http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/northvalleynotebook/ Stories, facts and every day whimsy from the North Valley’s schools, cities, villages and people gathered by reporter and columnist Doug Page en-us dpage@coxohio.com 2009-07-03T18:15:35-05:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/northvalleynotebook/entries/2009/07/03/oh_say_can_you_see.html … something stupid here? In Ohio, it is legal to purchase fireworks. For you sticklers on details, 1.4G fireworks with less than 0.5mg of patriotic pop. In Ohio, it is illegal to set off said fireworks that you legally purchased.... … something stupid here? In Ohio, it is legal to purchase fireworks. For you sticklers on details, 1.4G fireworks with less than 0.5mg of patriotic pop. In Ohio, it is illegal to set off said fireworks that you legally purchased. In Ohio, it is legal to ride a motorcycle without wearing a helmet. In Ohio, it is illegal to drive a car without wearing a seatbelt. I can understand the later pair of laws. There is a shortage of organs in the state. What do you call a motorcyclist not wearing a helmet? Organ donor. The first pair of laws, however, defies rational explanation. But consider the source: the state Legislature. And these are the folks who shall reform the state’s funding of public education? Happy July 4th. 13681403@http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/northvalleynotebook/ Random musings 2009-07-03T18:15:35-05:00 dpage@coxohio.com http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/northvalleynotebook/entries/2009/07/01/something_fishy_here_and_somet.html Englewood police showed up at the Meijers store just after 8 p.m. on a reported theft by an employee. Loss prevention officers said they observed an employee switching a price tag on some fish and attempting to check out. Store... Englewood police showed up at the Meijers store just after 8 p.m. on a reported theft by an employee. Loss prevention officers said they observed an employee switching a price tag on some fish and attempting to check out. Store employees stopped the woman before she checked out. The package of fish was labeled as just over half-a-pound of catfish at a buck-79 a pound. When they unwrapped the package, they found over two-and-a-half pounds of walleye, selling for $7.99 a pound. She declined to make a statement, but said she would answer questions from police. She admitted to changing the price on the package and said she had but $10 in her wallet. She denied she had a drug problem. Then the police officer asked her if times were tough. She replied “yes” and that “she was trying to take care of her daughter and grandchild,” according to the report. The police report said it was the woman’s last day at Meijers before taking retirement. 13638503@http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/northvalleynotebook/ Cop reports we love 2009-07-01T10:13:12-05:00 dpage@coxohio.com http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/northvalleynotebook/entries/2009/06/30/thou_shalt_not_mess_with_libra.html If there is a lesson to be learn in all of this, it’s thou shalt not mess with librarians. Those soft-spoken men and women take to heart the advice of Teddy Roosevelt. They aren’t afraid of swinging that big stick... If there is a lesson to be learn in all of this, it’s thou shalt not mess with librarians. Those soft-spoken men and women take to heart the advice of Teddy Roosevelt. They aren’t afraid of swinging that big stick they carry. Day in and day out they quietly cater to their communities from the very youngest in strollers to the very oldest in walkers. They treat all with respect, just as long as you obey the rules. Perhaps Gov. Strickland forgot about the power of librarians when he proposed slashing their budgets. 13627003@http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/northvalleynotebook/ Random musings 2009-06-30T14:26:24-05:00 dpage@coxohio.com http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/northvalleynotebook/entries/2009/06/23/the_downside_of_being_young_an.html Just after 11 on a Friday night, a motorist called Englewood Police about a group of kids placing traffic cones across a street as if it were closed. It didn’t take officers long to run down the ne’r-do-wells: a trio... Just after 11 on a Friday night, a motorist called Englewood Police about a group of kids placing traffic cones across a street as if it were closed. It didn’t take officers long to run down the ne’r-do-wells: a trio of 18-year-olds and a juvenile. According to the police reports, two of the young men stole the traffic cones from a construction site in Union. The crime unraveled when police stopped a van matching one witnesses saw at the scene. The young lady driving told police her friends had been messing with the traffic cones, but that she was not involved. When served with a summons for criminal mischief, she started crying, saying her friends would vouch for her innocence. The officer suggested she call her friends and have them come to the scene, which she did. Before they arrived, other officers identified and stopped a second vehicle containing three young men. All of whom copped to the crime. Asked why did something so silly, one responded because they were “young and dumb.” All three admitted it was pretty stupid. All were charged with criminal mischief. (In the spirit of full disclosure, this reporter also has a history of doing pretty stupid things dating back to the dark ages of teen-hood. I recall it cost me $250, which was a lot in 1971.) 