HAMILTON — Groups, organizations and individuals who want to see fireworks in the city on the Fourth of July have responded to a challenge to match the contribution from a local charity organization.
The city’s Fourth of July committee now has more than $7,000 in contributions to support a fireworks show, said Bob Harris, parks and recreation director. Additional funds came in within days after Altrusa International offered $1,000 to support the cause.
Harris said he’s “cautiously optimistic” that there’ll be some form of a fireworks show during the city’s Fourth of July festivities.
Harris said fundraising will continue through April, and the committee will decide in May if there’s enough money to have a fireworks show.
To contribute, contact Karen Whalen of the Hamilton Community Foundation at (513) 863-1717.
HAMILTON — Several people answered the call for donations to cover a downtown fireworks show at the July 4 celebration, but now the gauntlet has been thrown.
Altrusa International, 5550 River Road, has offered $1,000 for the cause and is challenging other groups in the city to match their contribution, said Bob Harris, director of parks and recreation.
Donations can be made to the Fourth of July committee through the Hamilton Community Foundation. For more information, contact Karen Whalen at (513) 863-1717.
Mohawk Fine Papers, Inc. and SMART Papers both released today, March 3, details of a deal between the two Hamilton paper companies.
Mohawk is purchasing and taking over production of several brands of SMART Papers, and becoming the “exclusive marketer” of two other brands. SMART Papers announced that it is “expanding” production of its two remaining brands, but will idle two paper machines.
Neither press release mentions anything about job losses. However, Rick Farley, president of the United Steelworkers of America Local 1967, was informed Monday morning, March 2, that about 200 union jobs will be lost, not including the loss of dozens of salaried positions, in the acquisition.
City Council gave a first reading Wednesday, Feb. 25, to continue funding the Rediscover Hamilton program, a one-man show headed by Gary Richards who works with the city’s various business districts.
The bulk of the entity’s budget will be funded with unallocated and unused Community Development Block Grant funds — $33,250 by April and the same amount will be considered again in September.
A public hearing will be held before the final reading of the legislation on March 25.
Funding the program came under question after the CDBG application wasn’t completed by the deadline.
The stimulus project list that was sent out Friday, Feb. 20, has already been adjusted.
Referring to the change as a “small edit,” Planning Director Teri Whitmore said the cost to fix housing for both renters and owners was increased from $1 million to $10 million, based on criteria determined by the Neighborhood Development Division.
The difference being $9 million, adding a zero may be a “small edit,” but it’s certainly not small change.
They’re making their list, and checking it, then rechecking it and rechecking it…
City department heads have been busy trying to prioritize which projects that they’d like to see get funding from the federal economic stimulus program. New information is constantly flowing in from many sources, causing last minute adjustments based on what’s likely to get a green light.
City council has yet to weigh in on the list, which totals more than $100 million for parks, historic preservation, safety services, “green” technology, public utilities and other areas.
The city is working with the LNE Group, a legislative lobbyist, to get the list to the right people. The latest list (click below - Stimulus Project List 2009) was sent out Friday, Feb. 20, with the following message:
Attached is the latest draft of potential projects for consideration of Stimulus funding or other additional funds. There are project listings (with priorities) per category, based on the City Administration recommendation. This information has not been considered or adopted by City Council - these are simply working documents to assist staff in drafting the applications/submissions of the funds in the initial stages of consideration. The information will be reviewed by City Council at their next meeting on February 25, 2009.
HAMILTON — A famous tree once grew in Highland Park, and despite liability concerns, an upstart will likely take its place.
Residents of the West Side neighborhood were pleased by council’s unanimous decision Wednesday night, Feb. 11, to support their desire to plant a tree on Virginia Avenue, or rather - in - the small one-way residential street.
Council agreed to consider a resolution that would override the Hamilton Traffic Commission’s recommendation to pave over the spot where a 350-year-old oak tree once stood. The tree was felled in the September 2008 high-wind storm that knocked out power across the region for several days.
Being in the right-of-way, the tree posed a serious liability problem for the city. But residents like Denny Walsh, who has lived by the tree for over 30 years, said such concerns are exagerated because the tree never caused any traffic problems.
A former resident has offered to pay for the replacement tree. Residents said they are leaning toward a blue spruce.
Cox Ohio Publishing staff members report about Hamilton, Ohio politics, the city government and citywide issues for the JournalNews in Hamilton. They want your suggestions and questions for more news stories. Leave a comment here or e-mail butlercountynews@coxohio.com.
Quick news updates by e-mail
Start your workday informed by signing up for our e-mail local news headlines and breaking news alerts.
Sign up
Hamilton Holiday Kids Parade
Truancy Court in Butler County
.JPG)
2009 Ohio State football
What do you think?
Be the first person to comment on Fireworks fund gets bigger after match challenge...