. It's just so upsetting.” Hastings noted the recent improvements at George Street and U.S. 50 were 10 years from discussion to implementation. Joann White, 310 Hanover Ave., asked if the Westside project will affect current parking places. Crider said parking will be limited during the project, but the current parking on one side of the street will remain afterwards. White agreed with McPeek about the streets' condition, suggesting councilmen drive up Hanover Ave. “... All of it is big ruts,” she said. Aurora Clerk-treasurer and Utilities Su-
L’BURG, From Page 1A
Information started being gathered around the first of June. It will be given to the consultants and IACT for review. It will allow them to create a baseline, said Hughes. “We want to make sure that we present HyettPalma with all pertinent information regarding
THE DEARBORN COUNTY REGISTER perintendent Randy Turner said that's been a way of life for folks in other parts of the city where infrastructure was improved, including Conwell Street, along Ind. 56, in the downtown business district, and on Park Avenue and Manchester streets. “It's been a time in the history of the city that the funds have been there to do this kind of work. And it's not going to last,” he said, referring to dropping riverboat revenue sharing funds. “We're trying to do it as economically as possible.” What does the reference to ADA sidewalks mean, asked White. The city has an Americans with Disabilities Act plan to make sidewalks compliant with the act, meaning handicapped accessible, as sidewalks are repaired and/or replaced, said Stratman. ADA stipulations include width, steepness and other factors. But the Westside sidewalks already are wide enough, he added when White asked if the project would come up into her yard. During the project, workers may come into yards a little ways to set forms for pouring sidewalks, but they'll be required to restore the yards, added Stratman. Resident Jim Sedler asked if there were plans to remove the hump on Hanover, and modify the areas where the curbs are six or eight inches higher than the sidewalks. Stratman replied the design has not yet gone into that much detail. But they are going to regrind the main streets, though not the side streets, said Turner. Spears said she's very appreciative of the improvements, noting new sidewalks will improve home values – and not cost residents a thing. Those attending applauded.
Playground: pro and con
In other matters, residents mentioned the new playground equipment in the Ron Nocks Memorial Park between Westside Drive and Ind. 350. Daphne Spears said folks like having the playground (“It's wonderful!”) but some motorists “zoom” past it on Westside Drive, or use the area as a turnaround. Knight said it should be fenced off from the gully beside the highway, as some children stray from the park toward Ind. 350 and could be in danger of being hit. Agreeing with her, councilman Mike Crider nonetheless said, “But isn't it the parents' responsibility to watch their children?” Crider, who lives on Hanover Avenue, also noted the playground is “well used.” McPeek said the playground should not have been put it, with kids there late at night. Noting one person had mentioned installing speed bumps, she said she would not like that. Hastings noted the city's traffic speed machine had been used to check speeds on Conwell Street recently and can be used on Westside Drive. Turning to another matter, McPeek asked why the city needs a city manager, a position that's been recently advertised. Hastings replied trying to run a thirdclass city is not like it was 30 years ago, and the position is needed.
downtown. This background information will be part of the framework they will use to define our Downtown Action Agenda, which will be specifically tailored to our community and designed to improve downtown’s economy,” said Hughes in a press release. “During the site visit, HyettPalma will moderate a Community Vision Session Tues-
UMBRELLAS, From Page 1A
teacher joked about umbrellas in the hallways during the presentation. Joking aside, Mehrle noted later, the school corporation needs to develop a plan to stop the leaks. Baker said the SDMS roof should still be covered by the warranty, and he is working with the school corporation’s transportaiton, building and grounds director Mark Morris on documentation regarding the roof. Morris has supplied some of the original paperwork, and is looking for more. Board president Gene Ferguson said after Baker’s presentation the corporation hired a construction manager for the purpose of overseeing the SDMS building project, and the roof issues should not have happened. Ferguson and other board members directed Morris to go through all of the bid documents, both for the company that received the bid and for all other unsuccessful roof bidders. Morris said he had started, and had a lot of paperwork to continue to sift through. Besides the extensive leaks at SDHS, and the installation problems at SDMS, several other corporation building roofs also had problems. In color-coded building documents, Manchester and Moores Hill elementary schools had some roof areas in dire need of repairs. Red and orange represent roofs that need repairs or replacement and have serious problems, explained Baker. Moores Hill’s roof is red and orange. Red means the roof needs to be replaced “immediately” according to the Moisture Management report, while orange can wait one to three years. More than half of the Manchester roof is designated as red, with a small part orange, a small part blue, and another large part purple. Blue means the roof is in very good shape and should last another eight to 10 years, while purple is fair and can last another three to five years, but needs work. Most of Aurora Elementary’s roof is in the orange category, while about three-quarters of the Dillsboro Elementary roof is categorized as orange or red needing major repair or replacement within the next three years. Moisture Managment’s report also included a budget breakdown for each school, and a total preliminary estimate for all the schools’ roofs is just under $6 million. That number could go down once more in-depth work is done on the various roofs. For instance, insulation can be reused or the warranty on SDMS covers a large portion of the costs, said Baker. The board took the report under advisement and will discuss the situation more in the future.
