Yellow Springs in 2002: the year’s news in revie

Several missing persons reports were made during 2002. Tim Lopez, right, pictured with his mother, Barbara McQuiston, disappeared in January.

January
Holiday sales increase
In a survey of downtown businesses, merchants reported experiencing an increase in sales activities during the 2001 holiday season. While some businesses reported a dip in sales during October 2001, many saw sales increase in November and December.
YSHS teen disappears
Tim Lopez, a Yellow Springs High School senior, was reported missing in late January after he failed to pick up his girlfriend at Fairborn High School. Lopez’s car was later found in the South Glen. John Bryan State Park rangers and Miami Township Fire-Rescue personnel searched the Glen, John Bryan Park and Clifton Gorge for nearly three days, but they could not find Lopez.
Lopez’s mother, Barbara McQuiston, filed a report with the Greene County Sheriff’s Department expressing concern that Lopez was the victim of foul play, perhaps related to his past drug use.
In May, an area group held a workshop at YSHS to give students a chance to creatively express their feelings about Lopez’s disappearance.
The YSHS graduation ceremony in June included a tribute to Lopez, who would have graduated with the Class of 2002.
Lopez has yet to be found.

In March, a report that Amy Erickson was missing led to a community search, which included Donna Silvert, above, left, George Bieri and Tucker Malishenko.

Affordable housing referendum
Local residents geared up for a special election in February on a plan by Yellow Springs Home, Inc. to build an affordable housing development on the east end of the Village-owned Glass Farm.
The referendum was set up after some local residents in 2001 objected to the plan and started two petition drives to get the proposal on the ballot. After initially balking at the effort, Village Council agreed to hold a special election on the issue.
Supporters of the plan said the community needed to address the issue of affordable housing now, while opponents said more study was needed, raising questions about what they saw as flaws in Home, Inc.’s proposal. The two sides disagreed on how best to define affordable housing, on the proper role of local government in this issue and whether affordable housing is best addressed by the Village or by private citizens.
The controversy also produced a lawsuit that four local residents filed after Council invalidated one of the referendum petitions in 2001. In March 2002, Council voted not to accept a settlement offer from the residents, who were asking the Village to reimburse them for their attorneys’ fees.
Later in June, an Ohio appeals court ruled the Village did not have to reimburse the residents, saying their suit did not prompt Council to place the housing plan on the ballot.
Channel 13 came under fire after it was accused of giving more air time to videos produced by proponents of the housing plan than to those who opposed the plan. The Village Cable Advisory Panel agreed to alternate programs on the plan in the days leading up to the election.
In January, Council declined a bid from an unnamed local resident to purchase from the Village the eastern portion of the Glass Farm. Council agreed not to consider the offer until after the special election in February.
In May, Council members indicated that local residents should decide how the farm is used, including the sale of sections of the land. While Council met several times in executive session to discuss the possible sale of the east end of the farm, in the spring the issue seemed to quietly fade away and was not discussed by Council the rest of the year.
Official denies conflict charge
Council member Denise Swinger denied accusations from two other Council members that she has a conflict of interest with the Village’s plans for the Glass Farm. Swinger lives on King Street near the farm.
The Council members, Joan Horn and Hazel Latson, also said they were concerned that Swinger participated in a Council discussion related to a lawsuit against the Village that involved Swinger’s husband, Joseph Giardullo, and three other residents.
Swinger denied the accusations and said she did not have a conflict with any Village plans for the farm. She also said the discussion was not about the suit but about whether Council members would be held liable if the Village could not legally transfer a piece of property over to a nonprofit organization.
YSI addresses contamination
YSI Incorporated announced that it intended to address the groundwater contamination on and around its Brannum Lane property through an administrative order from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.
As part of that order, the company agreed to provide Village water to 18 houses around YSI’s property. The households, which are located in Miami Township outside Yellow Springs, had received water from private wells. YSI agreed to pay for the project. In August, work began to extend Village water service to the affected residents. The project was completed in October.
In March, three of YSI’s neighbors whose wells are contaminated filed a notice of a possible lawsuit against the company. The neighbors, Bob Acomb, Fred Arment and Lisa Wolters, filed the notice in an effort to give themselves a role in YSI’s investigation and cleanup.
In July, those neighbors filed a lawsuit in federal court against the company, alleging that hazardous wastes and chemicals from YSI contaminated the neighbors’ property.
In May, YSI officials revealed that during an investigation they had learned that several employees dumped a hazardous chemical onto the ground at the company’s facility here. Officials said the dumping occurred between 1985 and 1992 or 1993.
This activity led, in part, to the contaminated groundwater that has been found on YSI’s property and on the properties of a number of its neighbors.
The state of Ohio filed a complaint against YSI, claiming that the company violated state and federal environmental laws.

Joan Straumanis

First woman president at Antioch
Antioch University Board of Trustees named Joan Straumanis to serve as the 20th president of Antioch College. Straumanis, who graduated from Antioch in 1957, is the first woman to lead the college.
Schools collect income tax
Yellow Springs residents began paying a 1 percent school income tax to the Yellow Springs school district. Local voters approved the new tax in the November 2001 general election.
In the spring, the school district treasurer, Joy Kitzmiller, reported that many residents were not paying the tax, leading to a shortfall in revenue.
In November, the Men’s Group sponsored a forum to help people better understand the income tax.
Schools ‘effective’ on state tests
Students in the Yellow Springs public schools passed 21 of 27 performance standards in last year’s proficiency tests, earning the school district a rating of “effective.” Students scored best on the ninth-grade tests, combining to pass all five subjects tested.
Council sets top goals for 2002
Village Council approved eight goals for the year that focused on helping the local economy, studying the Village budget and planning for future capital improvements to the Village infrastructure.
Commerce park zoning proposal
Village Manager Rob Hillard presented Planning Commission with a proposal to create a mixed-use zoning district suitable for the construction of a commerce park here. The proposal required applicants to meet certain environmental criteria in an effort to promote environmentally conscious practices.
While plan board members supported the proposal, they would struggle for most of the year to create a new zoning district.
New Village solicitor
Council agreed not to renew its contract with Village Solicitor Alan Anderson, saying the Village needed an attorney who has more expertise and a broader range of experiences in municipal law. In June, Council hired John C. Chambers, an attorney with the Dayton law firm Coolidge, Wall, Womsley & Lombard as the new solicitor.
School news
Élan Orr, the Mills Lawn School spelling bee champion, finished in third place in the Greene County Spelling Bee.
The Yellow Springs High School Drama Club held the 10th annual one-act plays at the Antioch College experimental theater.

Paul Hull, left, and Debbie Henderson were among the many local residents who participated in the annual King Day March through downtown in January.