13513603@http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/northvalleynotebook/ Cop reports we love 2009-06-23T13:07:51-05:00 dpage@coxohio.com http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/northvalleynotebook/entries/2009/06/21/recall_politics_fear_and_hard.html If history is a guide, Trotwood is no Moraine. For the first time, Trotwood residents are circulating petitions to recall their mayor of 18 months. Moraine residents have made recall a city sport, recalling election officials on a revolving basis.... If history is a guide, Trotwood is no Moraine. For the first time, Trotwood residents are circulating petitions to recall their mayor of 18 months. Moraine residents have made recall a city sport, recalling election officials on a revolving basis. At one point, those recalled mounted recall campaigns against those who recalled and replaced them. Understand that under state law or city charter, a citizen has the right to launch a recall for any reason under the sun or moon. Don’t like the way he parts his hair? Disapprove of the car she drives? Feel diminished because city officials don’t like your ideas? Recall the bums. 13479903@http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/northvalleynotebook/ Random musings 2009-06-21T20:19:06-05:00 dpage@coxohio.com http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/northvalleynotebook/entries/2009/06/18/the_valley_is_alive_with_the_s.html Two weekends ago, it was wine, wine, wine at the Fleurs et Vin food and wine festival in Dayton. Last weekend, it was the Pork Rind Festival in Lima. Fun for the whole family. (As if we care. We just... Two weekends ago, it was wine, wine, wine at the Fleurs et Vin food and wine festival in Dayton. Last weekend, it was the Pork Rind Festival in Lima. Fun for the whole family. (As if we care. We just love pork rinds). It doesn’t hurt that Lima has its very own pork rind factory. That’s something any man would be proud to have in his hometown. Randolph Foods claims it is the world’s largest producer of pork rinds. For the uninitiated, pork rinds are deep-fried pieces of pig skin, quite popular with former President Bill Clinton. Presidents Bush I and Bush II also are said to be fans. But enough politics and pork. 13441303@http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/northvalleynotebook/ Random musings 2009-06-18T12:28:57-05:00 dpage@coxohio.com http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/northvalleynotebook/entries/2009/06/17/bad_things_happen_when_you_smo.html It was eight o’clock on a Sunday evening when Englewood police were called to a local service station on a “drive-off”. Not your everyday take-off-without-paying-for-gas. No, in this case, the thief took off with the car. The 35-year-old owner of... It was eight o’clock on a Sunday evening when Englewood police were called to a local service station on a “drive-off”. Not your everyday take-off-without-paying-for-gas. No, in this case, the thief took off with the car. The 35-year-old owner of the vehicle told police he had been driving around Dayton that night when he stopped at a well-known, on-street drug market and bought some crack from an unknown fellow. Then the vehicle owner invited the unknown fellow for a ride. The pair drove around smoking up $40 worth of crack before heading for Englewood “to get more money,” the vehicle owner told police. The vehicle owner stopped at the service station, pumped 5 bucks worth of gas and went inside to pay. When he returned, he saw his ‘93 Plymouth heading down the road. The vehicle owner was unable to describe his passenger, according to police. I wonder why? 13419803@http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/northvalleynotebook/ Cop reports we love 2009-06-17T12:24:01-05:00 dpage@coxohio.com http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/northvalleynotebook/entries/2009/06/12/observations_while_walking_in.html Poor planning and the weather combined for an interesting walk-about the other day through the Englewood Preserve. In search of photos to illustrate a story, I found myself the only car in the parking lot. The overcast, weeping sky should... Poor planning and the weather combined for an interesting walk-about the other day through the Englewood Preserve. In search of photos to illustrate a story, I found myself the only car in the parking lot. The overcast, weeping sky should have been a hint. Instead of retreating to the warm, dry confines of the Northmont Public Library, I donned my old boots and anorak and headed down the trail to the low-water dam and the lake beyond. Observation No. 1: Vibram soles and saturated Ohio clay river bottom soil do not play well together. By the time I had gone 50 feet through the woods after crossing the Stillwater River, I was carrying 5 pounds of mud on each boot. Observation No. 2: Wearing a blue ball cap and anorak are a good way to attract every mosquito in a in a 100-yard radius. I had forgotten the prime lessons of the Minnesota north woods: never enter the bogs and wetlands wearing blue; never enter the bogs and wetlands without a thorough drenching of insect