day, Aug. 12, from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m, fourth floor, Ivy Tech Riverfront Campus. This session is open to the public and is an opportunity for everyone to participate and voice their vision for downtown’s future. We welcome everyone in the community to attend,” said Kelly Will, city marketing director. They want as many people at the visioning session as pos-
PAGE 5A
BIG,
done as fast as possible, but Matthew taught him the value of slowing down and From Page 1A ern Kentucky University enjoying the process. Sean, and works toward being an on the other hand, helped elementary school teacher, ease Matthew away from her Little Sister’s friendship video games, and helped him deprovides velop an one more apprecialayer of tion for underthe outstanding doors, as children. well as Her comfor other mitment people. to her lit“Mattle called thew used on extra to only sacrifice hang out this past with one school group of year. She people, d r o v e but he’s weekly become a f r o m lot more N K U outgoing weekly to and has meet with branched her Little. out to Stephb e c o m e anie’s f r i e n d s brother with difSean folSUBMITTED PHOTOS f e r e n t lowed her Top: Stephanie Lucier & her lead and “Little” Daminica. Bottom: Sean g r o u p s , ” saied Sean b e c a m e Lucier & his “Little” Matthew. Lucier. a Big In InBrother three years ago. diana and Harrison there He and his “Little Brothare school programs at Auer” Matthew bonded over a rora Elementary, Lawrenceshared interest in the miliburg Primary, Central Eltary, specifically the Army. Although many people ementary, Greendale Middle volunteer to be a Big Broth- School, Harrison Elemener or Big Sister with the tary and Harrison Junior idea that they’re helping a School. We are currently child, Sean insists that is seeking adult Mentors for a two-way street, and that each of these programs. You too can Start SomeMatthew has taught him a thing special. Call Kristi great deal. Sean says he used to rush Eberhart at 513-608-8930 or through everything, to get go to www.bigsforkids.org for more information.
MANAGER, From Page 1A
enjoy our products, and gives advertisers more opportunities to reach our subscribers and other folks who visit our websites.” Fritch pointed out subscribers invite Register Publications’ newspapers into their homes, and many people read them from front to back, which is a decisive advantage for local advertisers. “They want the information and the advertising in our papers, whether they choose to subscribe to the traditional format or go on-
line,” she said. Fritch’s father, Bill Fritch, began his career at The Greensburg Daily News, and went on to become a reporter, sports editor, columnist, and copy editor at newspapers in northwestern Indiana. “I grew up with the newspaper. I had a love of the newspaper before my relationship here ever started. It’s easy for me to sell, and easy for me to promote. It’s easy for me because I believe in it,” said Fritch.
sible to give input, said Wills, during the council meeting. After the visioning session, Lawrenceburg city counAt Lutz Auction Center cil members will meet from Take I-74 to St. Leon-Lawrenceburg exit, then south on SR 1 for 3 miles from 8:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., said to Dover, IN. East on N. Dearborn Rd for 1.4 miles to Auction Ln. From Lawrenceburg, take SR 1 North to Dover, right on N. Dearborn Rd to Auction Ln. Hughes. The site visit from HyettPalma will include focus groups and issue sessions with downDoors open at 8 a.m. town employers and consumers, he said. Complete contents of Delores Strunk Knippenberg home which includes 3 king size beds; living room furniture; front load washer and dryer; Liberty gun safe; curio and china cabinets; cedar chests; flat screen TV’s; bookcases; kitchen tables and chairs; lawn and patio furniture; picnic tables; Roland Atelier organ; Yamaha keyboard; home deco; crocks; jewelry; collectibles and more. Also consigned are a 2013 5ft. by 8 ft. utility trailer with ramp; Pronto Power Chair. AUCTIONEERS NOTE: Check lutzauctions.com for details, pictures, and late additions. 2 buildings full of nice clean newer FAirviEw St • LudLow HiLL • L'burg furniture and household items, also with some neat antique pieces. Friday, July 25, 9a-3p • Saturday, July 26, 10a-? The Estate of Delores Strunk Knippenberg - Owners
ESTATE AUCTION
Saturday, August 2, 2014 at 9:00 a.m.