Miscellanea
The Quadrantid meteors could be seen falling in the night sky overhead during the first week of the New Year.
The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration was held on Monday, Jan. 21. The event featured a march through downtown Yellow Springs, speeches, songs and a dance performance.
Ken Tregillus stepped down as the station manager of channel 13, the local cable access channel, after overseeing the station for 14 years.
Local resident Bill Houston returned home after serving six months in a federal prison in Kentucky for protesting against a controversial Army training program in Fort Benning, Ga.
The Yellow Springs Community Orchestra, the Adult String Orchestra and the Antioch School Strings presented a concert to commemorate violinist Mary Schu-macher’s contribution to the musical life of the village. Schumacher died in November 2001.
December 2001 births: Lillian Sayre Hudson.
January 2002 births: Vaughn Ellis Hendrickson and Justin Theodore Roberts.
December 2001 deaths: Phyllis Imogene Burba, Dorothy Haffey and Camilla E. Harris.
January 2002 deaths: David Epstein, Patricia Johnson, David F. Johnston, David P. Liska, Garrett Smith and John F. White.

February
Affordable housing plan fails
After several years of contentious debate, voters decisively turned down Yellow Springs Home, Inc.’s affordable housing plan by a 20 percent margin in a special election held Feb. 5.
With slightly more than half the local registered voters casting ballots, the plan was rejected 60 percent to 40 percent, or 942 votes against the plan and 629 votes for the plan.
Vernay, neighbors settle lawsuit
Vernay Laboratories and eight neighbors of its Dayton Street property settled a two-year-old federal lawsuit in which the neighbors claimed Vernay was responsible for soil and groundwater contamination by allegedly improperly handling hazardous wastes.
The company agreed to give the neighbors and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency oversight of the cleanup of its contaminated property. The neighbors also received a confidential amount of money as part of the settlement. In addition, Vernay agreed to pay the neighbors’ attorney $850,000 in attorney fees, as well as give the neighbors $455,000 to use in overseeing the cleanup. The company also paid a $25,000 penalty to the government for violating the Clean Water Act.
In September, Vernay and the U.S. EPA reached an agreement on the company’s plans to clean up the Dayton Street site. The EPA identified Vernay’s property as a “high priority” site.
The suit and pending cleanup would become a factor later in the year when Vernay announced it would close the local plants.
In addition, in March, three neighbors filed a notice of a citizen suit against Vernay, alleging the company improperly disposed of hazardous waste, which contaminated the neighbors’ property. The neighbors, Jonathan and Mary Reeves and Clara Stancliff, filed the notice to speed up the company’s cleanup efforts, their attorney, Altman, said.
Vernay president and CEO Tom Allen said the action was mute because the company planned to clean up the property soon. He also denied that the company contaminated the neighbors’ properties.
New chancellor at Antioch
Jim Craiglow, president of the Antioch New England Graduate School, was named the acting chancellor of Antioch University. He replaced James W. Hall, who stepped down this month. Later this year, the university Board of Trustees agreed to remove the acting tag from Craiglow’s title, making him the system’s official chancellor.

Virginia Hamilton

Virginia Hamilton dies
Noted children’s author Virginia Hamilton died of breast cancer at the age of 65. Hamilton, who grew up in Yellow Springs, wrote more than 35 books and won every major award in her field.
High school sports
The Yellow Springs High School boys swim team captured the Metro Buckeye Conference title.
Emily Riley, head coach of the girls varsity basketball squad, was named the Metro Buckeye Conference “Co-coach of the Year” after leading the Lady Bulldogs to an 8–6 league record.
Increase in pool fees proposed
Village Manager Rob Hillard introduced a proposal to increase admission fees to Gaunt Park Pool in an effort to generate more money for the municipal swimming pool, which does not support itself financially.
In March, Council considered an alternative proposal that would increase pool fees over two years, instead of one, to give families more time to adjust to the increase.
Business owner sues landlord
Dave Kohstall filed a civil lawsuit in Xenia Municipal Court claiming that his landlord, Roger Hart, who owns Kings Yard, had disrupted Kohstall’s businesses, Back Chat and Ecos.
In April, Xenia Municipal Court Judge Susan L. Goldie ordered Back Chat to move by the end of June.
Fire ranks swell with volunteers
For perhaps the first time ever, Miami Township Fire-Rescue developed a full list of volunteer personnel, forcing the department to place potential recruits on a waiting list.
School news
The school board approved a new policy that limited students’ right to privacy when using school-owned computers and placed restrictions on the use of school computers and e-mail.
Mills Lawn first- and second-grade students learned about puppetry during a month-long residency with Jo McLaughlin.
Mills Lawn students in third, fourth and fifth grades presented the “Ohio Wax Museum” at the school.
The arts this month
The Antioch School held a retrospective photography show of work by Irwin Inman.
The Yellow Springs Havurah sponsored an Israeli folk dance workshop.
Center Stage and the Miami Montage Theatrical Touring Company presented Veronica’s Room.
Miscellanea
The News won five awards at the 2002 Osman C. Hooper Newspaper Show, the main contest for Ohio weekly newspapers. The News won first place for “Advertising”; “Special Editions,” for the 2000-01 “Guide to Yellow Springs”; and “Local Features.” The paper’s editor, Robert Mihalek, won third place for editorial writing, and contributor Jimmy Chesire won an honorable mention prize for writing about the local youth tee-ball program.
Edward A. Rice Jr., a former resident and commander of the 28th Bomber Wing at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., was promoted to brigadier general.
The United Methodist Women’s Group held a Ham and Bean Soup Supper.
Friends Care Community held its annual progressive dinner fundraiser.
February births: Jillian Marie Foster, Zenya Swann Hoff-Miyazaki and Jason Francis Millman.
February deaths: William R. Bell, Denver Blair Sr., Erna Caupp, Charlotte Drake, Katie Freckman, Gladys Gantt, Terry L. Henry, Joan King, Dorothy Hiatt, John Marshall, John L. Nickoson, Claire Rhodes Saunders and Imogene Watson.

Jim Craiglow was named chancellor of Antioch University in March.

