2024 Year in Review, March
Summary compiled by Pat Langley and Greg Enslen, based on original reporting from Pat Langley, Jim Dabbelt, Ashley Spring McCarroll, Samantha Enslen, Greg Enslen, Nancy Bowman, Cailey Petsch, Becky Gulden, Jaclyn Knapp, and the 2024 Gazette staff.
March
Tipp City and Bethel school representatives addressed citizen concerns
Representatives from Tipp City and Bethel schools addressed a group of citizens at Coldwater Café at noon on Friday, Feb. 29. Both school districts face challenges, but quite different ones, at least in the short term. Tipp City School Treasurer David Stevens spoke for Tipp schools. Stevens began by saying that Superintendent Moran “is all about the students,” and he agrees. Stevens then listed some of the good things for students going on in Tipp schools: more resource officers in schools (policemen), new instructional coaches, and vocational and technical training (not everyone goes to college). Also, new language, theater, and leadership classes at the Middle School.
Duchak and Reece faced off again in March primary
Incumbent Miami County Sheriff Dave Duchak faces a challenge in the March 19 Republican primary by Paul Reece, a former sheriff ’s office employee. Duchak, 59, of Troy is in his second four-year term as sheriff. Reece, 58, of Piqua ran against Duchak in both 2016 when he finished second in a four-way candidate race and again in 2020.
Workout challenge pulled in all ages
Complete Fitness is nestled in a red brick building at the corner of Broadway and First Street in downtown Tipp. They have a surprisingly diverse clientele, especially when it comes to age. Their oldest members are in their 80s and beyond. The youngest are five- and six-year-olds who take dance classes. And then, there is everyone in between.
American Legion got an updated look inside and out
The American Legion Frank E. Robinson Post 586 in Tipp City has an updated look inside and out thanks, in part, to a grant from the Tipp City Foundation. The sign out front along Third Street has been around since the 1980s and it was obviously time for an upgrade. The post sought a grant from the foundation. The foundation distribution committee approved an Urban Stewardship Fund grant for $1,015.
Board accepted principal’s resignation
The Tipp City Board of Education accepted the resignation of high school Principal Dan Barnes on Feb. 19. Barnes had received a letter of warning and a letter of complaint prior to his resignation.
Ellie Carder’s body found on the Great Miami River
Troy Police Department announced Sunday, March 3, that they have found 14-year-old Ellie Carder’s body along the Great Miami River in Troy. On Tuesday, February 6, while searching the river, Carder’s backpack was located in the river near East Main Street and State Route 41.
Senior Emma Hanrahan Crowned State Champ
Senior Emma Hanrahan earned the 130-pound state championship at the OHSAA girls wrestling with a pin in the second period. She ended the season at 39-3 and became the first female state champion in Tippecanoe High School wrestling history. Hanrahan did not give up a single point during the entire state tournament.
Repairs made to Broadway Elementary School gym roof following asbestos concerns
Repairs were made to the roof over the Broadway Elementary School gym after a leak was found March 6 following heavy rains. Although there were concerns that asbestos that was known to exist in the building may have been disturbed, licensed professionals determined no safety or health threats to students or staff existed.
Council finalized ban on new self-storage facilities
Council members approved the annexation of property at 4155 Peters Road, future site of a new electric substation. Council amended the Tipp City Code of Ordinances to eliminate self-storage facilities and “grandfather in” existing self-storage facilities so they could remain in business, but with no significant changes.
Tipp City Mayor Logan Rogers presented Tyler Overman with the EMS Provider of the Year award and read a proclamation for Police Officer Dan Rittenhouse’s Years of Service to both Tipp City and Camp Kern. Council changed the zoning at the NE and SE corners of Kessler-Colesville Rd. and 25A, from Highway Business (HB) Interim to Highway Business (HB), for the proposed future sites of Sheetz and QuikTrip facilities.
Olde English expands, adding one-of-a-kind archery range
Go big or go home. That saying was surely running through the minds of Evan and Layne English, owners of Olde English Outfitters in Tipp City, when they started planning their huge new facility. “In business, if you’re not growing, you’re dying,” says Layne. “A few years ago, some of the archery ranges in our area were shutting down. At the same time, since Covid, interest in archery has gone through the roof. We thought there was a real potential for growth in that market, and we decided it was time to expand.”
TMCS Purse Auction annual event exceeding 2023’s fundraiser
The Tipp Monroe Community Services’ annual purse auction to benefit their “Lunch on Us” summer lunch program was held on March 16 at the Tipp City Global Methodist Church. The live auction of 55 designer purses raised approximately $15,000 of the $60,000 needed to fund this summer’s program. TMCS staff reports the proceeds could exceed last year’s fundraiser.
Settlement could be in the works for BOE lawsuit
A settlement may be in the works in a civil complaint filed against the Tipp City Schools board of education by an organization that says it works for transparency in government. Named in the original complaint were board members in 2023 including Theresa Dunaway, Anne Zakkour, Rick Mains, Amber Drum and Joellen Heatherly.
Voters approved Tipp bond issue funding PK-8 school
Voter supported the March 19 8.68 mill bond issue to build a PK-8 elementary school building off North Hyatt Street. The project would include removal of Nevin Coppock and the Middle School, and eventually Broadway Elementary.
Tipp City Foundation grant supports nonprofit after school youth program
The second floor of a downtown Tipp City building is like a second home to at least one girl and a place to be safe and be themselves for any interested local youth. Connections is housed on the second floor of 135 E. Main St. The nonprofit youth outreach was started by the Rev. Barbara Cooper in 2018, first in one downtown location and then at 135 E. Main St. It continues to offer an afterschool place for students primarily in grades six through 10.
Ribbon cutting held for new Randall Residence Community in West Milton
A ribbon cutting was held at the new Randall Residence facility in West Milton on Tuesday, March 12. Located in the Stillwater Crossings development, just east of West Milton on St. Rt. 571, Randall Residence will offer studios and both one- and two-bedroom apartments, and they are taking reservations now. Some of the services offered include a monthly calendar of activities & events, three chef-prepared meals daily, a selection of nutritious snacks, weekly housekeeping & laundry service, and lawn maintenance.