repellent. Observation No. 3: The Bambi population is alive and well and thriving. Sightings were numerous, and fawns have lost their spots. I could almost taste the venison liver and onions frying in the cast iron pan over the camp fire. There were, however, no sightings of the ferocious black bear yearling that television has told us is terrorizing Warren County. One talking head speculated the killer bruin was en route to decimate Montgomery County. Our garbage cans remain safe from marauding bruins. For now. 13348103@http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/northvalleynotebook/ Random musings 2009-06-12T11:40:16-05:00 dpage@coxohio.com http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/northvalleynotebook/entries/2009/06/10/what_more_could_a_man_want.html Last weekend, it was wine, wine, wine at the Fleurs et Vin food and wine festival in Dayton. Coming up this weekend, its the Pork Rind Festival in Lima. Woot! Fun for the whole family (as if we care. We... Last weekend, it was wine, wine, wine at the Fleurs et Vin food and wine festival in Dayton. Coming up this weekend, its the Pork Rind Festival in Lima. Woot! Fun for the whole family (as if we care. We just love pork rinds). It doesn’t hurt that Lima has its very own pork rind factory. That’s something any man would be proud to have in his hometown. Randolph Foods claims it is the world’s largest producer of pork rinds. For the uninitiated, pork rinds are deep-fried pieces of pig skin, quite popular with former President Bill Clinton. Presidents Bush I and Bush II are also said to be fans. But enough politics and pork. In two weeks, comes the ultimate Father’s Day activity: the Duct Tape Festival in Avon. Avon is home to the manufacturer of “Duck” brand duct tape. A sticky good time will be had by all. No word on which presidents are or were partial to duct tape. Or if any have actually used the ultimate guy tool. The festival lineup almost makes up for this weekend’s cancellation of the Trotwood Barbecue contest. I had my weekend planned, including getting the company to foot the bill for my undercover (under sauce?) expose of “Barbecuers Gone Wild”. Perhaps next year. 13309303@http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/northvalleynotebook/ Random musings 2009-06-10T15:37:15-05:00 dpage@coxohio.com http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/northvalleynotebook/entries/2009/06/09/a_sad_tale_it_would_have_been.html It was 10 a.m. on a Friday morning when Englewood police responded to the Meijer gas station on a report of a man raising a fuss inside the station. When the officer arrived, she saw the gentleman in parking lot,... It was 10 a.m. on a Friday morning when Englewood police responded to the Meijer gas station on a report of a man raising a fuss inside the station. When the officer arrived, she saw the gentleman in parking lot, and as she approached he threw an unopened 24-ounce can of beer toward the curb. When asked why he threw away the beer (it was a Bud Light, which might explain why he tossed it), the gentleman denied having the beer. The officer escorted the gentleman into the back seat of her cruiser and went inside the station to find out what happened. According to the employees, the gentleman entered the gas station and demanded the employees call either his wife or his mother-in-law. When told that wasn’t possible, the gentleman started cussing them out and pounding on the counter. He was asked to leave. On his way out, he grabbed a can of Bud Light. One of the employees told him he would have to pay for the beer. He returned to the counter, cussed them out a second time and left. The officer returned to her cruiser, and the 47-year-old gentleman asked that she call his daughter. He was arrested for disorderly conduct, theft and littering. The officer reported the gentleman continued cussing all the way to the county lockup, claiming the officer made up the charges and because she was a “lady” was siding with his wife. When the daughter was contacted she said her father is often drunk and does not remember what he said and did. When told her father was making threats against her and his wife, the daughter said that, too, was par for the course. The daughter said her father was not married to the woman, that they had been dating for several years and that both her father and his girlfriend have been arrest for domestic violence against each other. Once at the county lockup, the gentleman refused to get out of the cruiser. The officer and a colleague removed him from the cruiser and into the lockup. 13277703@http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/northvalleynotebook/ Cop reports we love 2009-06-09T10:32:37-05:00 dpage@coxohio.com http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/northvalleynotebook/entries/2009/06/08/unlike_ncr_these_folks_arent_l.html The departure of NCR and the lingering death of GM must mean the end of the world in the Miami Valley is nigh. Not so much. Hard times? You betcha. But as long as they are selling bacon and eggs... The departure of NCR and the lingering death of GM must mean the end of the world in the Miami Valley is nigh. Not so much. Hard times? You betcha. But as long as they are selling bacon and eggs at the Broadway Cafe in Trotwood, geraniums at Fellers Greenhouse in Clayton, wrenches at Englewood Hardware and the beer is cold at the Tollhouse Tavern up in Union, things are going to be all right. Eventually. 