March
Student returns home after search
Another Yellow Springs High School student was reported missing, setting off a search through town involving hundreds of local residents, Miami Township Fire-Rescue and the Yellow Springs Police Department.
This time, the teen, Amy Erickson, a sophomore at YSHS, returned home after 36 hours.
WYSO cuts local programs
WYSO announced that it was cutting one-third of its locally produced programs, including the weeknight jazz programming. In place of those programs, the station added more adult album alternative music in an effort to increase listeners and financial support.
The plan was not well-received by some, many of whom organized Keep WYSO Local, a group that worked to get the canceled shows reinstated. Protesting the changes, the group held several rallies and organized an alternative pledge drive, which brought in more than $40,000 by November. The group said it would donate the funds to WYSO if the station brought back the canceled programs.
The controversy continued to simmer throughout the year as the station’s general manager, Steve Spencer, said he would not reinstate the programs.
Council approves 2002 budget
Council approved a balanced budget for 2002 that included $6.37 million in expenditures, a 6.5 percent decrease from last year, and $6.4 million in revenue. The balanced budget signaled that Council was focusing on increasing the Village’s reserves, in part to fund future projects and capital improvements.
Council amends wellhead plan
Council agreed by a split vote to remove a controversial section of the Village wellhead protection plan that Miami Township officials had disputed and called confrontational. The section recommended the Village consider using a state law to oversee activities in the wellhead protection area if the three neighboring townships in which the area is located do not adopt unspecified protective measures.
A new house in town
The Berry family moved into their new house, which was rehabbed by Starfish, a local group working to provide affordable housing in Yellow Springs.
Fire squad changes personnel
Miami Township Fire-Rescue hired eight part-time firefighters to replace one full-time firefighter who resigned earlier this year. The move was expected to save the fire department money and improve staff retention.
School news
YSHS students won the medium-sized-school category in the TEAMS (Test of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics and Science) regional and state competitions. The students later finished third in the nation in a national competition.
YSHS announced that the football team would join the Northwest Central Conference in 2003. The Bulldogs will continue to remain in the Metro Buckeye Conference in other sports.
The YSHS Drama Club presented The Wizard of Oz at the Antioch Theater.
Ten YSHS students participated in The Antioch Company’s new Student Mentoring Program to learn about the business world.
The arts this month
The Women’s Voice Out Loud performance event and art exhibit was held in the Bryan Community Center.
The Antioch Area Theater presented the play Bent.
The Miro String Quartet played in a concert sponsored by Chamber Music Yellow Springs.
The Original Senior Projects Festival, featuring four new works by Antioch College seniors, was held at the Antioch Theater.
Miscellanea
Around town, American toads and spring peepers could be heard singing, and carp started biting in the Little Miami River.
Frances Smith was honored for her 64 years of service with the Girl Scouts of America when she was inducted into the first Girl Scouts of Buckeye Trails Council Hall of Fame.
Caleb M. Casenhiser, a staff sergeant with the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group in Ft. Bragg, N.C., received the bronze star for valor and the combat medical badge after participating in a battle against Taliban forces in Afghanistan. Casenhiser received a purple heart earlier this year.
An employee at Vernay Laboratories was exposed to Legionella, the bacterium that causes Legionnaires’ disease. It was not known how the employee was exposed to the bacterium.
March births: Graham Michael Allen and Evan Prentice McCullough.
March deaths: Elmer Belle Brewer, Dixon Bush, John M. Grote, Susie Mae Harrington, Dave Jensen, Clara Mae Long, Cliff Massie, Paul Pettiford, Dorothy Simmerman, Leora Stagner, Rita Struewing Titus and Frank Williams.

April
Abandoned homes task force
Council agreed to form a task force to identify abandoned homes in Yellow Springs and to find resources to rehab those homes.
In August, the group presented Council with a report recommending the Village simplify its zoning laws for 50-foot lots and enforce code violations for housing in poor condition. The group also said it identified 29 possible vacant homes, but upon further review, discovered that only 10 were unoccupied.
Council responded to the report by asking Planning Commission to review the Village’s 50-foot lot ordinance and to develop a plan to survey area builders about Village zoning regulations that may restrict building in town.

As 88 Antioch College students ended their educational career in Yellow Springs during the college’s commencement exercises in April, Bobby Seale, the co-founder of the Black Panther Party urged the students to work for change.

Antioch commencement
Bobby Seale, co-founder of the Black Panther Party, gave the commencement address at Antioch College’s graduation ceremony. Eighty-eight students graduated during the ceremony.
Managing storm water
The Village presented a storm water management report to Council. To control flooding on the north end of town, it was recommended the Village investigate building a retention pond, create stricter laws to manage runoff and evaluate the effectiveness of existing ponds and creeks.
Students protest at Antioch
Antioch College students pitched tents on the horseshoe to protest what they saw as a lack of student involvement in decisions that were made that term at Antioch. Administrators said they would address the
students’ concerns.
Request to waive fees denied
Council denied a request from Roger Hart, who owns Kings Yard, to waive some of the fees the Village charged Ye Olde Trail Tavern for upgrading its water service during the restaurant’s expansion project. Council members said the property owner was responsible for the fees.
Rezoning Kings Yard
This month Hart also asked Planning Commission to create a new zoning classification, Commercial Planned Unit Development, which could then be applied to Kings Yard. This could help make the downtown property easier to sell, possibly to the current tenants, Hart said.
While plan board members said they would develop the district, they did not discuss the idea during the year.
An enhanced ‘Northern Gateway’
The Village Northern Gateway Committee continued with its efforts to provide more parking downtown by connecting the Cemetery Street parking lot to the bikepath with a pedestrian and bike spur. This connection could be made with the Glen’s covered bridge, which the group wants to move from Glen Helen to the Bryan Community Center.
The committee also discussed building a bikepath from Yellow Springs to John Bryan State Park.
The arts this month
The Antioch College theater and dance department presented the spring dance concert at the South Gym.
Tony Dallas directed the Antioch Area Theater’s presentation of “Box” and “The American Dream” at the theater.
Works by Antioch College seniors were exhibited in “Palindrome 2002” at the Herndon Gallery. Films made by graduating students were also shown at the Little Art Theatre.
Julie Kay Karlson showed her 15th annual exhibit of pastel drawings and paintings at the Winds.
Pop Wagner, the Natural Facts Blues Band and Paul’s Apartment performed in concert at the Antioch Theater.
School news
A group of YSHS students won an award at the 2002 Buckeye Ranch Film Festival.
Twelve magicians participated in the Men’s Group Festival of Magic to raise funds for the group’s James A. McKee Scholarship fund.
The boys baseball team started a seven-game win streak this month.
The Antioch School held its “Make a Joyful Noise” Musical Day this month.
The YSHS boys track team won the Shawnee track meet and finished second at the Cedarville Impson Invitational.
McKinney School eighth graders presented “Sacred Places,” a poetry and photography exhibit, at Sam & Eddie’s Open Books Gallery.
The Yellow Springs Arts Council sponsored a show of YSHS students’ art work at the Bryan Center.
Chuck Buster, Drew Stratton, Craig Tobey and Sean Lake were the winners of the McKinney School Chili Cook-Off.
Miscellanea
Vernay Laboratories attained certification to the ISO 14001 standard, a voluntary international environmental management system.
William O. Ross received a Jubilee of Liberty medal for his military service in the U.S. Army during World War II.
The Trillium Moon could be seen overhead for most of the month.
The First Baptist Church held its 43rd annual Calendar Tea at YSHS.
The Yellow Springs Christian Center youth group sponsored a series of outdoor concerts.
The Glen Helen Raptor Center released a rehabilitated red-tail hawk during an Earth Day program. The Glen Helen Ecology Institute conducted a frog call survey this month.
The Tecumseh Land Trust held its fourth annual “Save Another Farm” concert.
April births: Jarra Diakite, Kai Christopher Maruyama, twins Philip and Sophia Potamitis, and Brea Ellesse Robles.
April deaths: James “Tuffy” Bittner, Estel Boles, Donald Brannum, Ruth Ellen Carlisle, Mary Fletcher, Margaret Franklin, Evelyn Gertrude Gasho, Sue Ann Kirk, Jim Lauricella, James Leslie III, Clara McNutt, Cloda “Ray” Ramsey, Willard “Red” Reese, Robert R. Shoop and Paul Stewart.