LAST LAST MinuTe MinuTe YA R D S A L E Moving SALE 333 BEckEtt LAnDing • gREEnDALE Saturday, July 26 • 8AM - 2PM Furniture, toys, baby items, household items, home decor and more! Rain or Shine.
Public Auction
The following Personal Property will be offered for sale at Public Auction. Located at 125 S Mulberry St, Rising Sun, IN. Watch for auction signs at intersection ofHwy 56, High St, Main St and Hwy 262 and on Mulberry St.
Tools, kitchenware, books, misc. EvErYtHing MuSt go! Rain or Shine. No Early Birds Please.
REAL ESTATE AUCTION The following Real Estate will be offered for sale at Public Auction. Located at 223 S Mulberry St, Rising Sun, IN. Watch for auction signs at 4-way intersection of Hwy, 56, High St, Main St and Hwy 262 and on Mulberry St.
Friday. July 25. 2014 6:00 Saturday. July 26, 2014 o’clock p.m. E.S.D.T. 10:o0 o’clock a.m. E.S.D.t. Antiques & Collectibles: Love seat w /2 matching chairs; stand tables; chifferobe; sm. wardrobe; sm. wooden kitchen cabinet; sewing rocker; desk.; mantel clocks; lamps; umbrella vase; sets of dishes; lots of collectible glassware; sewing basket; Lg. wooden bowl; old hand tools and many other items . Household: Maple table w/ 6 chairs & hutch; maple table w/ 6 chairs & china cabinet; several living room chairs; Jiving room sofa & chair; 2 - TV’s; washer; 2 - (Two) 3 pc bedroom suites and many other household items. Tools & Misc: New Spartan Industrial air compressor; new Spartan contractor pump; Coleman air compressor; 3 pt hitch mowing machine; table saw; bench saw and grinder; vise; lawn cart; hand tools; 2 - panel gates; alum. Extension ladder; log chains and many other items.
Real Estate: Nice frame home with a 2 car detached garage; fenced in back yard; Alley access. Home has kitchen; Living room; family room; dining room; bedroom; full bath and closed in sun room downstairs. Two additional bedrooms upstairs. New vinyl in kitchen with new refrigerator. stove, washer & dryer. New carpet in most rooms, nice hardwood floors in others. Natural gas heat, central air. Terms on Real Estate: 10% down. non-refundable on day of auction. Balance within 30 days, possession upon closing. Seller will pay the fall installment of real estate taxes; buyer will assume the spring. Seller does reserve the right to reject final bid. To view real estate prior to auction, call owner for appointment.
Terms: Cash or Checks w/ I.D. Bid # with I.D. OWNERS: Leroy Guard Auctioneer: Denny Brown • AU01032230 • 812-438-4624
Terms: Cash or Checks w/ I.D. Bid # with I.D. OWNERS: Cliff & Regina Shanks 812-438-2181 Auctioneer: Denny Brown • AU01032230 • 812-438-4624
Lunch will be served. Not Responsible For Accidents. Go to auctionzip.com #22149 for pictures
Not Responsible For Accidents. Go to auctionzip.com #22149 for pictures
Dale & Randy Lutz – Auctioneers AU01030327, AU10100126, AH29900027 513-266-1859 / 513-266-1860 TERMS: Cash or check with ID. No Buyers Premium
PUBLIC AUCtIon Saturday, July 26th, 10:00AM
Located: 7342 SR 250, Bennington, Indiana. Real Estate: Real Estate: Single family home built in 1971 has 1,196 sq. ft. finished area with 3 bedrooms, full bath, kitchen, 1,196 basement, car port, 192 sq ft storage building on 1.15 acre lot. Terms on Real Estate sold at Auction: 10 % down day of sale balance due within 35 days or upon closing. Real Estate will be offered at 11:00 am. Shown by appointment only. For information or to view the Real Estate call Auctioneer Bob Owings 812-4272347 or 812-599-5537. Owner reserves the right to refuse the final bid. Vehicle: 1997 Dodge Dakota SLT, V6 magnum engine, auto transmission Household furniture, appliances and yard tools: Two window AC units; aluminum extension ladder; riding lawn mower; push mower; storage barn full of packed boxes not yet inventoried. Watch for updates and view pictures at: www.AuctionZip.com ID# 1997 Terms: Cash or Check with proper ID Owners: The Estate of the late Larry Scudder Executrix: Melanie Scudder Atty: Lisa Rosenberg Auctioneer: Bob Owings • AU01046538 Ph# 812-427-2347 or 812-599-5537 Announcements day of sale take precedence over all printed advertisements