13256103@http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/northvalleynotebook/ Random musings 2009-06-08T11:07:10-05:00 dpage@coxohio.com http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/northvalleynotebook/entries/2009/06/05/when_art_goes_bad_fire_cause_t.html A Trotwood-Madison art teacher was demonstrating techniques Wednesday, June 3, with a propane torch when the propane canister separated from the torch head and ignited, Superintendent Lowell Draffen told the school board last night, June 4. The subsequent fire scorched... A Trotwood-Madison art teacher was demonstrating techniques Wednesday, June 3, with a propane torch when the propane canister separated from the torch head and ignited, Superintendent Lowell Draffen told the school board last night, June 4. The subsequent fire scorched ceiling tiles, walls and an art table at the high school. The sprinkler system — one sprinkler head was above the art table — controlled the blaze until firefighters arrived. They used an extinguisher to complete the suppression. “The sprinkler system worked as it was suppose to,” Draffen said. Fire officials estimated the fire caused $10,000 in damages. Most was water damage. No one was injured. 13218103@http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/northvalleynotebook/ Trotwood 2009-06-05T12:49:13-05:00 dpage@coxohio.com http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/northvalleynotebook/entries/2009/06/04/goldfish_alzheimers_and_a_youn.html When Rebekah Ivie was young, her grandmother was afflicted with Alzheimer’s and died. It was confusing to a 6-year-old. In middle school, the grandfather of her best friend slipped away in the grasp of the same disease. “He didn’t even... When Rebekah Ivie was young, her grandmother was afflicted with Alzheimer’s and died. It was confusing to a 6-year-old. In middle school, the grandfather of her best friend slipped away in the grasp of the same disease. “He didn’t even know his grandson’s name,” the Trotwood-Madison senior said. “It was heart-breaking. It destroyed him within a year.” 13202903@http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/northvalleynotebook/ Trotwood 2009-06-04T17:21:17-05:00 dpage@coxohio.com http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/northvalleynotebook/entries/2009/06/03/so_many_answers_all_of_them_wr.html Just before midnight on a Saturday, an Englewood officer was parked off Main Street watching traffic when he saw a car make an illegal left-hand turn, slam on its brakes in front of him, then gun it across two lanes... Just before midnight on a Saturday, an Englewood officer was parked off Main Street watching traffic when he saw a car make an illegal left-hand turn, slam on its brakes in front of him, then gun it across two lanes of traffic into another parking lot. On went the overhead lights as the officer pulled in next to the vehicle. Got a drivers license? Not on me. Identification card? Not on me. Oh, and officer, this car doesn’t belong to me, and I don’t know where the insurance card is. When asked his birth date, the driver tells the officer he was born in 1992, making him 17. The officer is skeptical. The passenger tells the officer she knows the driver because she is a friend of the mother of the driver’s child. But all she knows is his first name, and they are en route to a local motel. The officer then asks the driver if he’s had anything to drink. Just one beer comes the reply. The officer remains skeptical. After performing field sobriety tests, the driver is arrested for drunken driving. Once arrested, the driver admits to giving the officer a false name and birth date. He is, in fact, 41. That is something the officer already figured out. Running the driver’s information, the officer discovers the driver has not had a drivers license since 1999 and has a long history of license suspensions. A search of the vehicle turns up a suspect crack pipe and a six pack of beer. The driver has $986 in cash on him, what he calls his “working money.” When asked what he does for a living, the driver replies he does not have a job. He is taken to the county lockup on numerous charges. 13173003@http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/northvalleynotebook/ Cop reports we love 2009-06-03T12:31:19-05:00 dpage@coxohio.com http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/northvalleynotebook/entries/2009/05/29/still_writing_after_all_these.html It’s not the games attended or the scoops scored that Mickey Zezzo recalls, it’s the kindness people have shown him. Sixty years, man and boy, he’s been in the news game. He’s still at it, working the phones, chatting up... It’s not the games attended or the scoops scored that Mickey Zezzo recalls, it’s the kindness people have shown him. Sixty years, man and boy, he’s been in the news game. He’s still at it, working the phones, chatting up sources, writing about the lives of folks. Cancer hasn’t slowed him down, though age now limits excursions beyond his home office. “I don’t attend many games any more,” said Zezzo, who turned 80 in March. 13080703@http://www.daytondailynews.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/northvalleynotebook/ Random musings 2009-05-29T11:05:23-05:00 dpage@coxohio.com