May
School construction project begins
An ambitious construction project got underway at the local school campuses at the end of the month. Funded by a $4.5 million bond issue, the project will add 13,000 square feet to Mills Lawn and 14,000 square feet to YSHS and McKinney. The project is scheduled to be completed in August 2003.
MLS receives national arts grant
Mills Lawn received a $25,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to help fund a three-year school-wide project, “Looking In, Looking Out: Our Place in the World.” The school also received grants from the Yellow Springs Educational Endowment, the Ohio Arts Council and the school’s PTO.
The project will provide students with intensive art experiences that focus on the theme of diversity. The project centers on nine artists in residence, who worked at Mills Lawn during the 2002–03 school year.
Friends Care buys property
Buoyed by a significant donation from an anonymous donor, Friends Care Community purchased two neighboring properties over the last six months, increasing its property to 22 acres from 18. The restrictions placed on the donation require Friends Care to spend the funds to purchase property adjacent to its Herman Street location.
Bomb threat at Antioch
The Antioch University campus was evacuated after Antioch College received a threat claiming a bomb would explode in Main Building. Though the call was a hoax, local police, Miami Township Fire-Rescue and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Security Police responded.
This was the first of two threats the college would receive this year. In November, another bomb threat was received in Mills Hall.

As a sophomore, Dustin Rudegeair helped lead the YSHS baseball team to its first league title in more than four decades, as the Bulldogs captured the Metro Buckeye League title. Rudegeair was named the league’s Player of the Year.

High school sports
The YSHS boys baseball team broke a long dry spell by becoming the first Yellow Springs baseball team in more than four decades to win a league title, when the Bulldogs captured the Metro Buckeye Conference. The team was 11–0 in league play.
Five players won conference honors. Sophomore Dustin Rudegeair was named league player of the year.
YSHS freshman Evin Wimberly won the girls long jump in the Division III district track meet at Welcome Stadium in Dayton.
Grant Scott won the 3200-meter race and finished third in the 1600 race in the boys meet. The 3200-relay team of Scott, Dylan Borchers, Travis Dean and David Warren also won in the district meet. Borchers finished second in the 800.
The 3200-meter team finished fourth in the sectional meet to earn a spot in the state finals. Scott also qualified for states in the 3200.
Community visioning process
The Village Mediation Program recommended Council organize a community visioning process called “appreciative inquiry.” In June, Council agreed to work with the Ohio State University Extension office on the process.
In August, Council agreed to lead the process to help move it forward and keep it objective. Council also agreed to include members of the school board and Township Board of Trustees in the process.
Trustees create ‘stabilization fund’
The Miami Township trustees agreed to create a “budget stabilization fund,” which could be used for emergencies and other needs.
Tree protection considered
The ad hoc Tree Preservation Ordinance Subcommittee recommended the Village establish a tree review board to review plans to remove large trees on public property, commercial areas and downtown. Council asked Planning Commission to review the proposal.
Street Fair expands
The Chamber of Commerce agreed to expand the June Street Fair to include booths on downtown Corry Street, which Chamber members said they hoped the move would give more exposure to businesses on Dayton Street.
Leading Yellow Springs
The Yellow Springs Leadership Institute announced plans to hold annual seminars to teach local residents about leadership issues, budgetary practices and consensus building. The Institute’s first program started in September with 10 participants.
Drainage problems in township
Residents of Carol and Lamont drives asked the Miami Township trustees to address a drainage problem in their neighborhood. Drainage problems have led to standing water forming in drainage ditches and on residential properties.
In July, the trustees agreed to apply for state funds to correct the problem. The request, however, was denied. Trustees said they would pursue funding from Greene County.
School news
Yellow Springs High School honored a host of students during its annual awards ceremony this month.
The Antioch School Older Group presented The Lion King.
McKinney students Tina Chen and Erin Silvert-Noftle advanced to the state finals in the Power of the Pen competition.
YSHS Spanish students held the fourth annual “Poetry in Motion” event.
The Little Art Theatre hosted the 2002 YSHS/McKinney School Video Premiere.
The Bryan Center Gallery hosted an exhibit of artwork and photographs by YSHS students.
YSHS was the site of a mock accident, which was sponsored by local law enforcement and fire agencies, a few days before the school’s prom.
The Yellow Springs Endowment for Education announced that it awarded nine grants, totaling almost $15,300.
The arts this month
The Jung Trio finished first and the Cincinnati Piano Quintet second in the Chamber Music Yellow Springs competition finals.
Local punk bands 5 foot setback and the Daveyhaters hosted a concert at the Antioch Theater.
The Community Chorus presented Bach’s “St. John Passion” in Kelly Hall.
Miscellanea
Democrats and Republicans went to the polls during the May 7 primary. The Greene County Board of Elections reported that voter turnout was low.
Members of the Bryan High School Class of 1942 celebrated their 60th reunion.
The Relay for Life was held at the YSHS track to raise money for the American Cancer Society.
Despite the spring’s rain and cold temperatures, strawberries began to ripen in local gardens.
About 90 people participated in the We Live Here Parade.
Eighty boys and girls came out for opening day of the local Minor League baseball season at Gaunt Park.
The Yellow Springs Christian Association observed the annual National Day of Prayer with a service at the Bethel Lutheran Church.
The annual Bicycle Rodeo was held at Mills Lawn.
May births: Zion Emmanuel Baxter and Sebastian Nikolai Walker-Trimbach.
May deaths: Junell Peters Corbett, Molly Mitchell Darcey, Kathryn Fisher, Stephan Jay Gould, Cheryl C. Harris-Starks, John Chester Holland, Elden Lowry, Wally Nelson, Ruth Porter and Maria Rossiwall.

June
Vernay to close local plants
Vernay Laboratories announced plans to close its two plants on Dayton Street, eliminating 185 local jobs and hundreds of thousands of dollars in annual tax and utility revenue. The decision came after management officials investigated the company’s North American operations, which, officials said, have not performed well financially in recent years.
In July, the company’s Board of Trustees officially approved the closure plan.
Company officials said the local operations would be transferred to Vernay’s other facilities in the south, allowing it to produce its products closer to its customers. In addition, officials said Vernay has excess manufacturing capacity in North America. The company also determined it would be easier to clean up its Dayton Street facility, where contaminated groundwater and soil have been found, if the plants were empty.
Vernay’s headquarters and research and development operations will remain in Yellow Springs.
School and Village officials said the closing would significantly affect the community.
Vernay employees said they were shocked when told the news and criticized management officials for not communicating with workers about the upcoming closure.
Neighbor sues Vernay
Suzanne Patterson, whose seven-and-a-half-acre property adjoins Vernay’s Dayton Street facility, filed a federal lawsuit against the company, claiming that solid and hazardous wastes originating from Vernay contaminated her property. The suit claimed Vernay violated federal and state environmental laws.
Vernay President and CEO Tom Allen said the suit was redundant since the company earlier this year settled a different lawsuit, which gave the plaintiffs in that case oversight of the company’s cleanup.

Jahkeem Johnson-Whyte celebrated with a complicated gymnastics maneuver after receiving his diploma during the YSHS Class of 2002 graduation. Sixty students graduated with the class last June.

