Speaking of Madison, thumbs up to Middletown basketball legend Jerry Lucas for dropping by Madison High School on Monday, March 15, to lend his support and encouragement to those outstanding boys and girls basketball teams at Madison during this tournament week. Some of the teenage players may not have been familiar with Lucas' acclaimed prep, college, Olympics and pro basketball accomplishments from the 1950s, '60s and '70s, but we're sure his visit was a thrill for the coaches and staff who know of Lucas' impact on the game — and the number of championships he helped capture.
Thumbs up to a food drive now under way in the city of Monroe that is raising money and collecting food donations that will benefit needy families served by the Middletown Choice Pantry operated by Family Service of Middletown. The food drive, the first of its kind at Monroe City Hall, will run through March 28. Drop-off boxes are scattered around town and those wanting to make a financial contribution can write a check to the Monroe Police Auxiliary Fund, according to Monroe Police Lt. Frank Robinson. Your contributions will be appreciated by those who are struggling financially during this difficult economic time.
Thumbs up to Middletown City Schools Treasurer Lisa Fahncke who discovered a calculation error that could have sabotaged the district's May 4 tax levy. Fahncke figured out that the Butler County Auditor's Office had erred when calculating the amount of millage needed to generate the $18.3 million in tax revenue that the district will be asking voters to approve on May 4. The mistake — which potentially could have invalidated the May vote — was caught in time thankfully and will be corrected.
We'll add our best wishes to the many voices in our community who are praying for the recoveries of two prominent Middletonians — local businessman and City Council member Jim Armbruster and Police Officer Mike Davis. Both fell ill earlier this month and have been undergoing treatment at Atrium Medical Center. Davis was released earlier this week and is already looking forward to getting back to work in his role as school safety officer, while Armbruster, who underwent open-heart surgery, is still on the mend. Both men serve important roles in our community and we hope they both return to full health.