YSHS graduates celebrate
Members of the YSHS Class of 2002 celebrated the end of their high school education in the village during a graduation ceremony in the school gym. Jane Allen was named the valedictorian and Grant Scott the salutatorian of the Class of 2002.
Board, teachers approve contract
The Board of Education and the teachers union agreed on a two-year contract that included a 4.5 percent raise this year and a 4 percent raise next year.
Schools perfect on state tests
For the first time, the Yellow Springs schools met the standards for all five subjects on the state proficiency tests.
Council forms finance committee
Following through on one of its 2002 goals, Council agreed to form a blue ribbon finance committee to work with Village Manager Rob Hillard to review the Village’s revenue and expenditures.
In August, Council appointed 10 people with financial backgrounds to serve on the committee, which started meeting in the fall.
Cost of living study organized
The Men’s Group announced plans to sponsor a study of the cost of living in Yellow Springs. The group released the study in the fall.
School news
YSHS students released the 2001–02 edition of Spectrum, the school’s literary magazine.
The Antioch School sponsored its annual Summer’s Bloom and Bounty Garden and Home Tour.
The arts this month
YS Kids Playhouse presented an original musical, Gaston Boudreaux — the Cajun Robin Hood, at the Antioch Amphitheater.
The Community Band opened its eighth season with a concert in Kings Yard.
Chamber Music Yellow Springs awarded its Volunteer Recognition Award to Ruth and Tony Bent.
Local businesses held the biannual Art Stroll.
Filmmaker Joanne Caputo screened a documentary, On a Roll.
Miscellanea
News editor Robert Mihalek was named a Golden Dozen Award winner for editorial writing by the International Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors. Mihalek won the award for an editorial he wrote in 2001 supporting a plan to build affordable housing on the Glass Farm.
Local resident Eric Clark purchased the Springs Motel.
Antiochiana added three significant acquisitions to its collections.
The Village announced that it would work with a collection agency to collect unpaid utility bills.
Women’s Park organizers began selling more of the blue handmade tiles that line the park and honor women.
The Methodist Church held its annual chicken barbecue.
The Presbyterian Church held its annual Strawberry Festival.
The Historical Society’s spring program featured a panel discussion about the segregation of African-American soldiers during World War II and the Korean War.
The Christian Association held “Veggie Town” Vacation Bible School at YSHS.
Local residents organized a Waldorf education workshop.
Young’s Jersey Dairy held its charity fundraiser Udder Chaos.
June births: Nathaniel Albright and Sophia Ruth Ridgeway.
June deaths: Carrie Baldwin, Samuel Baskin, Victor Cordell Sr., Sean Wolf Hill, Dennis Jacobs, Enid Keen, James E. Lewis, Herman “Red” Lunsford, Sharon Marques, Bob McCown, Elizabeth Perry, Ralph W. Toland and Susi Von Gierke.

July

In July, Glen Helen’s Red Barn was destroyed by a fire. Authorities were unable to determine whether the fire was intentionally set.

Glen Helen Red Barn destroyed
Glen Helen’s revered Red Barn was destroyed in a fire early this month. Built in 1950, the barn quickly burned to the ground, despite a quick response from Miami Township Fire-Rescue and other neighboring fire departments.
Fire-Rescue personnel and Greene County investigators said a person either intentionally or accidentally set the fire. The destruction was so severe, however, the fire left no evidence for investigators to pursue.
Reacting in part to the fire, Bob Whyte, executive director of the Glen Helen Ecology Institute, later in the month called on the community to create a vision for the Glen.
WYSO Resource Board criticized
Char Miller, vice president of the WYSO Resource Board, criticized the board for being a passive body that was not following its oversight role of the public radio station. Miller also said she was concerned about the financial status of WYSO.
The board’s president, Randy Daniel, said the Resource Board was more of an advisory commission than a decision-making body.
After Miller went public with her concerns, the Resource Board demoted Miller as its vice president. Daniel said Miller had served out her term, while board minutes showed Miller was named vice president in January 2002.
In August, Glenn Watts, the university vice chancellor and a Resource Board member, said WYSO had a deficit of approximately $100,000 for the 2001–02 fiscal year, which ended in June.
An article in the News examined how the recent changes General Manager Steve Spencer made at WYSO were similar to ones he made at his former radio station in Columbia, Mo., which deepened that station’s financial problems, and, according to sources, almost forced the station to close.
In October, the station’s news director, Aileen LeBlanc, resigned, citing problems she was having with WYSO management.
As members of Keep WYSO Local criticized station management, Antioch University Chancellor Jim Craiglow issued a statement of support for WYSO managers.
In November, seven members of the Resource Board issued a statement criticizing Keep WYSO Local for engaging in “reprehensible behavior,” including launching personal attacks on station managers and board members, and called on university administrators to stop working with the group. Keep WYSO Local denied its members were involved in that kind of activity, and said the group wanted to continue to work with WYSO.
Zoning for a commerce park
Village Manager Rob Hillard presented Planning Commission with a new proposal for a commerce park zoning district that he said had more objective environmental criteria than previous proposals. The proposal would require developers or occupants of the district to meet certain environmental standards.
In August, plan board rejected an effort by board member Cy Tebbetts to make the environmental criteria voluntary. Tebbetts said this change could make Yellow Springs appear more business friendly. Other members said his proposal would weaken the district.
The discussion would serve as an ominous sign, when, the next month, Planning Commission agreed to put on hold its efforts to create the new district. Board members said they could not agree on a basic framework for the district, especially a framework that incorporated environmental criteria.

Raptor Center Director Betty Ross displayed a diseased Great Horned Owl. The center was inundated with birds suspected of having the disease last summer.

Schools sell Morgan Building
The Yellow Springs school board agreed to sell the Morgan Building to Greene County Educational Services for $300,000, netting the district a $180,000 profit.
Business survey released
A survey of local businesses by Community Resources found that few of the firms interviewed would consider this area to expand their businesses, and that nearly every respondent said there is “no room for growth” here.
Participants also said the responsiveness of local governments, their services and community acceptance of business, are the primary factors that could affect decisions to expand, relocate or close up shop. Many respondents also said they supported the construction of a local commerce park.
New Methodist Church minister
The Rev. Charles Hill was appointed the new minister of the local United Methodist Church.
School news
The school board approved plans to construct new home bleachers at the YSHS athletic field. The bleachers cost more than $51,600. In August, the board agreed to spend $24,800 to construct new visitor bleachers.
The arts this month
Helen E. Richardson directed As You Like It, the summer production of Shakespeare Under the Stars.
YS Kids Playhouse presented Endurance, its second show of the summer, at the Antioch Experimental Theater.
Sena Jeter Naslund gave the keynote address during the 17th annual Antioch Writers’ Workshop.
AACW held a Mardi Gras fundraiser to help pay for the group’s Blues Festival in September.

The summer sports season featured strong performances by Tenia Scarver and other members of the Sea Dogs, the local summer swim team.

Miscellanea
The Lions Club sponsored the annual 4th of July fireworks display at Gaunt Park.
The club also sponsored a visit by the Carson & Barnes 5-Ring Circus, sparking protests from some who claimed the circus is cruel to animals. Later in the year, the Lions donated $500 of their proceeds to the Community Children’s Center.
Antioch College alumni descended on Yellow Springs during the Antioch Alumni Reunion 2002. During the weekend event, the college president, Joan Straumanis, gave her State of the College address and said the college’s foundation was strong.
Central Chapel A.M.E. Church hosted the 56th annual convention of the African Methodist Episcopal Church Third District Lay Organization.
The Inspirational Singers sponsored a “Taste of Central Chapel A.M.E. Church.”
The Yellow Springs Sea Dogs finished in eighth place in their league championship at Wittenberg University.
As Yellow Springs entered late middle summer, blackberries started to redden, the crickets began to sing and geese started to fly overhead.
More than 200 athletes participated in the Yellow Springs Open Track and Field meet at YSHS.
Members of the Husky Hustlers 4-H Club and other local residents participated in the Greene County Fair.
Tina Peters finished second in the 13–14 girls 3000-meter racewalk at the National Track and Field Championship in Omaha, Neb.
Antioch University McGregor held its 2002 commencement ceremony at the Victoria Theater in Dayton.
July births: Alexander David Dillon.
July deaths: A. Olive Baehl, William Jasper Jr., R.H. “Red” Lewis, Ruth Taylor Miller, Cora Spangler and Cheryl Welch.

Sara and Buddy Adkins and other members of the Husky Hustlers 4-H Club participated in the Greene County Fair in July and August.

August
West Nile infects Glen’s raptors
As the West Nile virus spread through Ohio, the Glen Helen Raptor Center was inundated with birds suspected of having the disease. Of the 52 ailing birds the center took in, 27 died and 14 were euthanized. In addition, two of the center’s educational raptors died of symptoms that resemble those of West Nile.
Betty Ross, director of the center, said she has “never seen anything like this before.”
Fines for false alarms
Fire Chief Colin Altman proposed Miami Township start fining establishments for excessive false alarms. In August, Township trustees agreed to adopt a policy fining offenders $300 for having two false alarms within 30 days.
During the fall term, the Township fined Antioch College more than $2,000 for false alarm infractions.
School staff gets new contract
The school board and the local union that represents support staff agreed on a two-year contract, which included a 4.5 percent raise this year and a 4 percent raise next year.
Lumber store moves
The local lumber store, Stock Building Supply, formerly known as Erb Lumber, closed its doors after 60 years in town and moved to Springfield.
YSHS fields small football team
YSHS decided not to cancel the 2002 football season, even though the team only had 15 players. Because of the small team, the school canceled two games. Later in the year, several YSHS soccer players joined the football team, which finished the season 0–8.
In addition, for the first time in about 10 years, the YSHS football team had a cheerleading squad.
A winning photo
Mary Beth Burkholder, a teaching assistant at Friends Preschool, won the grand prize in Generation United’s 2002 Intergenerational Photography Contest.

School news
YSHS formed the Best Practice Committee to research educational techniques to improve classroom activities at the high school.
Concern from YSHS and McKinney School parents prompted the school board to approve new guidelines for student involvement in school theater productions.
The YSHS and McKinney cross country teams sponsored the Village Fun Run.
The arts this month
Center Stage presented Androcles and the Lion.
Sam & Eddie’s Open Books displayed prints by Sherraid Scott.
Antioch hosted a display of photographs by Dennie Eagleson.
The Yellow Springs Book Fair was held at Mills Lawn.
Miscellanea
Artist Scott Hagan painted the side of Young’s Golden Jersey Inn to commemorate Ohio’s bicentennial next year.
Friends Care Community held an open house at its Independent Living Units.
Antioch College held the 2002 Peace Institute.
Local residents organized another Gabby Day to honor the late Gabby Mason, with a picnic at Ellis Park.
The Yankees won the Yellow Springs Major League baseball championship.
The Village Artisans Cooperative sponsored the 20th annual Art on the Lawn at Mills Lawn.
The Perry League concluded its summer tee-ball season with trophy night at Gaunt Park.
Antique Power hosted its first national Antique Tractor Show at Young’s Jersey Dairy.
August births: Lauren Nicole Nipper.
August deaths: Ambrose B. Nutt, Bessie Randall, Mary Lou Rose-Thornton, Loraine Vista Shepard and Thelma J. Tillman.

September
Economic development pact
Council and the Miami Township trustees unanimously agreed to enter into a cooperative economic development agreement, or CEDA, under which both governments would work together to promote business growth here.
Proposed by trustee Chris Mucher, the agreement targeted for development farmland owned by Vernay Laboratories on Dayton-Yellow Springs Road, and part of the Pitstick farm on East Enon Road. The properties would be annexed into Yellow Springs and both the Township and Village would provide services to the land and receive tax revenue from businesses in the annexed properties.
Officials said the agreement showed a spirit of cooperation between the Township and the Village.
Earlier in the summer, the Township Zoning Commission cautioned the trustees about entering into the agreement without an appropriate review.
Harassment case settled
Former police officer Kimberly D. Monhollen and the Village agreed to settle a lawsuit in which Monhollen claimed she suffered sexual harassment while she was a member of the police force. Under the terms of the agreement, Monhollen received $22,000.
Though it agreed to settle the case, the Village denied Monhollen’s claims.
Downtown shops doing well
Although the decline in the stock market, a sagging national economy and fear of terrorism have affected many U.S. businesses, downtown business owners said in an unofficial survey that they were doing surprisingly well this year. They also said more out-of-town visitors seemed to be shopping in Yellow Springs than ever.

Miami Township firefighters Chris Triplett and Sarah Zimmerman-Crockett participated in a ceremony to remember 9/11 in September.

Remembering 9/11
Local residents remembered the anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in a variety of ways. A Sept. 11 remembrance was held at the YSHS athletic field. A benefit brunch was organized to honor Miami Township Fire-Rescue personnel. The United Methodist Church opened its sanctuary. Students at Mills Lawn and the McKinney School held ceremonies as well.
Friends Care healthy
The administrator of Friends Care Community, Jeff Singleton, reported that the organization is “in the best financial shape we’ve ever been in.”
New dean at Antioch
Patricia Whitlow joined Antioch College as the new dean of students.
Antioch promotes service
Antioch College started promoting more aggressively its community service programs in an effort to get students more involved in off-campus activities.
Kettering man disappears
Anthony Moorman, a Kettering resident, was reported missing after he failed to show for work. His car was found in John Bryan State Park. Local authoritiessearched the park but were unable to locate him.
School news
McKinney School seventh-grade students spent time digging and sifting through the dirt at SunWatch Indian Village Archaeological Park in Dayton during a series of field trips.
YSHS seniors Nikki Perry and Matt Wallace were named queen and king of the school’s homecoming court.

D.J. Digal of Seattle tapping his hand to the rhythmic sounds of Kiko Rio during AACW’s annual Blues Fest in September. The festival, which attracted thousands to the Antioch Amphitheater, featured musical acts from around the country.

The arts this month
Michael Hill’s Blues Mob, Guy Davis and the Nerak Roth Patterson Band were among the musicians who performed at the AACW Blues Fest. Mayor David Foubert declared Sept. 7 Faith Patterson Day in honor of the group’s president.
Red Priest opened the Chamber Music Yellow Springs concert season.
The Herndon Gallery hosted an exhibit of works by six Antioch professors.
The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship displayed an exhibit of pastels by Nina Tolley.
Miscellanea
September marked the final season for flowers, as purple New England asters entered the early stages of inflorescence and mums started to bloom a couple of weeks before the first frosts took their toll.
The Yellow Springs Havurah held a series of events to celebrate Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
WYSO’s Vick Mickunas hosted his one-thousandth interview on the “Book Nook.”
A program was held at the Train Station to dedicate a new flagpole at Hilda Rahn Park and recognize the major contributors to the Train Station project.
Mildred “Mitzi” Manny was elected to the Greene County Women’s Hall of Fame.
Cub Scout Pack 578 held a Space Derby at the First Presbyterian Church.
The Perseid meteor shower could be seen after midnight this month.
Tibetan Lama Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche taught at the Pema Tsal Meditation Center.
Hank Lapp and Bob Houston defeated Mei Chiang and Bob Scott to win the annual Chamber Music Yellow Springs Mixed Doubles Tennis Classic.
The First Baptist Church held a Senior Citizens Lunch.
September deaths: Katherine Benning, Martha Dell Cadow, Eleanore Edwards, Robert J. Grote, Ralph O’lee Halterman, Ginnie Hofmann, David W. Hull, Diana Lemming-Willis, John Malone, Dessie Newsome, Elinor Preis, Eileen Roche, Grace Tribur and Marianna Williamson.

October
First round of layoffs at Vernay
Vernay Laboratories laid off 25 employees as the company prepared to close its Dayton Street plants. In addition, since June, when the company announced it would close the plants, 25 other employees have left the company, many taking early retirement.
In December, Vernay laid off a second group of employees.
The company also reported that its schedule to close the local plants had changed and its larger facility would remain open until next September, to ensure the company can meet the needs of its customers. The smaller plant will remain open for the foreseeable future.
Antioch Co. growing, but not here
Antioch Company CEO Lee Morgan reported that the company’s sales are up and that the company continues to grow. He also said, however, that growth would not occur in Yellow Springs.
YSHS students earn honors
Students Keira Philipp-Schnurer and Matt Zaremsky were named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists. Ashlee Cooper was named a National Achievement Scholarship semifinalist. Robert Brenden Willis and Eli Visbal were recognized as Commended Scholars in the National Merit Scholarship Program.

As thousands of people, including local residents and YSHS students, prepared to march at a peace rally in Washington, D.C., in October, Aurianna Tuttle, left, Aurelia Blake and Matt Wallace met with the Rev. Jesse Jackson.

Protesting possible Iraq war
As the Bush administration pushed for military action against Iraq, several hundred local residents participated in a peace rally in downtown Yellow Springs.
At the end of the month, YSHS seniors Ashlee Cooper and Matt Wallace organized a trip to Washington, D.C., to join in an antiwar demonstration. The trip included 94 students and residents.
‘Unpredictable sales’ at grocery
The owners of the Organic Grocery, Maria Thornton-Bunkley and Ras Shaggai, reported they were struggling to stock their store’s shelves and sales were “unpredictable.” Facing stiffer competition, they said they would consider offers to purchase the downtown business.
High school sports
The YSHS boys varsity soccer team won the Metro Buckeye Conference title, finishing 5–0 in conference action.
The team, which finished its regular season with an unbeaten record, advanced to the Division III District 2 finals, where it lost to the defending state champs, Springfield Catholic. Coach Jim Hardman was named the Division III North Coach of the Year and the Division III District Coach of the Year.
The high school girls volleyball team finished second in the MBC and completed the year with a 15–7 record, its best

YSHS defender Brandon Frye battling an Urbana player during a match in August. The Bulldogs won the Metro Buckeye Conference title and advanced to the Division III District 2 finals, where the team lost to Springfield Catholic.

showing in many years. Coach Shirley Martin was named conference Coach of the Year.
Golfer Rory Hotaling led the MBC in scoring this season, averaging 37.4 strokes a match during the regular season. Hotaling placed 7th out of 110 golfers in the Middletown sectional tournament.
Service-raising effort at Antioch
Antioch College President Joan Straumanis announced the formation of the “Committee of 150,” which would allow people to offer services to the college if they could not afford to make monetary donations.
A plan for the ‘golf course’
The Antioch College Golf Course Task Force released a proposed plan recommending a multiuse strategy for the 25-acre property. The proposal suggested the golf course include room for reforested areas, community gardens, an agriculture area and recreation fields.
Web site promotes business
The Village unveiled a new economic development Web page, www.yso.com/econ.asp.
Council approves sewer hook up
Council approved a request from Joe Nickoson to provide Village sewer service to his property on King Street, in Miami Township. Citing a concern for public safety, Council waived a policy prohibiting the extension of utilities outside Yellow Springs.
Sewer rates corrected
Village Council approved a new sewer rate structure to correct an error that was made last year, when the Village did not fully implement a similar structure.
New Presbyterian pastor
The Rev. Angela Schenck joined the First Presbyterian Church as its new pastor.
Pollution in Massie Creek
The Green Environmental Coalition worked with Cedarville-area residents after pollution was discovered in Massie Creek, which empties into the Little Miami River. Cedarville’s overburdened wastewater treatment plant was to blame, state and county officials said.
School news
Marilyn Klaben and Bi-Okoto, a dance troupe from Cincinnati, participated in residencies at Mills Lawn as part of the school’s diversity project “Looking In, Looking Out: Our Place in the World.”
Members of the YSHS Quick Recall team competed on the TV game show “High Q” this fall.
Mills Lawn sixth-grade students wrapped up a month-long project on Egypt with “A Night in Egypt.”
The high school hosted Colombian educator Martin Felton in an international exchange of ideas and practices.
The arts this month
Chamber Music Yellow Springs celebrated its 20th season this month with a reception prior to a concert by the Artis String Quartet.
Local filmmaker Patti Dallas previewed her video “A Portrait of Yellow Springs Through the Eyes of Our Elders.”
The Antioch Theater hosted “Hindsight, Works by Antioch Faculty” and a workshop by the San Francisco Mime Troupe.
The First Presbyterian Church hosted a gala organ concert featuring John Neely to celebrate the renovation of the church’s organ.
The Winds Cafe displayed an exhibit of masks by Lisa Goldberg.

Controversy surrounded WYSO for much of the year, sparking a demonstration in October. Ira Beryl Brukner participated in the protest.

Miscellanea
The Yellow Springs Police Department sponsored the annual community bonfires around town on Halloween.
The Senior Center hosted its annual Lasagna Dinner.
The Christian Center held its annual Fall Festival.
October births: Elizabeth Van Ausdal.
October deaths: Bill Baker, Joyce Ann Canterbury, Sue Good, Dorothy Hilbert, John Lang Jr., Estella Walker and Martha Ream Yoder Morris.

November
The 2002 election
Voters went to the polls in the 2002 general election, as Governor Bob Taft easily won a second term in the governor’s mansion, and Marilyn J. Reid won a seat on the Greene County Commission.
Voters statewide rejected Issue 1, which proposed giving certain drug offenders treatment instead of incarceration, though locally the ballot issue was heavily favored.
The election featured three local candidates: Natural Law Party candidate John Eastman ran for governor; and Democrat Kara Anastasio and Frank Doden, a Green Party candidate, ran for the House of Representatives, 7th District. Dave Hobson easily defeated Anastasio and Doden, earning his seventh term in office.
Chris Widener won the Ohio House race for the 84th District.
In a mock election, McKinney School students supported Democratic candidate Tim Hagan over Taft.
Antioch Co. expands in Fairborn
The Antioch Company, needing additional space, said it would move 20 to 25 employees to a warehouse facility in Fairborn. The move is scheduled to take place next February.
‘Cost of Living Report’ released
The Men’s Group released the “Yellow Springs Cost of Living Report,” which compared expenses and services in town to six neighboring communities. It also studied the changes in the village’s demographics over the last 30 years.
Dayton to stop tax collection
Village staff members started discussing how to collect income tax revenue after the City of Dayton announced it would stop providing the service next February.
In December, Council agreed to contract with the Regional Income Tax Agency to collect the Village income tax.
Village eases zoning restrictions
Planning Commission approved a measure recommending the Village ease the restrictions on nonconforming lots of record. Plan board said the move should make it easier for property owners to build housing on small, substandard lots in town.
In December, Council agreed to amend the Village Zoning Code to reflect the board’s recommendation.
Peach’s Grill expands
The Village Drive Thru was closed to make way for an expansion project at Peach’s Grill. The project would give the restaurant 3,000 additional square feet and a dance space and stage.
Margarita Music closed
The Ohio Department of Taxation closed Margarita Music because, the state claimed, the store’s owner, Mike Chlanda, had not paid over $17,000 in sales tax dating back to 1995. Chlanda, however, disputed the claim, saying the state incorrectly assessed the store’s sales during that period.
New signs and maps at Antioch
New signs and maps were erected around the Antioch College campus in an effort to make it easier to get around the campus.
Council revises records board
Council agreed to re-establish a Records Commission to oversee the handling of public records, including their retention and disposal.
Tree preservation efforts
Planning Commission recommended the Village participate in the Tree City USA program to promote tree preservation and stewardship in town.
In addition, GreenCil, an Antioch environmental board, released a proposal to protect and vitalize historic trees on campus.
Glen Helen erects fence
The Glen Helen Ecology Institute erected a metal fence in the North Glen along the bikepath to deter potential vandals and abuse in that area of the nature preserve.
Web site for Miami Township
Miami Township launched a Web site, www.miamitownship.net.

Bao Ku Moses, a member of Bi-Okoto, dancing with Mills Lawn students in November during the group’s residency. Bi-Okoto is spending the year at Mills Lawn as part of the school’s ‘Looking In, Looking Out’ diversity arts project.

School news
The school board agreed to form a foreign language committee to review the high school’s foreign language curriculum.
The Antioch School held its annual Silent Auction and Harvest Soup Supper.
YSHS thespians presented the comedy Inspecting Carol at the Antioch Theater.
African musicologist Geof Morgan taught YSHS students to make drums from gourds during a workshop.
The arts this month
Louise Smith directed the Antioch Area Theater’s production of Ping Chong’s Truth and Beauty.
The Winds Cafe hosted an exhibit of paintings by Lee Funderburg.
Antioch College held a live art and music auction. The college also held a West African drum and dance performance and workshop.
Miscellanea
The Friends Health Care Association Board of Trustees and Jeff Singleton, Friends Care Community administrator, received a community service leadership award from the Ohio Educational Service Center Association.
The Yellow Springs Havurah held its annual Hanukkah party.
The Chamber of Commerce and downtown businesses sponsored the annual Holiday Open House downtown.
Community Service, Inc. hosted a workshop, “Reviving the Small Community.” November deaths: Eloise Butler, Jean Marie Janis, John McConville, Robert Morgan, Gertrude Nickell, James Sanford Smith and Wallace Townsend.

December
New CEO takes over at YSI
YSI president Richard Omlor took over as the company’s CEO after Malte vonMatthiessen announced that he was stepping down early as YSI’s chief executive.
Salmonella cases linked to Young’s
The Clark County health department investigated Young’s Jersey Dairy after six customers and eight employees were reported to have salmonella-caused food poisoning.
Holes appear on ‘golf course’
Several deep holes were discovered on the Antioch “golf course.” Antioch professor Peter Townsend said the holes were caused by the collapse of caves below the land.
Eye 1 moves
Citing a need to grow, Eye 1 moved its local store to Oakwood.
Carwash opens
Chris and Doug Roberts opened a car and pet wash on the south edge of town.
Village ponders natural gas options
Council considered whether the Village should become a natural gas supplier for local residents as the natural gas industry in the area started to deregulate.
Croatian mayors visit town
Four mayors from Croatia visited Yellow Springs as part of a program to increase international understanding. The mayors toured Village facilities, met with staff members and attended part of a Council meeting during their visit.
Share the Joy project
The annual Share the Joy project was held to help provide gifts and clothing to children during the holidays.
School news
Mills Lawn teacher Don Nowak was named a finalist for the 2003 Ohio Technology Teacher of the Year award.
Mills Lawn students performed Kind Ness at the Antioch Theater.
McKinney School students presented “A Night of Make-Believe: On and Around Olympus.”
YSHS and the McKinney School held the annual Senior Citizens’ Day.
The annual School Forest Festival was held in the South Glen.
The YSHS United Society held a week-long cultural celebration.
Mills Lawn After School Care sponsored a Winter Holiday Multicultural Children’s Craft Fair.
The arts this month
“Gravel,” a short film by filmmaker Steven Bognar, was accepted by the Sundance Film Festival.
Sam & Eddie’s Open Books hosted an exhibit of paintings by Jennifer Bristol.
Both the Community Chorus and the Community Band performed holiday concerts. The annual Christmas carol sing was held in the Glen Helen Building.
Antioch College held a fall dance concert. The college also released another issue of Livermore Street, a student-run literary magazine.
Miscellanea
The Village Public Works crew delivered flour and sugar to local widows during the annual distribution honoring Wheeling Gaunt.
The Yellow Springs Havurah held a fast for peace on the 10th of Tevet.
The Paperwhite Moon could be seen overhead throughout the month.
Andy Peters earned All-American honors at a Junior Olympic cross country meet in Georgia.
Bob Parker presented a lecture on how the Glen has changed over the years.
Author and journalist Neenah Ellis gave a presentation at the Senior Center on centenarians.
December births: Joseph Isaac Minde Berman.
December deaths: Edith Brewster, Edith Hampton, Marjorie Kinney, Gerda Wilk Oldham, Elva Schaub, Susan Sieminski, Lila Horton Templin and Charles R. Watts.

—Compiled by Robert Mihalek